The Department of Home Affairs has announced the recommencement of Evidence Level updates, effective Wednesday, 20 November 2024.
Key Highlights:
📉 Visa Trends: A 28% drop in visa applications compared to 2023-24. However, offshore visa quality is improving, with lower refusal rates due to the introduction of integrity measures like the Genuine Student test.
✅ Better Outcomes for Genuine Providers: Education providers showing improved performance will be rewarded with upgraded Evidence Levels. (The Evidence Level updates were paused in September 2024 but are now resuming.)
🔄 Adjustments for Declining Providers: Providers with a worsening Evidence Level rating will be downgraded, except for those in higher education, schools, and vocational training sectors, who will remain at their current level under close monitoring.
What’s Next?
📅 Routine Evidence Level updates will resume in March 2025.
📊 Monitoring of providers will continue, with potential interim adjustments for recruitment misconduct.
The Department strongly urged education providers to submit high-quality, decision-ready applications for genuine students as soon as possible to ensure timely processing for the upcoming academic year.
The BIG QUESTION on “Ministerial Direction 107” still remains “clear as mud” “SSVF” is it really simplified……?
What is Ministerial Directions 107? And What is Streamlined Visa Framework SSVF
Ministerial Directions 107 is a policy directive by the Australian Government designed to prioritize visa applications based on national needs and strategic objectives.
Under Ministerial Directions 107, Streamlined Visa Processing (SSVF) plays a key role in the processing of visa subclass 500 (Student Visa) applications. The SSVF is designed to simplify the application process for international students by reducing the documentation and evidence required for visa approval, particularly for lower-risk applicants. This streamlined process is aligned with the Australian Government’s broader goals of attracting skilled international students to Australia and supporting its educational sector.
Which Universities are AL1 in Australia?
As on today, 20th November 2024 Great news that no Australian Universities are at Assessment Level -3 (AL3).
Federation University Australia , University of Tasmania and University of New England (AU) has improved to AL2.
Also University of South Australia that has improved to AL1.
Honest and Ethical Education Consultants will continue striving for quality and integrity in international education. What is the outcome? Quoting Mr. Ravi Lochan Singh “My question remains: With MD107 still to continue, the game is still favourable for those who are AL1 though those in AL2 still in play. When can we offer a level playing field?”.
Country Assessment Level: #India – AL3, #Pakistan – AL3, #Bangladesh – AL2, #Srilanka – AL2