Genuine temporary entrant (GTE)

Important: the GTE requirement was replaced by the Genuine Student requirement on 23 March 2024

For student visa (subclass 500) applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement no longer applies. Instead, applicants must meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement by answering targeted questions in the application form about their circumstances, course choice and the value of the course to their future, rather than writing a single GTE statement. The GTE information below is kept for reference for older applications.

GTE criteria Australia

The GTE requirement applicable to student visas (sc 500) was replaced with a Genuine Student (GS) requirement on 23 March 2024.

As part of your application for a student visa (subclass 500), you will need to provide a personal statement, in English, that addresses the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.

This statement must be submitted with your visa application and should explain that:

You are genuinely coming to Australia to study and not for any other reason.
You will only be residing in Australia for the time allowed on your visa (and not overstaying).

The GTE requirement relates to your student visa application. Depending on your studies, you may also be eligible for a post-study work rights visa (subclass 485). If, after studying in Australia, you have developed the skills Australia needs, you may also be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

GTE statement word limit

The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs has changed the GTE statement word limit to 300 words (with a 2000-character limit).

What evidence and information to include

You will need to attach documents to your ImmiAccount that support your GTE statement.

We encourage you to provide as much evidence as possible, covering:

Previous study: Include academic transcripts and certificates, and the details of your education providers.
Study gaps:Explain any gaps between studies or unfinished courses.
Employment: Outline the details of your previous or current job, including company address, dates of employment, your role and contact details of your employer.
Employment income:Provide proof of income 12 months before lodging the application, such as tax returns or bank statements.
Potential future employment:Note any job offers for employment after course completion, including salary and other expected benefits.
Financial, family or social ties:Outline the reasons why you want to return home after your time in Australia.

Genuine temporary entrant

The genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement is an integrity measure to ensure that the student visa programme is used as intended and not as a way for international students to maintain ongoing residency in Australia.

The GTE requirement applies to all student visa applicants. The officer assessing the visa application considers whether the individual circumstances of the student indicates that their intention is for a temporary stay in Australia.

You must satisfy us that you have a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily.

How to show you meet GTE requirement

Student visa applicants should provide evidence of meeting the GTE requirement in their application form. This must include a statement in response to the question in the form and/or documentation to support claims made in the statement such as evidence of employment or a copy of educational qualifications.

Your statement should be written by you, even if you are using an agent. You must provide a statement addressing the GTE requirement in English in the application form. If you are not comfortable writing your statement in English, you can write it in your own language, have it translated and then provide the translation in your application. Remember, a decision about whether you meet this requirement can be made based on the information you provide with your application alone. It is important to answer this question.

How does Immigration assess your GTE claims

In assessing your GTE the Department will consider:

your circumstances
your immigration history
if you are under 18 years of age, the intention of your parent, legal guardian or spouse of the applicant
any other relevant matter.

The GTE requirement provides a useful way to help identify those applicants who are using the student visa programme for motives other than gaining a quality education. The GTE requirement is not designed to exclude those students who, after studying in Australia, go on to develop the skills required by the Australian labour market and apply to obtain permanent residency.

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