NEW Genuine Student Requirement & NEW English Language Requirements (23 Mar 2024)

1. New Genuine Student Requirement From 23 March 2024, the Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaces the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for Student Visa (Subclass 500). This means that student visa applicants no longer need to prove that they genuinely intend to only stay in Australia temporarily. The new GS requirement will assess the student visa applicant's genuine intention to study in Australia by looking at some factors such as, but not limited to: - Applicant's circumstances in his or her home country - Reasons for studying in Australia - Reasons for not studying in home country or other countries - Evidence of course progression - Immigration history - Compliance with past visa conditions If the student visa applicant is accompanied by a student guardian, the guardian will still be assessed according to GTE requirements. OUR OPINION: This change might make student visas slightly easier to be approved but it would still be important to present a strong case regarding the applicant's intention to study in Australia, especially if the applicant is from a higher risk country.
   

2. New English Language Requirements From 23 March 2024, English language requirements have been increased for the following visas.
   

   1. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

      1. Requires an IELTS test score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 for each component. Other English tests are acceptable but the scores must be the equivalent of the above.

      2. In addition, the English test scores must be obtained within 1 year before the date of the 485 visa application lodgement.
         

   2. The Student Visa (Subclass 500)

      1. Requires an IELTS minimum test score of 6.

      2. For a packaged ELICOS (principal course with at least 20 weeks of ELICOS), the minimum score is IELTS 5.0.

      3. For students studying English only through ELICOS, there is no change.

      4. For students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that deliver English language training, the minimum score will be 5.5. Applicants might not need to take an English test if they fall under one of the exemptions. Get in touch with us to find out more!