In March of 2024, the Department of Home Affairs is set to make changes, which eliminates the requirement for a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) for Subclass 500 student visas.
The GTE requirement assessed whether a student’s intention to stay was solely temporary and for the purpose of study and not for the purpose of remaining in Australia on a permanent basis via a permanent work sponsored visa.
Student Visa (Subclass 500) Applicants will now need to show evidence of $24,505 in savings, which is a 17% increase on current levels.
It can be expected that this policy change will result in a more streamlined and accessible application process for international students, without needing to prove their temporary stay while studying in Australia.
The benefits of this change will show an increase in international students as requirements ease due to a simpler application process, encouraging diversity on campus and increased workforce availability. This change reflects the ongoing need for workers to remain in Australia and facilitates the probability for students applying for permanent residents after having completed their studies.