Genuine Temporary Entrant for Australian Student Visas

In early 2024, the Australian government overhauled the requirements for international students so as to provide a more comprehensive analysis of their personal circumstances.  The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) is now being replaced with the Genuine Student requirement, though student visa applications lodged before 23 March 2024 will still be assessed according to GTE standards.…

Josh Rapaport

September 24, 2024

In early 2024, the Australian government overhauled the requirements for international students so as to provide a more comprehensive analysis of their personal circumstances. 

The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) is now being replaced with the Genuine Student requirement, though student visa applications lodged before 23 March 2024 will still be assessed according to GTE standards. Students can still access Australia’s world-class education system, though their genuine intentions to study and work in the country will be examined with a more comprehensive approach. 

In this article, we will discuss the differences between the two assessments and provide details on how to ensure that your Australian student visa application is successful. 

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) VS. Genuine Student (GS) Requirements

The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement has now been replaced with the Genuine Student (GS) program, which takes a more holistic view of a student’s personal, educational, and economic circumstances.

The GTE was based on assessing whether the student intended only to stay in Australia temporarily; the GS looks at the applicant’s genuine intent to study in Australia rather than in their home country, as well as how studying abroad will assist them in achieving their academic goals.

Previously, students needed to submit a short essay that considered how their intended course of study would impact their proposed future employment in their home country, geared at ensuring that they intended to return home after their coursework was completed. 

Now, the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs has introduced targeted questions aimed at assessing an applicant’s current circumstances, reasons for pursuing a proposed course in Australia rather than the applicant’s home country or a third country, and why they selected a particular education provider. 

Factors Considered in Assessing GTE for an Australian Student Visa

If you lodged your application for a student visa prior to March 23, 2024, you will need to comply with the Genuine Temporary Entrant rather than the GS student visa process. However, many of the previous qualifications for a student visa are still relevant to the GS.

Circumstances in Home Country

The GTE assesses the applicant’s connection to their home country, such as their living arrangements back home, any position held with a current employer, and financial statements to assess whether they can sustain themselves. This is aimed at assessing a genuine intention to leave the country when their studies are over and return home.

Potential Circumstances in Australia

Next, the GTE assesses how the applicant’s academic background matches their chosen course of study by looking at academic transcripts. 

For example, if the applicant wishes to study biology, but their educational background is in political science, this may suggest that this particular course of study does not match the career opportunities they will seek.

In addition to academic achievements, the student should attach documents showing employment details to see if they match the future career suggested by their Australian education experience. If they have no employment history yet, this should be explained.

Students must also demonstrate how they will cover tuition fees and living expenses with bank statements or award letters, and they must show their immigration history, such as previous visa applications or denials. 

Value of the Course/Employment

In a written statement, the student will explain how their experiences in the Australian education system will enhance their employment prospect. They should provide evidence for how a similar course in Australia has provided a clear entryway into a job and why programs in their home country or other countries would not suffice. 

It is crucial that the applicant show their career goals and demonstrate post-study pathways to productive business activities.

Immigration History

The Department of Home Affairs wants proof that the applicant will fulfill all their visa conditions. Previous visa refusals, deportations, or visa breaches may lead to a denial, even with a strong personal statement. 

Preparing a Strong GTE Statement

A strong GTE statement is a crucial element of success in obtaining a student visa. It should be well-worded, comprehensive, and show clear evidence that the intended course of study will prove to be a benefit to the student back in their home country. 

Importance of the GTE Statement

Personal statements are the primary component of a GTE. They should include relevant information about job prospects, future career goals, and previous educational background to explain why the proposed course of study is an essential component of future success. 

Key Elements of a GTE Statement

The primary elements of a great GTE statement include the following:

  • Reasons for choosing Australia rather than another country
  • The reason for choosing the specific education provider, such as having access to particular research labs or a certain course that isn’t available in other countries
  • Ties to the home country, like family back home
  • Future plans after completing studies or vocational training
  • How the specific course will be helpful in achieving the student’s goals

Tips for Writing a Convincing GTE Statement

To have the best chance of success in fulfilling the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, consider the following tips:

  • Ask for help from a teacher, teaching assistant, writing center, or professor
  • Work with your school’s study abroad office to get advice on how to present yourself to best effect
  • Be as specific as possible with your examples, such as showing why you chose a specific class rather than a similar course in another program.
  • Show evidence that you have thoroughly researched Australia and the specific education provider.
  • Provide concrete details on how the course will assist you in your future career, such as outlining how it is a requirement to achieve a certain qualification.

Supporting Documents for the GTE Requirement

In addition to documents like your passport and contact details, you will also have to present additional supporting documents demonstrating your employment history, relationship to your homeland, and economic circumstances. This includes the following.

Evidence of Ties to Home Country

Evidence of ties to your homeland can include:

  • Property ownership
  • Employment contracts
  • Family living in your country

Evidence of Financial Capacity

You must show evidence that you are capable of supporting yourself while you are in the country without relying on employment. This can include bank statements, savings accounts, tax returns, grants, scholarship award letters, or gift letters showing pledges of financial support from family members. 

Evidence of Future Plans

Additionally, you will offer evidence of your plans back home when you complete your education. This can include enrolling in a Master’s or doctorate degree, a specific job title that you intend to obtain, certifications or qualifications that you seek to pursue, or a job offer. The more specificity you can provide about your future career path, and the more closely you can tie it to the exact program you are pursuing, the more likely that you will be able to pass the GTE requirements. 

Common Reasons for GTE Assessment Failures

There are a number of reasons why your student visa may be denied based on your GTE. This can include the following.

  • No Compelling Reason to Pick Australia: It must be evident that you chose Australia for a genuine academic purpose rather than simply being interested in studying abroad. For example, you might note that you are interested in Aboriginal history, Australian ecology, or access to specific resources only available in the country.
  • No Evidence of Why You Choose a Specific Program: You must also demonstrate why you chose your particular technical college or university. Good reasons can include that you want to take a course that is only available there, that they have research labs that match your career interests, or that a certain instructor works there.
  • Weak Ties to Your Home Country: An applicant who does not have family, friends, or a job back in their homeland may be denied, as officials may believe that they are seeking to stay in Australia permanently. You must make it clear that you have strong reasons to leave when you complete your studies.
  • Inaccurate Information: The evidence in your GTE essay must match the details you provide in your supporting documents.
  • Insufficient Funds: If you are staying for at least one year, you should have at least AUD 29,710 per year that you intend to stay in the country. Otherwise, your application may be denied.
  • Lack of Job Prospects: The government wants to see that your coursework will positively impact your future job opportunities. If it is not evident why this course will help you obtain a job later, you may be denied.
  • Previous Visa Denials: Any evidence that you may overstay your welcome in Australia may lead to a refusal.

Tips for a Successful GTE Assessment

To give yourself the best chance of success, follow these tips:

  • Work with a migration specialist: An immigration lawyer or migrant expert will be able to explain what will work best for your GTE.
  • Proofread and workshop your essay: You want to have a well-written, concise, and accurate essay that presents you in the best possible light. It can be helpful to have others look at your essay and offer their opinions before submitting it.
  • Apply early: Give yourself plenty of time before the deadline.
  • Offer concrete evidence: The more specific you can be with your application, the more likely you are to be approved.

Include compelling documents: Evidence of family ties, previous employment, and future plans will all help demonstrate your intent to study hard and leave when your visa is complete.