Australian Visa Rule changes welcomed

Updated on: Tuesday, March 27, 2012

The Australian high commissioner to India, Peter Varghese AO, welcomed the announcement of further key changes to Australia’s student visa requirements for the Higher Education sector.

Varghese said these changes, which was built 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 March 24, all visa applicants, regardless of country of origin, applying to study in Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degrees at participating universities, are treated as though they are lower risk and does not need to submit less evidence in support of their visa application.

Varghese said,“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.”

He further added, “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 March 26, more flexible work conditions for all student visa holders are 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.

Minister for immigration and citizenship, Chris Bowen MP.announced these and other changes. These changes provide greater flexibility for students in managing their course commitments and gaining valuable work experience.

The changes are in response to the report by Michael Knight AO on the Strategic Review of the Student Visa Program 2011 which was released in September 2011. Knight visited India from February 28 – March 5, 2011 as part of his review.

For further information log on to: http://www.immi.gov.au/students/knight/.

Australian Visa Rule changes welcomed

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