New Government Crackdowns on Visa Fraud

Visa fraud, otherwise known as rorting, is a serious issue when assessing student visa applications.

But why should you care?

Well, increased fraud means that the Department of Home Affairs is much more likely to refuse student visa applications. Especially, for those enrolled in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. In fact, offshore VET refusal rates have skyrocketed to over 90%.

However, while VET refusal rates have increased for offshore students, there is a loophole. Offshore students can first apply for higher education through a Student Visa and then apply again as onshore students. Onshore student visa grants to the VET sector have boomed with approval rates over 95%. Of course, this has led to a massive increase in providers. Inevitably, with the increase in providers, there have been concerns with fraudulent providers using unethical recruitment tactics.

Throw into the mix that higher education providers have expressed anger at the rate at which the higher education sector is losing students to the VET sector. The government has decided to crack down on fraudulent applications and providers.  

The government has announced four measures to reduce the risk of fraud.

Firstly, overseas students cannot be enrolled concurrently with more than one provider. Secondly, the amount of savings a student must have has increased by 17% to $24,505. Thirdly, the government can issue suspension certificates to high-risk education providers. Lastly, the government aims to boost up the disciplinary body, ASQA by providing stricter standards that education providers must comply with. By increasing disciplinary action and creating stricter guidelines, the government hopes to stop unethical recruiting behaviours from agents.

Concerned about how these new changes can impact you, please contact one of our expert immigration lawyers today.

Contact us for any Immigration Needs

Immigration law is an area that is complex and has little room for error and using an immigration lawyer will ensure the protection of your visa application. Here at TooRoo Migration Lawyers, our team of expert solicitors will provide sound and thorough advice on visa applications, applying for citizenship, and understanding your legal rights and responsibilities.

 Disclaimer

This blog provides general information and is not intended as legal advice specific to your circumstances. Please feel free to seek our professional legal advice if you have any questions, concerns, and/or queries.