The Department of Home Affairs has implemented new changes for Nepalese citizens wanting to apply for a Student visa in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.
What are these new changes?
If you are a Nepalese citizen wanting to apply for Student visa (from both in and outside of Australia)
Starting from May 2019, Nepalese citizens applying for Student visa must submit evidentiary documentation that prove their English language ability and financial capacity to pay for their studies, living expenses and dependents (if any) at the time they lodge their visa application.
Why are the changes required?
Although the Department acknowledges that appears to be a strong demand out of Nepal for an Australian Student visa program, it still wants to ensure that the demand is sustainable and that the international education sector is not exposed to undue risk. Additionally, it also wants to protect the welfare of vulnerable Nepalese students.
According to the Department, “the change in requirements is not designed to adversely affect the visa outcomes of genuine students seeking to obtain a quality education in Australia”.
Does this still apply regardless of my education provider’s evidence level?
Yes. If you are a Nepalese citizen and want to apply for student visa in the VET sector, you will still be required to provide evidence of English language skills and financial capacity regardless of the education provider they enrol with.
Will this apply to me if I am currently studying at a VET sector course?
No. However if you apply for a new Student visa to study or continue studying in the VET sector, you will need to satisfy these new requirements.
Will this apply to me if I am currently studying a Higher Education Sector course?
No, this change only affects VET sector Student visa applicants.
Will this new requirement affect the student visa processing time?
The Department strives to process Student visa applications in time for course commencement should the application be lodged at least 6 weeks in advance of course commencement and the application is complete.
This means:
- All the questions in the form are answered correctly;
- Both the required health and character checks have been completed before the application is lodged; and
- All the supporting documents including the required documentation are provided at the time the application is lodged.
If all the above are met, your application should generally not be delayed!
Heads up!
This streamlined requirements may not yet be reflected in the Department’s Checklist Tool, however it is advised that Nepalese students wanting to apply at the VET sector should lodge a complete application in addition to meeting all other visa requirements.
If the additional requirements are not met or provided, this may delay the processing of your student visa application!
Getting Assistance
If you are a Nepalese citizen and need assistance applying for a student visa in a VET sector, please contact us immediately to ensure that your application is complete and will not be delayed!
At Migration Centre of Australia, we are well-trained to handle highly complex matters. Book one of our agents for professional advice by calling 02 4626 1002 or email us to book in a time at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au. We also speak fluent Hindi, Nepali and Turkish. If one of these isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
