Streamlined visa processing arrangements
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, announced a number of key changes to the student visa program recommended by the Kinght Review commencing from 24 March 2012.
New streamlined visa processing (SVP) arrangements for international students enrolled in Bachelor, Masters or Doctoral degree courses at participating universities, will treat qualifying students, irrespective of their country of origin, as low migration risk (similar requirements to the current Assessment Level 1), meaning a less onerous process for these applicants.
International students to benefit as changes rolled out
8 November 2011
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, announced that the first stage of a suite of measures supporting Australia’s international education sector is being rolled out.
The changes include a reduction of up to $36,000 in financial requirements for certain student visa applicants and changes for English language students.
Stage one implementation of a suite of measures to enhance the competitiveness of Australia's international education sector is proposed for 5 November 2011. This follows the Australian Government's announcement on 22 September 2011 in response to the report by the Hon Michael Knight AO, Strategic Review of the Student Visa Program 2011.
The changes include:
More information is available from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Student Visa Program Review and Government Response Announced
22 September 2011
The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship and Senator the Hon Christopher Evans, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Workplace Relations, today welcomed the release of the Strategic Review of the Student Visa Program, also known as the Knight Review, and outlined the Government’s response.
Access to streamlined visa processing arrangements, enhanced post-study work options and the reduction of visa financial requirements are some of the priority areas the Government will be addressing.
Further information is available at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.