The Department of Immigration (DIAC) has begun implementing changes to the existing Australian student visa programme, as per recommendations by the Knight Review of the existing Student Visa system.

Some changes that have already come into force include:

- Lowering the financial requirements for certain student visa applicants to having to show $36 000 less in the bank when applying for a visa than previously.

- Extending the time new PhD students can continue to stay in Australia while their thesis is being marked.

- Allowing prepaid homestay fees to be included in the financial requirements assessment for a student visa.

Further changes, including a new post student work visa, will be introduced in July 2012 and in 2013.

For more information about these changes to the student visa programme, click here.

—————————-

Sort Out My Visa is a registered and licensed Australian and NZ visa specialist, providing visa and migration services to individuals and families wanting to travel to, conduct business, work or live in Australia or New Zealand. Visit Sort Out My Visa for more information.