In March 2024 the Genuine Temporary Entrant - GTE requirement for a student visa has been replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. 

All applicants for a Student Visa Subclass 500 must demonstrate that they are genuine in their intent to enter Australia for the purpose of studying. They must maintain their status as a student and clearly understand that the primary objective of their visa is education. 

The Genuine Student requirement aims to ensure that students coming to Australia not only pursue education as their primary goal but also acquire skills that are in demand in the country. After completing their studies, these students may be well-positioned to apply for permanent residency if their qualifications align with Australia's needs.

Difference Between Genuine Temporary Entrant and Genuine Student

The major difference between GTE and GS is that under GTE, international students had to prove they would return to their home country after completing their studies, which is no longer the case.

GTE required a 300-word statement included in the application form, whereas GS consists of a set of questions with a 150-word limit each, providing more space for students to explain themselves.

Genuine Student Test Questions

As part of the student visa application, you will need to demonstrate that you have genuine intentions to study in Australia. Here are some of the questions that you will need to be answer:

1. Details of your current circumstances. This includes ties to family, community, employment and economic circumstances.
2. Why you chose this course
3. Why you want to study with the particular education provider you have chosen. 
4. Your understanding of the requirements of the intended course and studying and living in Australia.
5. How completing the course will be of benefit to you
6. If you are applying for a student visa while holding any other type of visa: why you did not originally apply for a student visa.

Applications made onshore will be scrutinized, and students will be asked further questions about their previous studies in Australia and whether they complied with their previous visa conditions. If they were holding any other visa, they would be asked why they did not apply for a student visa initially.

Updated Application and Declaration

The updated application also includes a section for other relevant information, allowing students to provide additional details if they wish.

The student declaration has been updated to include the requirement to inform the department about any changes in their circumstances, including contact details or changes in family unit.

Another major clause in the declaration is that if the visa ceases and the student does not hold another visa to remain in Australia, they will be expected to depart from Australia and be subject to removal.

What Evidence and Information to Include:

When applying, you should include the following relevant details:

Previous Study:

• Academic transcripts showing qualifications earned

• Name of the education provider(s)

• Duration of study

• Certificates or diplomas achieved

Previous Study in Australia:

• Complete study history in Australia

• Reasons for changing courses or institutions

• Details on academic progress and study gaps longer than two months

• Any other relevant information related to your academic journey in Australia

Current Employment:

• Details of the current employer, including the company’s address

• Duration of employment and job title

• Contact details of a person who can verify your employment

Circumstances in Your Home Country or Country of Residence:

• Nature of personal ties (family, community, and employment)

• Reasons for not studying in your home country if a similar course is available

• Economic circumstances such as recent employment or business activities

• Military service commitments, political unrest, or other reasons for leaving your home country

How DOHA Assesses Genuine Student (GS) Intentions:

The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) evaluates a student’s genuine intent to study based on:

• Circumstances in the home country

• Immigration history

• Compliance with visa conditions

Value of the Course to Your Future:

• Consistency of the course with your previous education

• Whether the course will enhance your employment prospects

• Expected salary or benefits in your home country post-study

Immigration History:

• Travel and visa history for Australia and other countries

• Previous visa applications, refusals, or cancellations

The Department of Home Affairs will also assess the intentions of a minor’s parent, legal guardian, or spouse when applicable.

Transition from GTE to GS

Student visa applications lodged before the 23 March 2024 will be assessed based on GTE, but we have seen that even students who lodged their applications before this date and are still in processing are being contacted by their universities or colleges to answer GS questions to issue revised offer letters or CoEs.

Student Visa Refusal

If your student visa has been refused, your first step is to assess whether the Department of Home Affairs made the correct decision.

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers can assist you with your visa appeal through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) or the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). We look forward to guiding you through the process and helping you with your Australian visa appeal.