How fast will your Australian student visa be processed? Soon it'll depend on the university you're attending

Australia's Home Affairs Department has formalized a fresh approach to student visas, aligning with the government's latest migration strategy. Once the new framework is implemented, student visa applications will be prioritised based on institution.
Under the new framework, each CRICOS-registered education provider is assigned an evidence level (1, 2, or 3). Immigration officials will use this ranking to prioritize visa applications, granting faster processing times for level 1 providers. The government clarified in the migration strategy that higher-risk providers can anticipate slower processing times as visa decision makers assess both the integrity of the institution and the individual student applicants.
Minister for Home Affairs, Clare O'Neil, signed a directive on December 14, outlining how visa applications from international students will be prioritized based on the risk level of their chosen institutions.
The move is a response to the commitment outlined in Australia's new migration strategy, emphasizing the need to "apply greater and more targeted scrutiny" to visa applications from students intending to study at high-risk institutions. The directive acknowledges the necessity to manage the surging demand for student visas in an organized manner.
The directive, effective as of December, comes ahead of the upcoming academic year, as promised in the government's commitment. Priority will be given to various student visa types, with a focus on applications from outside Australia for sectors such as schools, foreign affairs or defense, and postgraduate research. Additionally, priority is granted to higher education, ELICOS, VET, and non-award sector applicants studying at an education provider with evidence level 1. Subsequent entrant applications lodged outside Australia that include an unmarried family member under 18 years and all Student Guardian visa applications also receive high priority.
The Home Affairs Department indicates that evidence-level indicators include visa cancellations, refusals, and instances of overstaying. Notably, student visas are tied to the initial institution of enrolment for new arrivals. Looking ahead, the government plans to introduce a new Genuine Student Test, with further details expected in early 2024. This comprehensive framework reflects Australia's commitment to ensuring the integrity of its international education sector while meeting the increasing demand for student visas in a systematic manner.