After Canada and the UK, Australia is set to tighten its immigration rules for study visas. From March 23, the Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaces the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for student visas. This change was announced on December 11, 2023, but will only apply to visa applications filed after March 23, 2024.
GTE statement is a crucial part of the visa application process to demonstrate the intention to temporarily stay in Australia for studies and then return to the home country. As per the updated rules, the test score required for a Temporary Graduate visa will increase from an IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5. For a student visa, it will increase from IELTS (or equivalent) 5.5 to 6.0.
“The test validity window for a TGV decreases from three years to one year. TGV applicants now need to provide evidence that they have completed an English Language test within 1 year immediately before the date of the visa application,” the official notification stated for Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV).
Furthermore, the Australian government has introduced a new genuine student test for all international students, which will replace the existing GTE requirement. Also, high-risk student applications will now be scrutinised.
In addition, the amount of savings international students will need to be eligible for a student visa has also been increased. Applicants now need to show evidence of $24,505 in savings. “The GS requirement focuses on the assessment of the student’s genuine intention to study in Australia, having regard to a number of factors, including the applicant’s circumstances, evidence of course progression, immigration history, compliance with visa conditions and other relevant matter,” the official notification stated.
