₦airaland Forum

Patriottt:
@NB1912, I am considering pursuing my Masters degree in either Canada or Australia (I am partial to Australia though) by next year (2025) having graduated this year (2024). But with the current negative visa trend in Australia, I am a bit discouraged, do you think it's worth trying the Australian route anyways or taking my chance with Canada instead as I already have a sibling studying in Canada already.

While the current student visa rejection rate is high, there are still chances that your visa can be approved if you provide enough evidence to justify the grant of a visa. The two most important evidence are your ability to pay your fees and evidence that you will return home after your studies. To give yourself a chance, I will recommend you only apply to AL1 schools which might be expensive.

Canada is not a bad choice and the tuition fees is more affordable than Australia. There are plenty of opportunities in Canada. However, whether you want to proceed with Australia or settle for Canada, the choice is yours!

Lance008:
Please are international student allowed to apply for a collage in Australia

Yes, you can but not recommended. Chances of visa refusal is 95% when you apply to colleges. Go for BSc or Masters.

Devasia:
Thank you so much for this insight.
I provided a promotional letter from my workplace with a high level managerial position with the total package.
I think I have to work on my SOP as you said.
Is there any insight you can give me on a convincing evidence to return back?
And also, I would be highly independent if you can please help me have a look at my SOP, please.

Also, please is it OK for me to apply again after just a year of the initial refusal or I have to give it 2yrs

You can apply again anytime as long as you strengthen your application.

I will also advice you get a letter from your community head stating that you actively volunteer and participate in a community project to help boost and support your community. Make sure it's related to the course you are going to study. This will strengthen your social ties.

Did you provide any asset in your name? If you didn't i will recommend you do. It will strengthen your home ties. All the best.

Devasia:
My proposed course of study is Master's in Public Health.

Job title is Medical Laboratory Scientist.

I submitted:
1. Employment letter
2. Reference letter
3. Sponsor bank statement and source of funds
4. My six months payslips
5. Promotion letter from place of work
6. SOP
7. Land documents

Is the land document you provided in your name? Did you provide any asset in your name?

I have had a look at your refusal notice and I think there is a lot of work to be done on your SOP. One important thing I noticed the case office highlighted is that, you implied a career pathway intention after your studies and how it would be an incentive for you to return home. You also mentioned that the education from Australia may positively influence employment and remuneration prospects in your home country. However, you did not provide evidence to support your claim or demonstrate how this would be achieved. It has been mentioned multiple times on this platform that you should always provide evidence to support your claim.

My recommendation before re-applying. It would be helpful if you can get a letter from your company stating that you will be offered a high level managerial position upon successful completion of your studies, detailing the total package you will be entitled to. This can serve as a strong incentive for you to return home.

If the above is not possible, the other option is for you to work on your SOP as it is evident that it's not convincing enough. Provide enough evidence as to why you would return home.

Due to the high student visa rejection rate based on recent data, you want to make your application as strong as possible.

Devasia:
Greetings everyone.

Please I would need the guidance of the gurus in the house.

My study visa was denied Feb this year and the reason is that they're not satisfied I will leave Australia after my studies.
I used an agent for this visa.

My questions:
1. Can I apply again after the initial denial?
2. I would like to do the process myself this time, is it advisable?
3. I am currently employed and have some savings but my sister will sponsor me. What is the estimated amount of money that is required to be in my account and that of my sister?
4. Any help on how I can proof my sources of income and also how many months of statement is advisable?
5. Any other tips on documents I should need.

I would be indebted to get your inputs
Thanks

There is a statement that comes with your denial. Please post it here. Also, list the documents you submitted, your proposed course of study and your job title at the time of applying. This will help understand the reasons behind the denial.

steveyen:
Thank you for this.

Is it absolutely necessary that the money must be in the account for three months ?

It's strongly advised to have your proof of funds in the account for three months, particularly given the current rate of visa refusals. This approach will help strengthen your application significantly.

tkwalks:
Good morning all. I need some advice regarding what to do. I received an S56 email this morning for NSW 491 visa as an agricultural consultant. I have previously provided my proof of employment attached to my application. Payslips, employment letter, etc. Now I am being asked to provide a bank statement showing the salary received for my 3 years of employment claimed. I do not have this. I would I go about this.

Didn't you provide third-party document such as Tax clearance certificate for those 3 years of employment claimed? Your Tax clearance for each year should match the annual salary on your Payslip.

Wonder1844:
How about those with an offer already?

You shouldn't be affected if you already have an offer, However, I have heard of a few Uni's cancelling offers that have already been issued. I have no information on this.

standfit007:
Hi Tunlex01,
Thanks for the efforts on this channel. I was surprised to receive a positive assessment response from ACS today; i submitted on 22 March.

I have now applied(EOI) for 491(65 points) and 190(55 points).

1. I checked pasts ITAs from 2020-2023(as found on the offcial gov.au site) and noticed that 190 visa had more numbers of invites. Note, I didn't applied for this in my first EOI submission but had to update afterwards (to put in) for 190. Could you share some insights on this trend?

2. There is this "gazetted professional year in Australia", and noticed ACS(my assessment authority) was mentioned as one that provies this. Could you share thought on this as per the number of points this can fetch one? Secondly do you have experience with this generally?

3. I could understand that one way to increase my point is another english test with higher score. What other ways can i increase my points?

4. From your experience and/or trend, is 65 a good point for regional nomination? Do you have any thought on specific region to target (for code135112)? When I say target, I found out that there are some regions that require one to throw in ROI to get nomination even if one selected "any" as region he is open to live in.

5. Are there specific times that general ITA is drawn as compared to, say, Canada that dodraw every other month?

Anyone with answer to any of the questions is appreciated 👏

1. You are not eligible for 190 with 55 points. You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible.

2. Professional years is for those that studied in Australia. I am guessing you are not in Australia as you would have known this.

3. Get more years of work experience.

4. Each state has it's own requirement. While some states might have additional requirements such as increased years of work experience, higher English score or submitting a separate ROI, other states might have no additional requirement. You would have to research each states requirement. It's hard to say if 65 points is good enough to receive an invite. The higher your score the better your chances. I would recommend you create an EOI for each state that has your occupation on their list. You can target NSW, VIC, SA, WA, QLD and ACT.

5. Regarding 190 & 491, some states will mention the date of their next invite round while others won't. Again, you would have to look into each states requirement.

Waskylala:
I heard Nigeria has been blacklisted for student visa...
Please how true?

This information is not true. However, universities have tightened their entry requirements to meet the newly implemented GST requirement. It may be difficult to secure an offer due to high level scrutiny of applications by universities.

steveyen:
Hi everyone. I have got a sponsor for student visa .

The sponsor has promised to open a new account and fund it to the required amount as he is not so comfortable with releasing his bank statement.Pls is this acceptable for POF for Australia student visa ? Thank you

If your sponsor is unwilling to release their personal bank statement, I would recommend he opens a fixed deposit account (not a regular account) and lock the money for at least 3 months. He also has to show his source of income. I hope this sponsor is related to you. Cheers!

Gbemyco:
Hello experts in the house, please how much do you suggest one should have in the bank account statement (minimum) as proof of funds for a couple's visa application, although the main applicant is on a PhD full scholarship (that covers tuition and living stipend)?

With the current rate of high student visa refusal including those on fully funded PhD scholarships, I would recommend you show proof of funds for living expenses for yourself and your wife for a minimum of 12 months, including emergency funds to cover for unexpected events that may arise.

SiennaBus:
Hello everyone,

Can I use an account statement or fixed deposit statement from a microfinance bank for my proof of funds for student visa please?

Many thanks.

Whichever bank you decide to use does not matter. What matters is showing minimum 3 months bank statement and source of income.

steveyen:
Thank you so much for this information. Please could you link me up with an agent in Naija that is vast in Australia visa application? Guess I need a new agent for proper direction..

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend one for you. You can read through a few pages on this thread and you will find some.

steveyen:
Hi everyone I am new here.

I am about to submit document for visa. My agent said there is no need for POF. However, the sponsor financial documents will be needed which is the business certificates and the tax clearance certificate that will be used to access the financial capability.

However, the tax clearance certificate given by Lagos state inland revenue is just a plastic card called electronic tax clearance certificate.

Would this electronic tax clearance be acceptable? Can it affect the visa approval? What do I do in this case? Thank you.

You have just made it easy for the case officer to deny your visa. POF is now a must for visa application regardless of the Uni you are attending.

December 2023 data showed that 4 in 5 student visa applications from Nigeria were rejected. This is equivalent to 80% rejection. You have to prepare your application to the highest standard to get a chance of visa approval. All the best!!

Bukeevirgo:
Goodmorning family I'm a newbie just want to know if Australia conducts visa interview for students ?

While it's not a common practice for case officers to conduct an interview, there have been instances where case officers have reached out directly to the visa applicant. These rare occurrences typically involve the case officer seeking clarification or additional information.

wilsonobee:
Hello, good day everyone, please I’m new here. I would like to know 2 things
1. the requirements and procedures for a study Visa. (I’m 19 and would like to study nursing).
- also Can anyone recommend cheap schools accepting international student.

1. Read a few pages on this thread to understand the requirement. It will really help you.

2. There are a few less expensive schools, however, I won't recommend them due to the current visa trend and the governments crackdown on non genuine students. I will advise you go for AL1 schools to give yourself a chance of getting a visa.

Wonder1844:
Good evening everyone,
Please I want to ask if it's wise to state that my in-law ( my wife's immediate elder brother) lives in Australia and my wife intend staying with him in my GTE statement. Thanks

Whether you stay with family members or you buy a mansion to live in, they don't care. What matters is that you show evidence that you have the capacity to cover your living expenses and pay your tuition fees for the duration of your stay in Australia.

Gabriel2005:
Please I need advice I want to study in Australia for pilot flight training I’m 18 and the person responsible for my flight training is my grand uncle can he be my sponsor ? Will I need to show affidavit Orr it must be my parents who must sponsor me please I need your help and advice?

The closer the family member the better your chance. Looking at the current student visa trend I wouldn't recommend. The choice is yours.

Gbemyco:
Hi Gurus in the house. Need your guidance please 🙏🙏

Recently received a PhD scholarship offer at one of the Go8 Australian universities covering full tuition fee, stipend and also received couple's OSHC support based on agreed terms.

My questions:

1. What are additional supporting documents, aside the CoE, GTE, OSHC & all related medicals, am to include in my visa application for myself and wife only?

2. In what ways can we show strong home ties considering that I will be applying with my wife?

3. Do I still need provide statement of account as proof of funds for the couple's visa application considering that my research program is on full Scholarship?

4. Can you just give a general tip on what best to be done to increase my chances of getting the visa for myself and wife applying once?

Finally, I look forward to connecting with anyone in my case intending to apply for couple's visa from now till June this year.

Thank you so much for your anticipated responses and tips.

1. Passport, Evidence of financial capacity, English language proficiency, Academic transcripts and certificates, Resume, Marriage certificate, Previous travel history including visa grant and refusal.

2. To show strong home ties, you can provide evidence of property ownership, family ties in your home country, a letter from your current employer indicating your leave of absence and expected return to work. Any evidence that demonstrates your intention to return after your studies is valuable.

3. Even with a fully funded scholarship, it is advisable to provide a statement of account to show you have sufficient funds for any unforeseen expenses or emergencies. This demonstrates your overall financial preparedness.

4. Ensure all your documents are complete, accurate, and well-organized. In addition, provide clear, concise, and honest answers in your application, especially in the GTE statement. Finally, show consistency in your answers and documents, especially regarding your study plans, future career goals, and reasons for studying in Australia with your wife.

Zobbam:
Please how do one calculate POF and what rate is it black market rate

1 year course fee (excluding deposit) + 1 year Living expenses + flight ticket. Use google rate for conversion.

e.g Let's say my tuition fee for 2 years program is $80,000 Here is how my POF will look like;

First semester deposit to pay = $20,000

POF to show will be the following;

1 year of remaining program fee = $40,000
1 year living expenses = $24,505
Flight ticket = $3,000
Total POF = $67,500 (when converted to Naira using current google rate of N989.20) = N66,770,947

I hope this helps. Cheers!

jeweloftheEast:
LOL!!
Where do I even start.
my visa was denied today
Lodged 24th Jan 2024
Biometrics 29th Jan 2024
Medicals 30th Jan 2024
Denied 15th February 2024

Reason they don't think I'll return to naija after my graduate studies.

Sorry to hear about your denial. Unfortunately there has been an increase in student visa refusals lately.

It will help if you can list the documents you submitted including your course of study, so that members can advise you accordingly.

teesmarth:
Hello everyone. I am currently applying for a master's program to a school in Australia.
During the application, I stumbled upon this page as seen in the picture below.

The problem now is the second option is applicable to me as I already have a masters.

It is advisable for me to declare it or remove any information about it from the application and stick to my bachelor's degree as my highest education.

Will it affect my GTE. I was assuming it will be an added advantage for admission points consideration and I already have it on my CV. One of my recommendation letter was also written by a lecturer from my previous master program.

What do you advise please.

Honesty in your application is paramount. Not declaring your existing Master's degree could raise concerns if discovered later, potentially jeopardizing your visa application. Given the current high student visa refusal rate, it's crucial to avoid any action that could be interpreted as misrepresentation.

I will recommend you apply for a Master’s by research rather than a Masters by coursework as it shows progression. Whichever one you decide to choose, ensure you address the following in your GTE statement.

1. Emphasize Your Academic Progression: Clearly articulate why you are pursuing another Master’s degree. Focus on how this specific program in Australia offers something distinct that aligns with your academic and career goals, which was not covered in your previous Master's.

2. Highlight Professional Development: If applicable, demonstrate how this additional degree is a natural step for your professional development. Explain how it contributes to your long-term career plans, preferably in Nigeria, which aligns with the GTE requirement.

3. Utilize Your Recommendation Letter: The recommendation from your previous Master's lecturer can be advantageous. It should emphasize your academic seriousness and commitment to learning, thereby supporting your intent to genuinely benefit from the program.

4. Address the Gap in Studies: If there’s been a significant gap since your last Master’s, explain what you’ve been doing in the interim (working, additional training, etc.) and how this has led to your decision to pursue further education.

5. Assure Your Return: As part of the GTE criteria, assure that you have strong ties to your home country and intend to return after your studies. This could include family ties, property ties, social ties, or a job offer.

Remember, your application should tell a coherent story: why this degree, why in Australia, and how it fits into your overall academic and career trajectory. Your honesty and the strength of your academic purpose will be key in securing your visa. I wish you all the best.

penitential:
The new policies are as stated below.

1. Post graduate temporary visa applicant age is cut down from 50-35. This is to imply that if you’re over 35 after graduation, you should go home.

2. If you’re on post graduate temporary work visa, you can’t convert back to study visa( remember, most people, after finishing study and couldn’t get a nomination for either state sponsorship, employer sponsorship and 189 visa tend to convert back to study visa just to buy more time).

3. Fast processing time for skilled employment sponsor visa.

4. Post graduate work visa cut down from 5 years to 3 years, as it may apply to either bachelor, masters or phd.

The only policy that has affected oversea applicant is the raise in IELTS band score.

So, how has those policies aimed at refusing student visa?

As much as you may have a point ins saying that, you should consider the policies with it direct implication.

I believe where you are missing the point is, you are looking at a fraction of the migration policy rather than the governments broader migration strategy. I will offer a modest amount of enlightenment here.

The recent data from Australia's Department of Home Affairs indicates a significant decrease in the number of visas granted to international students. In the first half of the current financial year, approvals for offshore student visas dropped to 139,000, with nearly 20% of all applications being rejected. This trend suggests that if the current approval rate persists, there will be approximately 90,000 fewer overseas students arriving in Australia in the 2023-2024 period, compared to the previous year.

Specifically, in the university education sector, the rate of visa approvals has fallen to 82% since July, a decline from 87% in the 2022-2023 period. In the past six months, 98,000 student visas have been granted for higher education, a noticeable decrease from the 261,000 visas granted in the previous year. This downward trend is evident across various international markets. For instance, visa approval rates for Indian students, Australia’s second-largest international student market, have decreased from 74% in the 2022-2023 period to 60% this financial year. Similarly, for Nepal, the third-largest market, approval rates have dropped from 62% to 40%.

These declining figures in student visa approvals reflect the Australian government's broader strategy to reduce net migration. This approach is aimed at alleviating pressure on the country's infrastructure and housing market. It is clear that these changes are closely tied to the government's new policy direction, focusing on managing temporary migration levels.

Contrary to the belief that these trends are unrelated to governments new policy, it is evident that they are a direct consequence of deliberate policy decisions.

penitential:
I do not see any connection between the new policy and this refusal.

Most of the policies that are to be implemented are not directly geared toward incoming students.

It’s majorly against those who are in the system already with study visa trying to regularize their stay.

I can tell that this application denied has some loop hole that’s visible to the VO. Because, construction management is a very good course that’s highly in demand.

And one of their immigration objectives is to bring in more construction workers.

For study permit currently, there are some major pointers that’s been looked into, as regards economic situation of the country.

If those loopholes are found in any application, it’s outright rejection.

All the best to everyone.

I respectfully disagree with your perspective. While it's true that the new student visa policy hasn't been implemented yet, there is emerging evidence suggesting a rise in student visa rejections recently. This trend seems to align with the government's expressed intentions to curtail the influx of newcomers in light of the ongoing housing crisis.

Consider the statistics: the number of international students in the country has doubled to nearly 700k in just three years. Given this significant increase, it's reasonable to infer that the forthcoming policy changes might indeed have an indirect influence on the current visa application process, especially for those applying from overseas. In my view, overlooking this potential connection could be an oversight.

AussieJoan:
Posting on behalf of somene
My visa was denied today😪

Application date: 20 December 2023
Medicals: 2nd Jan 2024
Biometrics: 27 December 2023
Denied 19 Jan 2024

Reason for refusal Migration Act 500.212. Didn't prove financial incentives of the job back in home country against economic circumstances.

School is University of Melbourne, masters in construction mgt

Chaiii, this one pain me special

Not surprised. I guess it's due to the governments new proposed changes. Seen a high rejection rate lately. I can imagine what it will look like when the changes are implemented.
My advise to prospective students is to package a very strong application or don't bother applying.

primastylish:
The study leave approval is for my full-time paid job as a legal compliance officer.

This is one of the reasons why you didn’t meet GTE requirement for visa purpose. Study leave approvals are usually granted to employees to upskill themselves in their current role which can be beneficial to the company. The visa officer did not see the correlation and the benefit of your company granting you a study leave approval to study social work which is totally different from your current role as a legal officer.

In addition, you mentioned that you supported your application with a job advert you are going to apply for after the completion of your studies. Again, this is an issue. Since your company is granting you a study leave, you should always mention that you are returning to your position after your studies to enable you qualify for a senior level role at your organization.

Your solution is simple. Re-apply for a course in line with your profession as a legal officer. Get the same study leave approval from your organization, but this time, the letter should mention that the skill you will acquire after your studies will enable you to qualify for a senior level position within the organization. Then switch to social work once you get to Auzzie.

If you list all the documents you submitted It will be clear if you need to address other possible issues. Cheers!!

primastylish:
I actually included work experience as a volunteer with an NGO which I have been working with for over 3 years.

You advised that you included study leave approval. Is this for the volunteering work experience with the NGO or you have a different full-time paid job in another profession?

primastylish:
My visa was denied today😪

Application date: 20 November 2023
Medicals: 22 November 2023
Biometrics: 23 November 2023
Denied 21 December 2023

Reason for refusal was that I didn't prove the GTE requirement. I submitted my business documents, employment letters, study leave approval and even supported with an advert of a job in Nigeria I would apply for afterwards.

School is University of Western Australia, masters in social work.

I have had a quick look at your previous post and I can see that you studied Law as your B.Sc. You have applied for a Masters in Social work which is a different field from Law. The work experience letter you submitted, is it related to social work? I am guessing your response will be NO.

Did you provide any substantial evidence as to why you are switching from Law to Social Work? It is always hard to meet GTE requirement for visa purpose when switching to a different course and you don't have related work experience in the field. People have previously gotten away with switching to Social Work when their previous study or work experience is unrelated. It has become tougher now.

It has been mentioned multiple times on this thread that you should always study a course similar to your previous degree, and then switch to your preferred course when you get to Australia. In addition, Social Work is a high risk program and is highly scrutinized by visa officers.

Prepare yourself and re-apply by addressing the GTE requirement. Wish you all the best.

leokennedi:
Thanks for your response so far. For the CCM or CC team leader, I didn't see the ❌. If you can share me a link, I'll appreciate. This was what I found(see screenshot below)

This is the link I used....https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list#

And for her BSc, she graduated with Biochemistry from Imo State University, and the only work related experience she has is working in a Pharmacy for more than two years.

I am sure you can see it is clearly written there that it is an employer sponsored visa. I am not sure what other explanation you need. If you don't understand this then I would recommend reading this thread from the beginning to give you a better understanding of Australian migration.

Ijaay83:
What will happen to people who have submitted for visas or people who have admissions for February and are more than 35 . Am 40 and am about to pay my fees

At the moment, there is no clarity from the government if this new rule will impact existing students or if it will only apply to applications lodged after the implementation date. I guess there will be more news on this in the coming weeks.

Key Takeaways from the recent migration review impacting current and prospective students.

1. New Genuine Student Test (GST): A new Genuine Student test (GST) will be introduced for all international students. A few factors will be taken into consideration in determining the students who meet the GST requirements such as, the circumstances of the applicant, your academic or career progression and the usefulness of the intended study to your future career prospects. The new GST will ensure there is more scrutiny on student visa applications and separate genuine students from non-genuine students.

2. Increased English language requirements: Student visa English language requirement will be raised from IELTS 5.5 to IELTS 6.0. Education providers are now required to report students English language proficiency at enrolment. This means that if an education providers English language requirement is 6.5 for your preferred course, you will be required to provide an IELTS score of 6.5 when applying for a student visa. All student visa applicants will now be required to provide English language score during visa application.
In addition, 485 visa English requirement will be raised from IELTS 6.0 to IELTS 6.5.

3. Restrict onshore visa hopping and age limit for 485 visa: 485 visa holders will be restricted from transferring back to student visa onshore. You will be required to leave Australia and apply for a new student visa. The maximum age for a 485 visa will reduce from 50 to 35. This means if you are over 35 you will no longer be eligible for a 485 visa after your study.

4. Shorter 485 visa: The government has backtracked on it's initial longer 485 visa that was announced earlier this year. The government will revert back to 2 years 485 visa for bachelors and masters by coursework, 3 years for masters by research and 3 years for PHD.

5. Clearer post graduate visa pathways: Temporary Skills Shortage visa (and future Skills in Demand visa) will be changed to give 485 visa holders more opportunity to move on to a skilled visa. Proposed reforms to the points test will also give graduates working in skilled jobs related to their line of study faster pathways to permanent residency. In summary, If you get a job related to your course of study and the job is on high demand your chances of securing a permanent visa will be higher. If the job is not related to your course of study, no PR.