Australian Government on June 16, 2015 announced the inclusion of SSVF (Simplified Student Visa Framework) to support the educational sector of Australia. There are several key changes which will affect the education sector of Australia, which are given as below:-
- Reduction in the number of student visa subclasses from eight to two
- Inclusion of a sole immigration risk framework for all international students
The changes in the SSV framework are designed to make the student visa framework process simple for the students and convey a more embattled approach to immigration integrity. This would also create a level playing field for education providers. Students who have the smallest immigration risk will have rationalized evidentiary needs under the SSVF. This would also mean that students will not be required to provide evidences depicting their English language capacities as well as financial capacities with their visa application. The department however, hold the right to keep hold of the discretion to seek this evidence wherever appropriate. Students are required to fulfil other requirements such as the genuine Temporary Entrant requirement and health and character criteria.
The current changes supports the sustainable growth of the international education sector and ensure the visa process remain competitive. Latest information about the changes can be found on the Department’s website from late May, 2016. Presently students and agents can lodge their visa application online or through a paper based application. But according to the latest SSVF changes, the way visa applications are processed will be changed. It is predicted that from July 16, 2016, students are supposed to lodge their visa application online. Agents can access the latest information about the visa application by creating an account in ImmiAccount. However, more details about the changes can be expected in April and May 2016.
Stay informed about the latest changes in the Australian immigration industry by contacting the experts of West Highlander. The director of West Highlander- Mrs. Parwinder Kaur is a Registered Migration Agent registered with office of MARA Australia, Member of Migration institute of Australia and Qualified education agent counselor for Australia. We keep ourselves informed about the latest changes in the Australian Immigration industry so that we can serve our clients in the best possible way. To know more about the latest changes in the SSV Framework, feel free to contact us. We would be more than happy to help you.