The government of Australia changed the rule for student visas. Now, instead of needing to show you're a "Genuine Temporary Entrant," you must show you're a "Genuine Student." This started on March 23, 2024, for new visa applications.
But, if you applied for a student visa before March 23, 2024, you still follow the old rule about being a Genuine Temporary Entrant.
To get a student visa, you must truly want to study in Australia. You have to prove that studying here is your main reason for getting the visa. The Genuine Student rule also looks at how your studies in Australia can help the country, especially if you later apply for permanent residence.
For your visa to be approved, you must show that you meet the Genuine Student requirement or the Genuine Student Dependent requirement if you're applying as a dependent.
In the online student visa application form, Australian Government will ask applicants some questions about being a Genuine Student.
1. Explain about your current situation, like your family, community, job, 0/;and money situation.
2. Explain why you want to study this course in Australia with this school. Also, show you understand what the course involves and what it's like to live and study in Australia.
3. Say how finishing the course will help you.
4. Add any other info you think is important, in English and no more than 150 words per question.
If you've had a student visa before or are applying from a non-student visa in Australia, there's an extra question for you.
You need to attach documents that back up what you say in the form. Just saying things without proof won't count much in the Genuine Student check. We look at your whole situation to decide if you're a real student.
What evidence and information to include
Government encourages applicants to provide evidence or information about:
1. Previous study
This includes:
Academic transcripts showing qualifications achieved
Name of the education provider(s)
Length of study
Certificates of attainment
2. Previous study in Australia
This includes:
A complete history of study record(s) in Australia
Reasons for change of course and/or education providers
Details of information on course progress
Study gaps of more than 2 months during an academic year
Any other information the applicant considers relevant to their study record in Australia
3. Current employment
This includes:
Details of their current employer and company address
Period of employment
Details of position held
The name and contact details of someone who can confirm the circumstances of the declared employment
4. Circumstances in their home country or country of residence
This includes:
The nature of the applicant’s personal ties eg. example family, community and employment. They will need to provide reasons for not studying in their home country if a similar course is available.
5. Economic circumstances in home country or country of residence
This includes:
Documents showing employment or business activities for 12 months before lodging an application
Potential employment offers including salary and other benefits, after course completion
Income tax return or bank statements
If there is political and civil unrest and military service commitments in the applicant’s home country that would present as a significant incentive for them to leave their home country, they must provide their reasons and supporting evidence.
How the government assess GS
The GS criterion focuses on the assessment of the student’s intention to genuinely study in Australia. It considers factors including the applicant’s:
circumstances
immigration history
compliance with visa conditions and any other relevant matter.
This criterion acknowledges that post-study pathways are available for those who may be eligible.
1. Situations in your home country (or country of residence)
Government considers:
reason for not studying in their home country or region if a similar course is available there
the nature of the applicant’s personal ties to their home country
economic circumstances
military service commitments political and civil unrest in their home country.
2. Potential situation in Australia
Government considers:
level of knowledge of the proposed course and education provider
research the primary applicant has undertaken into their proposed course of study
previous study and qualifications
planned living arrangements
financial stability.
3. Value of the course to their future
Government considers:
if the course is consistent with their current level of education and if the course will assist them to obtain employment or improve employment prospect in their home country or another country.
if the course is relevant to past or proposed future employment in their home country or another country
expected salary and other benefits in their home country or another country obtained with the applicant’s qualifications from the proposed course of study.
4. Immigration history
Government considers:
visa and travel history for Australia and other countries
previous visa applications for Australia or other countries
visa refusals or cancellations.
If the applicant is a minor, we consider the intentions of the parent, legal guardian or spouse.
5. Any other relevant matter
Give details of any other relevant information the applicant would like to include in their application.