Australia revises student visa policy to streamline offshore application processing

NEW DELHI : In a bid to streamline the student visa process, the Australian government has introduced priority categories to expedite the processing of offshore student visa applications. The new policy gives high priority to student visa applications for courses provided by higher and vocational education providers who have not yet reached the prioritisation threshold in terms of student enrolment. The government has revoked Ministerial Direction 107 and implemented MD 111.

Under MD111, the education providers with high demand will receive fast visa processing under "Priority 1" status. Once a provider reaches the enrolment limit, their applications will be processed at "Priority 2", a standard pace. MD111, which came into effect on December 19, applies to both unfinalised offshore student visa applications lodged before, on or after this date.

The Department of Home Affairs emphasized that the revised student visa policy is neither a cap nor a criteria on visa approvals. "This new approach creates a more even approach to visa processing across a range of different provider types and locations, including for regional and small providers. MD111 will continue to support the well-managed and orderly processing of visa applications that supports the education sector equitably, while achieving Government’s wider international education objectives," an official statement read.

MD 107, for consideration and processing of student guardian visa applications and offshore Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications, was introduced to assist providers with effective recruitment practices for international students and support the home affairs department during a period of rising application numbers and risks. The Australian Government has acknowledged that the policy unevenly impacted education providers.

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Australia student visa

Under MD111, Priority 1 (High) will apply to offshore student visa applications linked to providers in the higher education and vocational education and training sectors, as long as the provider has not yet reached their prioritisation threshold, as indicated by PRISMS, the Department of Education’s enrolment management system. Once an education provider reaches their threshold, visa processing will shift to Priority 2.

"This new approach creates a more even approach to visa processing across a range of different provider types and locations, including for regional and small providers. MD111 will continue to support the well-managed and orderly processing of visa applications that supports the education sector equitably, while achieving Government’s wider international education objectives," the home affairs department iterated.

Priority 1 (High) will be processed more quickly than Priority 2 (Standard). It is important to note that MD111 is not a cap and does not establish the criteria for approving or refusing student visa applications.