The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (the ‘Department’) has announced in the January 2018 Digest that the cost of annual living amounts in Australia will increase on 1 February 2018. The new annual living amounts are the following:
- Student or guardian: AUD $ 20,290;
- Partner or spouse: AUD $ 7,100;
- Child: AUD $ 3,040.
A student visa applicant has to explain any gaps in study or employment and, where relevant, give the reason why he/she is studying in a field unrelated to their previous study or employment.
The Department says that a decision can be make on a student visa application without requesting more information. A student visa applicant has to attach to his/her application-among other evidence- the following documents:
- Evidence of financial capacity;
- Evidence of genuine access to those funds;
- Evidence of English proficiency or being exempt.
The Department also warns that a student visa applicant has to declare any previous visa refusals or cancellations from any country for themselves and family members, even if the family members are not intending to travel to Australia. If the answer to this question is incorrect, it may result in a visa refusal.