The Australian government on Thursday said it would streamline the visa processing arrangements for students , including those from India, enrolling for universities in the country.
The changes follow a review of the student visa programme led by former New South Wales Labour government minister Michael Knight. The new visa rules announced on Thursday will be applicable from the second semester of 2012. Under the streamlined arrangements, international students enrolled in courses at the level of bachelor degree or higher will be treated as lower risk applicants regardless of their country of origin.
The rules announced are expected to help entrench Australia as a preferred destination for international students.
Australian overseas students’ enrolments have been sliding down in the backdrop of high Australian Dollar value, tighter immigration rules and post Indian student attack issues. “The reforms will assist in ensuring Australia remains an attractive study option and will offer practical support for international education providers that have been under pressure as a result of the high Australian dollar,” Senator Chris Evans, Minister for Tertiary education, skills, job and workplace relations said.
Under the new rules, the financial requirements for student visas will be eased and applicants will need about 36,000 dollars less in their bank account than they do now.
“This reduction in the assessment level (AL) financial requirements will particularly assist a significant number of Vocational Education and Training and private education providers,” Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen said.
A two- to four-year post-study work visa will also be available for university graduates depending on the level of study completed.
Other work visa options, such as the Temporary Skilled 457 visa and the Skilled Graduate Visa, continue to be available to graduates and to employers looking to meet genuine skills needs.
However, the student visa criteria will be tightened slightly so applicants will have to prove they are genuine students and genuine about returning home.
In December 2010, the Government commissioned the Knight to review the Student Visa program to enhance the quality, integrity and competitiveness of Australia’s international education sector.
Knight consulted with almost 300 stakeholders in Australia, India, China and Malaysia, and considered more than 200 submissions.
The government has accepted all 41 recommendations in the Knight Review, with the majority proposed to be implemented through 2012-13 so that key recommendations can come into effect before second semester 2012.
