PA/09/12 23 March 2012
STREAMLINED VISA PROCESSES BOOST HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES IN AUSTRALIA
The Australian High Commissioner to India, HE Mr Peter Varghese AO, today welcomed the announcement of further key changes to Australia’s student visa requirements for the Higher Education sector.
Mr Varghese said these changes, which build on the first phase of Knight Review changes implemented in November 2011, will make Australia a highly competitive choice for Indian students seeking a good quality tertiary education in an international environment.
From 24 March, all visa applicants, regardless of country of origin, applying to study in Bachelor, Masters or Doctoral degrees at participating universities, will be treated as though they are lower risk and will need to submit less evidence in support of their visa application.
“These streamlined visa arrangements recognise the strong record of Australia’s universities in attracting high quality students and will not only reduce the complexity of the visa application process but also result in faster processing of student visas,” Mr Varghese said.
“The Australian High Commission has been working closely with Australian university representatives in India and their contracted education agents to prepare for these very positive new visa processing arrangements. There is a very strong commitment from all sides to ensure these changes lead to a steady and sustainable growth in high-quality Indian student enrolments.
“I believe we are moving into a very exciting time in the Australia-India educational relationship and these changes recognise the role the Higher Education sector can play in both the educational outcomes of Indian students and the broader people-to-people relationship between India and Australia.”
From 26 March 2012, more flexible work conditions for all student visa holders will be introduced. All students will be entitled to work a maximum of 40 hours over a two-week period, rather than being restricted to 20 hours each week. Post graduate research visa holders will be entitled to work an unlimited amount of hours per week once their course has commenced. These changes provide greater flexibility for students in managing their course commitments and gaining valuable work experience.
These and other changes were announced yesterday by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP. The full text of his announcement is attached.
The changes are in response to the report by the Hon Michael Knight AO on the Strategic Review of the Student Visa Program 2011 which was released in September 2011. Mr Knight visited India from 28 February – 5 March 2011 as part of his review.
Further information on the changes can be found at the website of the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship at: http://www.immi.gov.au/students/knight/