Due to the new Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement, recently imposed by the Australian Government, it is now, more than ever, particularly important to apply for an Student Visa with a professional advise provided by a Registered Education Agent.
At EMSA for instance, we recommend our clients to write a letter explaining the reasons of their course/program choice to try and avoid further enquiries by the Immigration Office when lodging a student visa. According to the Immigrations law, the genuine temporary entrant requirement (GTE) is ‘an integrity measure to ensure that the Student visa Programme is used as intended and not used by international students as a way of maintaining de facto permanent residency in Australia.’ When assessing a student visa applicant in regards to the GTE requirement, the Immigrations Department must be satisfied that the applicant genuinely intends to stay in Australia temporarily and with the main purpose of undertaking studies. The Case Officer basically assess each applicant in regards to the applicant’s circumstances, the applicant’s immigration history, and any other ‘relevant matter’. It is in this last part (any other relevant matter) where the experience and knowledge of the Education Advisor is tested as it becomes the non-objective part of the visa application assessment. Having said this and as the Immigration Department is getting more and more strict when assessing student visa applications, my recommendations if planning to apply for a further student visa are:
- To meet the school’s requirements at all times, either attendance or progress based policies
- To finish your programs and get your awards
- To be consistent in your course choice, for instance if studying business to not to change to mechanics or nursing. Always study something that you are genuine interested in
- To not to have long gaps in between courses
- To not to work more than what it is allowed
Another vital part of the GTE assessment is to show strong ties with the applicant’s home country. In this sense it is always a good idea to keep these ties while you are studying in Australia. Some of the ways to maintain ties with your home country are for instance, leaving your overseas bank accounts open, visiting your relatives at least once a year (or they can visit you here), being up to date with your countries labour market trends and how your studies in Australia will help you in re introducing yourself into this work market.
To address the GTE Criteria is a task that only a serious and specialised Education or Migration Consultant can provide and therefore, my advise is to do your entire process through a recognised Education Agency.
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