*Disclaimer: While this article was written in partnership with a qualified migration attorney, the contents of this article do not constitute legal migration advice. They are not intended to be a substitute for legal migration advice, and should not be relied upon as such. For professional migration assistance, always consult a migration attorney, a registered migration agent registered with the Office of Migration Agents Registered Authority (MARA) or contact the Department of Home Affairs.
Home to one of the world’s best education systems, beautiful landscapes and a thriving job market, it’s no wonder Australia is a dream study destination for international students from around the world. However, to make this dream a reality, international students must follow many steps – including successfully gaining a Student visa (subclass 500).
When preparing your student visa application, it’s crucial to be as informed and diligent as possible. If you’re not, your visa could be denied – an unfortunate reality that many applicants face every year. At Work Visa Lawyers, we work with prospective and enrolled international students in this exact circumstance, helping them with appeals and/or re-applications.
Want to do everything in your power to ensure a successful application? Here are a few common mistakes I see in student visa applications and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Low-quality and/or incomplete applications
Self-lodged applications or applications lodged by non-registered migration agents sometimes lack some important information. Examples of important missing information could include an applicant’s partner, family members or previous study history. Failing to include these details makes it harder and longer for the Department of Home Affairs to process. The Department will often need to follow up with you to confirm this information, prolonging the process and potentially even leading to a visa refusal.
Therefore, it’s very important to fill out all the questions and include all the information in a Student visa application. If you need help, it’s always best to seek it from licenced professionals such as migration attorneys and registered migration agents (who should be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority).
Mistake 2: Missing the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement
A Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is one of the key criteria for all Student visa applicants. As part of this requirement, you’ll need to write a statement explaining that you will only be entering Australia on a temporary basis and that you are genuinely coming to Australia to study.
The Department of Home Affairs considers a number of criteria to ensure that you fulfil this requirement, such as (but not limited to):
- The applicant’s ties to their home country – These ties can be financial, social and/or emotional.
- The applicant’s reason for choosing to study in Australia rather than their home country – You must explain why you’d like to study in Australia specifically. For example, the course may not be provided elsewhere, or Australia’s education system and infrastructure could be stronger than that of your home country.
- Visa compliance – If you have previously held visas in Australia or elsewhere, the Department will likely check to ensure you have complied with the rules and requirements of those visas.
- Any previous visa refusals and/or cancellations – Similarly, the Department will take into consideration any of your previous visas that have been denied or cancelled.
- Choice of course of study – You’ll need to explain why you’ve chosen to pursue your specific course and how it relates to your future academic or professional goals. The course you pick should also be consistent with your current level of qualification.
Read more: 5 Tips for Writing a Great GTE Statement
Mistake 3: Not having or not proving financial capacity
A Student visa applicant must have genuine access to sufficient funds to cover the following:
- Living expenses for at least 12 months
- Living expenses for any accompanying partner and children for at least 12 months
- Tuition fees for the course
- Travel costs to and from Australia for all applicants
- Schooling costs for the accompanying children (if any)
Financial capacity can be demonstrated by parents’ or spouses’ income, corporate sponsorship, government loans, scholarships and grants, or other forms of financial support. Regardless of where your funds are coming from, you must be able to demonstrate that you have genuine access to the funds and you’ll be able to use them while you’re in Australia.
Mistake 4: Not understanding the three-year bar for false information
If the DHA believes you have provided false/misleading information or bogus documents, you could face not only a visa refusal but a ban that would prevent you from applying for another visa for three years. This is outlined in the Public Interest Criterion 4020 of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
With that in mind, it’s very important to have accurate information and genuine documents. Wherever possible, use original, authentic documents rather than photocopied versions. You can also seek help from professionals like migration attorneys or registered migration agents to minimise the risk of any complication or refusal.
Read more:
Have questions or need more support with your Student visa application? Get in touch with the friendly team at Work Visa Lawyers. No matter your query or concern, these seasoned and knowledgeable experts will guide you through the process every step of the way.
