On October 3, 2024, the Department of Home Affairs announced that, following a review of Evidence Level outcomes from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, Minister Tony Burke has decided to pause the planned changes to country and education provider Evidence Levels that were set to take effect at the end of September 2024.
The update will now coincide with the passage of the ESOS legislation and the potential removal or replacement of Ministerial Direction 107, depending on the Minister’s decision. This pause allows education providers to adjust their recruitment strategies in light of the new ESOS legislation, which introduces the National Planning Level. If the ESOS legislation does not pass, the Minister will determine an appropriate timeline for implementing the Evidence Level changes.
Understanding Evidence Levels
The Department of Home Affairs reviews the evidence levels of countries and education providers biannually, in March and September, to ensure alignment with the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) and current trends in student visa outcomes.
An education provider’s Evidence Level is determined by the rate of negative immigration outcomes experienced by their students, such as visa cancellations and refusals due to fraud. Under the SSVF, education providers are tasked with enrolling genuine students who are qualified for their intended courses. They also have a duty to ensure that their students submit complete and truthful visa applications.
The combined country and education provider Evidence Levels guide the financial and English language requirements for Student visa applicants. Maintaining the integrity of the Student visa program is a shared responsibility among all stakeholders in the international education sector, including registered education providers and relevant Australian government agencies.
The Department of Home Affairs is committed to supporting the sustainability of the education sector by upholding the integrity of Australia’s Student visa program.
For further information: https://prisms.education.gov.au/Information/News/News.aspx?NewsId=748