Australia’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection has cleared the air about the issue surrounding students from Punjab seeking a visa to study in Australia.
The department has clarified that there have not been any recent changes to the guidelines regarding ‘genuine temporary entrants’.
A spokesperson for the department has told SBS Punjabi that a qualification from PSEB alone is not a reason for refusal.
“A qualification from the Punjab State Education Board is not a reason for refusal on its own.”
The department spokesperson said under the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement, the DIBP undertakes a holistic assessment of the applicant’s individual circumstances and documentation provided.
Source: Supplied
While deciding a study visa application, an official of the Australian High Commission in New Delhi had noted that the Australian Education International-National-National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition did not consider examination conducted by the PSEB equivalent to Australian Grade 12, sparking fear for thousands of prospective students from Punjab who wish to undertake study in Australia.
“There have not been any recent changes to the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement.”
“If an applicant meets all legislative requirements, the visa will be granted,” the spokesperson added further.