Australia Lowers International Student Visa Assessment Levels

Monday, 3rd of April 2011

International student visa assessment levels for 38 countries will be lowered across one or more subclasses from April 2011 onwards.

Student visa assessment levels are reviewed periodically and adjustments made to reflect changing immigration risk outcomes. Following the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) review in 2010, the government has decided to implement changes to reduce some student visa assessment levels.

A student visa entitles international students to come to Australia on a temporary basis for a specified period to study at an Australian educational institution.

“Prospective students and their families, agents and education providers should be aware that these changes will lower the minimum evidentiary requirements needed for the grant of a student visa for the selected countries and education sectors,” a DIAC spokesman said.

The skilled migration program is designed to meet the needs of the Australian labour market and strengthen the economy. Requirements for permanent skilled migration will change from time to time and there is no particular course that guarantees a permanent visa.

Applicants affected by the changes to the assessment levels will be required to provide less documentary evidence to support their claims for the grant of a student visa. These may include evidence of English language proficiency, financial capacity and academic qualifications.

Further information and a full list of assessment levels for different countries in each education sector is available on DIAC website at: www.immi.gov.au/students/student-visa-assessment-levels.htm

Source: http://www.newsroom.immi.gov.au/media_releases/917