22 Sep 2011 - Fact Sheet - Government Response to the Knight Review of the Student Visa Program  

On December 2010, the government appointed the Hon Michael Knight AO to conduct the first strategic review of the student visa program.

 

Mr Knight reported to the government on 30 June 2011 with 41 recommendations (Strategic Review of the Student Visa Program 2011)

 

On Thursday, 22 September 2011 in a joint media release Senator Chris Evans (Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Workplace Relations and Chris Bowen MP (Minister for Immigration and Citizenship) announced the government supports in principle, all 41 recommendations (with some modifications). 

 

The majority of the recommendations are expected to be implemented between October 2011 and mid 2012, with some other changes expected to commence in early 2013.

 

This is good news for future and current students as this will reduce the financial evidence requirements for some student visa applications as well allowing post study works rights of 2 to 4 years for degree and PHD course students respectively.

 

To read all 41 recommendations click here

 

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship