Are you a genuine student? If you are planning to study in Australia in 2025, the way the government assesses your visa application has fundamentally changed.
As of March 2024, the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is officially history. It has been replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. This represents a major reform to the Subclass 500 visa, yet we still receive hundreds of queries from students confused about what this actually means for their application.
In our latest video, we break down exactly what the Department of Home Affairs is looking for and how this shift might actually be good news for your migration journey.
Watch the full breakdown here:
The Big Shift: It’s Not About “Returning Home” Anymore
For years, students had to work hard to prove they had a strong incentive to leave Australia immediately after graduation. The new GS requirement changes that lens completely.
As we explain in the video, GS is not about proving you will return home. It is about proving that you are a real student with real career goals—whether those goals are in your home country, Australia, or anywhere else.
Can You Mention Permanent Residency (PR)?
Yes. This is the biggest game-changer.
Under the old GTE rules, appearing to want to stay in Australia could lead to a visa refusal. Under the new GS rules, having a long-term goal like Permanent Residency is no longer a reason for automatic refusal.
The Department of Home Affairs is now focused on the genuineness of your study plan. They want to know:
- Does this course make sense for your career?
- Is this a logical step for your future development?
If your study plan is authentic, you can be honest about your long-term aspirations.
What to Include in Your GS Statement
The Australian Home Affairs website lists a lot of “nitty-gritty” requirements, but it boils down to three critical areas you must document with evidence:
- Your Current Circumstances: A detailed explanation of your academic and professional background.
- The “Why”: clear reasons why you have chosen Australia, your specific institution, and your specific course over other options.
- Future Value: How exactly will this course benefit your future endeavors?
Tell Your Story
As we mentioned in the video, this isn’t a trick question. It is a chance to tell your story. If you are a genuine student, you already have the answers—you just need to present them clearly, honestly, and with evidence.
Need Help Navigating the New Rules?
At IES Portal, we empower individuals to pursue higher education and immigration to Australia with ethical and authentic guidance. Whether you need help selecting a university or reviewing your GS statement, our team and partner MARA agents are here to help you make your journey informed and confident. 📅 Book a Consultation with our Experts.
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