Source of news item: Education and Training International Agent Newsletter + Education + Training International, Western Australia
The Australian Government has announced the introduction of a simplified international student visa framework from mid-2016. The changes will reduce the number of student visa subclasses from eight to two and introduce a simplified single immigration risk framework for all international students.
The new system combines provider risk and passport nationality risk. The combined risk will determine if the student will be able to access Streamlined Visa Processes, and if not what kind of evidence they will need to show in order to submit a valid visa application.
Providers will be given a risk rating (1 – 3) and Country risk ratings will apply (1 – 3).
A combined numerical score will determine the visa evidentiary requirements as demonstrated in the diagram below. Combined scores of four and below will enable access to lower evidentiary requirements and faster processing.
S = Simplified Student Visa Framework – the new SVP.
R= Regular visa processing according to the country risk rating only.
The changes to the student visa system are significant and we are committed to keeping you informed about the implementation of the new system and the potential impact on recruitment.
As we learn more about the new framework we will provide additional training through the Regional Manager team. Changes will not affect all markets equally, but where recruitment is impacted we will work closely with you to assist with any transition.
