The rejection rates for visas in Australia have surged due to certain institutions retracting admissions offers amidst new migration regulations. Approximately 1 in 5 international students experienced visa application denials during the last two quarters of 2023.
Reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, the dismissal of numerous overseas student applications has contributed to a 20% decline in student visa approvals, marking the most significant change in two decades. This reduction in educational visas plays a pivotal role in driving the overall migrant intake down to 375,000 for the current financial year, with projections indicating a further decrease to 250,000 in the subsequent year.
Australia's recent migration strategy has caused confusion and disruption in the international education sector, notably affecting prospective students from major sending markets. The implementation of this strategy has led to increased visa rejection rates, prolonged processing times, and even withdrawal of offers from Australian institutions, leaving international students to deal with the consequences.
Under the new migration settings, prospective students are required to demonstrate higher levels of savings, improved English proficiency, and pass a "Genuine Student Test." However, concerns have emerged regarding the lack of transparency in the visa approval process. Some argue that rejections may be influenced by perceived differences in job opportunities between the students' home countries and Australia.
The government's intention to update the "risk list" has further heightened concerns about extending enrollment offers to students who may encounter visa refusals. According to news reports, certain universities have retracted offers of enrollment, while others have narrowed down the source countries from which they accept students.
