Changes in Australian Student Visa subclass 500

Date: 20 March 2024   Author: Pankaj SHARMA (MARN: 2318344)

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) has been replaced with Genuine Student (GS) for Student
visa subclass 500.

The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement has been substituted with the Genuine
Student (GS) criterion for the student visa subclass 500. This transition aims to streamline the
visa application process and ensure a more focused assessment of applicants genuine
intentions to study in Australia. Under the Genuine Student requirement, prospective students
must demonstrate a sincere commitment to their chosen course of study and education goals.
This change reflects Australia dedication to maintaining the integrity of its education system
while providing genuine students with a clear pathway to pursue their academic aspirations in
the country.

This update is a part of the Migration Strategy unveiled on December 11, 2023, and will be
implemented for Student visa applications submitted on or after March 23, 2024.

The new Genuine Student (GS) requirement will include targeted questions to give decision-
makers an overview of the applicant and their motivations for studying in Australia. The
questions will cover:

• Details of the applicants current situation, including connections to family, community, employment, and financial circumstances.
• Explanation for selecting a particular course and choosing Australia as a study destination.
• Benefits the course offers to the applicant.
• Study history in Australia for applicants with previous experience.
• Reasons for applying for a student visa for applicants holding a visa other than a student visa.
• Any additional relevant information the applicant wishes to provide.

The Genuine Student (GS) requirement is scheduled to start for student visa applications
submitted on or after March 23, 2024. Applications lodged before this date will be evaluated
based on the current procedures in place.

The student visa declaration will also be amended to require applicants to confirm that they:

1. Understand what it means to be a genuine student for the purposes of studying in Australia.
2. Agree to comply with all student visa conditions and promptly notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes in circumstances.
3. Acknowledge that while there are pathways to permanent migration after studies, only a limited number of graduates will qualify, and those unable to stay legally in Australia must leave.

Additionally, Ministerial Direction 69 will be replaced by two new Ministerial directions.
These changes aim to implement the Genuine Student (GS) requirement from March 23,
2024, and ensure the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) assessment applies to pending
applications before this date.

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