ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/14/2005 16 May 2005
Australian High Commission introduces new student visa procedures
From 16 May 2005, new procedures have been introduced for Indian and Nepalese students applying for Australian student visas through education agents and for direct applicants.
"The new streamlined procedures are expected to make it easier for students to lodge their applications," said Mr John Fisher, First Secretary and Head of Public Affairs at the High Commission.
Under the new procedures, students are encouraged to apply electronically through agents. The relevant agents are listed in the web link: www.immi.gov.au. Additional agents are expected to be added to the list in the near future. The procedure is not currently available in Nepal.
For paper applications through agents, the procedure to follow is for agents to lodge completed papers with the Australian High Commission's business partner, TT Services (TTS) across the country. Agents have to ensure that the application is valid before lodging the applications. TTS will then issue medical forms. Applicants choosing to self lodge will continue to do so through TTS.
"These changes reflect the High Commission’s commitment to innovation to improve our visa application procedures and enhance the service we give to students wishing to study in Australia," Mr Fisher said. "We expect these procedures will have practical benefits for applicants," he added.
Acknowledging students will not receive academic results until mid-June for commencing study in Australia in mid-July, these new arrangements for student visas will help offices in Australia and India to process and finalise a large volume of applications in a short period. Applications should be lodged 6-12 weeks prior to the course commencement date.
TTS collection service locations and the contact details can be found at http://www.ttsaustraliavisas.com/ . Contact email addresses for the student section at the Australian High Commission are:
For e-lodgment enquiries - [email protected]
For general student enquiries - [email protected]
Web site - http://www.india.embassy.gov.au
For further information please contact: Sonya Boylan, Second Secretary, Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, on 5149 4368