The Department of Home Affairs has introduced the Genuine Student Requirement (GSR), replacing the previous GTE criterion for student visas. This change emphasizes the necessity of proving genuine study intentions in Australia, with specific documentation and targeted responses now required. Increased scrutiny and new health requirements are also highlighted.

The Department of Home Affairs has recently implemented significant changes to the assessment of student visa applications, which came into effect on 23rd March 2024. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion has now been replaced with the new Genuine Student Requirement (GSR), introducing pivotal adjustments for prospective international students.

Key GSR Updates:

• The primary intent of the GSR is to ensure that studying in Australia is the main reason for seeking a student visa.
• Applicants no longer need to submit a GTE Statement/Statement of Purpose. Instead, they must answer targeted questions about their study plans in Australia.
• Home Affairs will scrutinize generic responses negatively, emphasizing the importance of providing individualized answers with supporting evidence like qualifications, resumes, and research into future job prospects.

UniSA’s Adaptation to GSR:

• The University of South Australia (UniSA) has revised its questionnaire for high-risk applicants, aligning with Home Affairs' changes. Instead of a Statement of Purpose, targeted questions will be asked, similar to the student visa application.
• UniSA also updated its Terms and Conditions of Acceptance to reflect the new GSR criteria. Students are advised to provide consistent responses and supporting documentation to both UniSA and Home Affairs.

Increased Scrutiny for Onshore Applicants:

• Home Affairs has heightened scrutiny on onshore applications, particularly affecting those holding temporary visas like Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate), Subclass 600 (Visitor), Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority), and Subclass 651 (eVisitor).
• For current student visa holders, factors such as study history, reasons for changing programs or providers, academic progress, and study gaps exceeding two months will be closely reviewed.

Interview and Information Requests:

• Home Affairs has resumed random interviews as part of their assessment process. Applicants should be well-prepared to answer specific questions regarding their application.
• It is crucial for applicants to monitor and promptly respond to information requests from Home Affairs. Delays in providing requested information could result in decisions made on existing data, possibly leading to visa refusals.

Health Examination Requirements:

• An increase in student visa refusals related to unmet health requirements has been noted. Applicants have 28 days to complete health examinations once a health request letter is issued.
• Failure to provide health examination evidence within the prescribed timeframe, or communicate with Home Affairs for an extension, can result in visa refusals.

Final Note:
Applicants are reminded to closely monitor all communications from Home Affairs and respond swiftly to avoid negative outcomes. Detailed guidelines and updates regarding the GSR criteria can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.