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Information: policy/legislation/regulation

 

Current & Ongoing Matters for Attention

Simplified student visa framework (SSVF) fact sheets

1. SSVF overview of key changes

2. SSVF general information for education providers 

3. SSVF English language requirements

4. SSVF general information for students

5. SSVF financial capacity requirements

6. SSVF key changes for school students

 

Current Review of the ESOS framework

A discussion paper ‘Reform of the ESOS framework’ was released in early October 2014 to seek views from interested stakeholders on opportunities to improve the ESOS Act and associated legislative arrangements. This is the most important opportunity that we have had in a long time to improve the operating environment for ELICOS colleges. 

Click here to download the discussion paper

Click here to download the English Australia submission.

The written submissions are just one element of a comprehensive (and ongoing) consultation process that has been organised by the Department of Education & Training to ensure we get the best outcomes.

The first priority is to finalise the legislative areas to be changed so that they can be tabled in parliament as soon as possible. These will cover important areas of reform to the TPS legislation including the priority areas for English Australia of removing the limits on pre-paid fees and the requirement for fees to be kept in a designated account. 

Running in parallel to this is consideration of the National Code.  Workshops on some of the more contentious areas of the National Code were discussed in industy/govenrment workshops held in February 2015.

In addition to the issues canvassed in the discussion paper, English Australia also used our submission to raise the other issues of: 
- ELICOS course approval and registration process (the VET English issue); 
- written agreements with students; 
- the final stage of the review which will look at the ELICOS Standards (and the Foundation Program Standards).

 

Current Reviews related to the Student Visa Program

The last two months of 2014 saw a flurry of reviews get underway that are related to the student visa program.

1. Future directions for streamlined visa processing (SVP) 

In December, DIBP circulated a discussion paper ‘Future directions for streamlined visa processing’ which contained questions relating to a broad range of topics that are relevant to the SVP arrangements.

Click here to download the English Australia submission 

DIBP will actively consider all responses to the discussion paper and use these to help inform the possible future directions strategy for the SVP arrangements following the expiry of the current SVP policy guidelines in mid-2016.  DIBP expect that any recommendations arising from this consultation will be put to government for consideration prior to the end of the 2014-15 programme year.

2. Productivity Commission research 

The Productivity Commission has commenced a research project examining selected policy issues affecting Australia's exports of international education services. Its primary focus will be on the policy settings associated with student visas.  

Click here to download the English Australia submission 

The Commission expects to release a research paper in April 2015.

3. Review of Visa Fees 

On 17 September 2014 the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection the Hon Scott Morrison MP announced a Joint Review of Border, Fees Charges and Taxes. Again, this is an important opportunity to influence the setting of visa fees – a key aspect of Australia’s ‘attractiveness’ as a study destination.

Submissions were limited to only 500 words, making it challenging to present a coherent argument for change, nevertheless our submission aims to reflect the key issues for ELICOS providers.

English Australia is seeking three key outcomes: 
1.  Elimination of the Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC). 
2.  Breakdown of the Student Visa Application Charge (SVAC) into two categories with different charges: 
     a)  short-term (six months or less) ($130); 
     b)  long-term (more than six months); 
3.  Reduction in the SVAC ($420).

Click here to download the English Australia submission 

The government has indicated that industry consultation will continue with targeted working groups and through existing industry consultative committees to explore and discuss ideas outlined in submissions and potential recommendations of the Fees Review to Government. 

 

The Chaney Report

In February 2013, the International Education Advisory Council provided a report to the government entitled Australia - Educating Globally.  This report is known as the 'Chaney Report' and provides advice to the government to inform the development of a national strategy for international education.  The government has not yet responded to this report.

Click here for the report Australia - Educating Globally

Knight Review reforms - quick link to DIBP information

DIBP has established a useful webpage that provides information for providers on the ongoing roll-out of the Knight review reforms.

Click here for the DIBP Knight Review website page.

Click here for information about Streamlined Visa Processing (SVP).

Click here for information about the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.

Click here for information about the Post-Study Work arrangements.

 

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