First, a hearty congratulations to all those students who have secured their positions in Australian academic institutions for the upcoming intake. The next step is a student visa application. While we understand that your enthusiasm right now is touching the sky it is recommended that you give more importance to the visa application process.  

As a matter of fact, just having an offer letter from an Australian University doesn’t confirm that you are moving to Australia. Securing admission to a university and winning visa acceptance are two different battlefields. Universities judge your academic potential while deciding your application whereas immigration authorities verify your future intentions, background, financial credibility, and other factors before accepting or rejecting your visa. And that’s why it is necessary that you submit a flawless visa application.  

To make your case flawless before immigration authorities you must have a minute understanding of the Australian student visa application process. This is where this article can be a handy checklist for you. Throughout 2024 Australia has introduced several changes in the visa application process. In this article, we have listed the five most important changes.  

1. Minimum Account Balance Requirement Increased 

The minimum account balance requirement to apply for a student visa has changed recently. Now, you must have at least AUD 29,710 in your bank account to qualify for an Australian student visa. This new rule is effective from 10th May 2024 and the new minimum amount is approximately 21.24% higher than the previous AUD 24,505. This change was introduced so that international students can better accommodate the inflated cost of living of the host country.  

2. GTE is Replaced by GS 

There is also a change in the declaration of intention that students need to submit during visa application. Previously students were required to write a 300-word Genuine Temporary Entrant declaration where they would state their reason for coming to Australia, financial ability to support their stay, and career prospects. This system has been changed since 23rd March 2024 and now a new declaration method is in place, named Genuine Student (GS) questionnaire. In this system students' needs to answer a series of questions pertaining to:  

• Applicant's current situation in detail. This covers relationships to one's family, community, job, and financial situation. 

• Justify the applicant's desire to enroll in this course at this specific educational institution in Australia. Their comprehension of the prerequisites for the proposed course, as well as their study and living arrangements in Australia, must also be explained.  

• Describe how the applicant will benefit from finishing the course. 

• Provide information about any additional pertinent details the candidate might like to include. 

All questions must be answered in English and in 150 words for each question.  

3. Higher English Proficiency Standards and Lowered Validity Period 

Changes are also introduced in English language proficiency standards and the validity period of test scores. Students applying for Australian student visa subclass 500 now have to secure a minimum 6.0 score, which is 0.5 points higher than the previous minimum score requirement. Similarly, temporary graduate visa subclass 485 applicants must submit a score of 6.5 rather than the previous 6.0. Additionally, the validity period of temporary graduate visa subclass 485 has now changed to one year from the previous three years.  

4. Introduction of ‘Skill in Demand’ Visa 

Streamlining the labor market demand and supply system, Australian immigration has replaced the 482 Employer Sponsored Visa with ‘Skills in Demand’ Visa. The purpose of this new visa is to address the skill shortages in the Australian workforce. This visa will enable the employers to sponsor workers who are highly skilled and have demand in the Australian market. Moreover, there will be flexibility for visa holders to switch employers and the time spent working on the visa can be counted towards permanent residency requirements.  

5. Reduced Age Limit for Temporary Graduate Visa 

For applicants in the Post-Higher Education Work stream, the maximum age at which they can apply has been lowered to 35 years of age or younger. Applicants under 50 years old are still eligible if they have a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport or are using a master's (research) or doctoral degree (PhD) to fulfill the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement. 

Australian Student Visa Application: Best Practices 

Prepare yourself before you start the application. What you need to do is listed below: 

• Visa application processing time varies by applicant's country. Check the processing time for your home country and apply accordingly.  

• Check what are the supporting documents are required for your type of visa application and arrange all supporting documents in advance.  

• Pay special attention to documents establishing your financial credibility. Collect up-to-date bank statements, official sponsorship letter (if you are sponsored by a relative or organization) and make sure these documents show enough funds to cover visa requirements.  

• Pay close attention to correctness while filling out the application. Make sure that every piece of information you fill in is in agreement with the supporting documents. Double-check the application before submitting.  

• If you called for an in-person interview prepare your answers beforehand. Your answers must match the documents you have submitted.  

Key Takeaways 

Feeling overwhelmed? Please do not. Visa application is not rocket science but you have to be attentive during the whole process. Just follow all the rules and criteria and fulfill all the requirements your type of visa demands. If you still need an extra shoulder to support you, our visa experts are just a phone call away.