1 Department of Immigration and Border Protection Australia’s Student Visa Programme Schools Sector

2 Department of Immigration and Border Protection Background

3 Department of Immigration and Border Protection Subclass 571 – Schools Sector Key requirements Subclass 571 visa allows students to study a primary or secondary school level course or a formal secondary exchange programme –Confirmation of Enrolment is required (unless secondary exchange) –Course of study must be registered on CRICOS (unless secondary exchange) –Secondary exchange must be a formally recognised programme

4 Department of Immigration and Border Protection Subclass 571 – Schools Sector Study and age requirements Student must be at least six years old. AL3 applicants: –must have completed at least Year 6 level (or equivalent) –cannot study at a level more than 18 months below level already completed –Must be under 15 for Year 7; under 16 for Year 8; under 17 for Year 9; under 18 for Year 10; under 19 for Year 11 and under 20 for Year 12

5 Department of Immigration and Border Protection Subclass 571 – Schools Sector Assessment Level (AL) 3 Requirements English language satisfies education provider –If student needs to study ELICOS, no more than 50 weeks is allowed Financial capacity –Must show they have sufficient funds for the first 12 months for course fees, living costs and school costs –Must have sufficient funds for travel and the remainder of the proposed stay –Funds must be held by the student or by a close relative –Funds must come from regular income

6 Department of Immigration and Border Protection Changes in March 2014 Assessment Levels The implementation of simplified assessment levels resulted in removal of AL4 and AL5 with former AL4 applicants now AL3. Financial requirements for AL3 applicants reduced from 18 months to 12 months with condition that funds are provided by the applicant or a close relative of the applicant.

7 Department of Immigration and Border Protection Welfare arrangements for students under 18 With a parent or a legal custodian Australian citizen, permanent resident or holder of a suitable visa which permits them to reside in Australia for the required period With a relative at least 21 years old Australian citizen, permanent resident or holder of a suitable visa which permits them to reside in Australia for the required period Must be of good character Nominated by student’s parent or legal guardian Welfare arrangements approved by the education provider Can be any person or organisation, provided the arrangements are approved by the education provider Welfare arrangements must cover the entire study period. Student must live:

8 Department of Immigration and Border Protection Subclass 571 – Schools Sector Further requirements for students under 18 Parental consent requirements: –Both parents consent to the grant of the visa OR –A court order permits the grant of the visa OR –An Australian court order permits the grant of the visa The visa is not contrary to the best interests of the child

9 Department of Immigration and Border Protection Subclass 580 – Student Guardian Allows a student’s parent or relative to accompany a student –The parent / guardian / relative must be nominated by the student –Only one person may be nominated –Usually only for students who are under 18 Student Guardian cannot bring other family members –must not have any children under 6 and must make arrangements for own children remaining in country –Only children who can study Year 7 and up may accompany a Student Guardian Must provide appropriate care for student –Housing, support and general welfare Relative must be approved by a parent / guardian of the student –Good character No work

10 Department of Immigration and Border Protection Some overseas students are not subject to ESOS. These include: –Secondary student visa holders –Secondary exchange students –Other temporary visa holders Non-ESOS overseas students

11 Department of Immigration and Border Protection Visa Entitlement Verification Online

12 Department of Immigration and Border Protection

13 Department of Immigration and Border Protection More Information DIBP website DIPB website Home Page ‘Check Visa Conditions’ Australian Education International (AEI) website see ESOS framework, National Code Part D, Standard 5 – Younger overseas students