What is the ‘Genuine Temporary Entrant’ requirement for an Australian Student visa?

Australia has one of the most developed higher education systems in the world, and is home to many international students. As part of this process, a prospective international student must apply for a Student (Subclass 500) visa, to be able to travel to, live, and study in Australia.

The Student visa application itself requires the applicant to provide evidence of the course they intend to study, and that they satisfy English, health and character requirements. Perhaps the most significant criteria, is that the prospective student is genuinely seeking temporary entry to Australia for study purposes. This is known colloquially as  the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion.

This article will take you through what the GTE requirement is, and how you can demonstrate that you satisfy it.

What is the Genuine Temporary Entrant Requirement?

The GTE requirement is an important aspect of the application process for various visa subclasses, including for the Student (subclass 500) visa.

In a Student visa context, the GTE requirement aims to ensure that individuals applying for an Australian visa genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily to pursue their studies, rather than simply using it as a pathway to maintain residence in Australia, and/or apply for another visa.

The GTE requirement is designed to maintain the integrity of the Australian immigration system and uphold Australia’s education standards. Where a case officer does not believe that an applicant satisfies the GTE requirement, it would result in the refusal of the visa application.

What is considered in a GTE assessment?

When assessing an applicant’s genuineness, several factors are taken into consideration (outlined below). An applicant should outline how they meet each of these factors in a ‘statement of purpose’. The statement of purpose is a mandatory component of a Student visa application to address the GTE criteria.

The statement of purpose must be accompanied by genuine and verifiable evidence tailored to individual circumstances to demonstrate that an applicant meet these factors. Generic statements that do not include substantial evidence will not be given significant weight in the GTE assessment.

Some of the factors considered for the GTE assessment, as well as ways that an applicant can demonstrate that they meet these factors, are outlined in the table below:

Factor	Explanation	Examples of Supporting Evidence
The applicant’s circumstances in their home country	Decision makers must assess your personal, economic, and social ties to your home country. This includes whether there are any miliary service commitments or political and civil unrest that would act as incentive not to return	Evidence of familial relationships and responsibilities in your home country that will incentivise you to return; Evidence of any current employment or business ties, including contact details of someone who can confirm the circumstances of your employment; Evidence of any future employment prospects in your home country or a third country after course completion; Proof of ownership of property or assets in your home country.
The applicant’s immigration history	Decision makers evaluate your compliance with visa conditions and your immigration history	A statement outlining compliance with previous visas, including that you have no history of overstaying – travel to other “Western” countries is often beneficial such as the US, Canada, NZ, and Europe.
The value of the chosen course to the applicant’s future	Decision makers assess the alignment between the chosen course, your educational background, and your career goals	A statement explaining how the chosen course aligns with your previous education and/or future career aspirations A statement explaining why you have chosen to study in Australia rather than in your home country, particularly if a similar course is available there Evidence of previous studies (e.g., degree certificates, academic transcripts etc.)
The applicant’s financial capacity	Decision makers evaluate your ability to finance your studies and living expenses in Australia	Bank statements or financial documents demonstrating sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, certain living expenses, and health insurance costs – this can be yours, or your parents; Scholarship or sponsorship letters (if applicable)
The applicant’s knowledge of the chosen course and institution	Decision makers assess your understanding and awareness of the chosen course and the educational institution	A statement confirming that you have conducted thorough research about the course, the educational institution, and job prospects in the relevant field Providing evidence of communication with the institution or attending education fairs
The intentions of a parent, legal guardian, or spouse (only if the applicant is a minor)	If you are a minor, decision makers consider the intentions expressed by the parent, legal guardian, or spouse	Providing supporting documents such as statements or letters from parents, legal guardians, or spouses, expressing their support for your temporary stay in Australia
Any other relevant matters	Decision makers consider any additional information provided that may be relevant to the assessment	Any other relevant documents or information you consider relevant to demonstrate your genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily

Next steps

Understanding the GTE requirement is a significant component of the Australian visa application process for international students. By understanding the significance of the GTE requirement and providing the necessary documentation, you can increase your chances of obtaining a Student (Subclass 500) visa.

At Hannan Tew Lawyers we have assisted numerous individuals who are applying for their first Student visa to Australia, those who have had Student visa refusals in the past (and are seeking to re-apply), and those who have complex circumstances (such as immigration-issues in other countries, or are coming from “high risk” countries), seeking assistance with their Student visa applications.

If you need legal assistance or have an immigration related query, get in touch with our experienced team. Contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at +61 3 9016 0484.

This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult an immigration professional for up to date information.