The new system introduced from July 1st this year for processing of Australian student visa applications resulted into a backlog, education providers complained.
Outcomes of some visa applications had be pending over 9 months, SBS Hindi had reported.
Fiona Docherty, Vice President, International from the University of NSW had earlier said that 350 students who were due to start in coming weeks had not been granted visas.
This backlog threatened to impact Australia’s third-largest export industry, education for overseas students, pegged to be at $18.5 billion industry.
reports that federal government has addressed this issue and the backlog in student visa processing has now been reduced.
Assistant Immigration Minister Alex Hawke spoke to and said the logjam was a one-off event.
Mr Hawke explained there was “a national security imperative across the entire visa system.
“But it does mean certain elements cannot be compromised on the assessment,” he said.
“There is change in the risk profile of different countries. Some of the international groups change their behaviours, so the department works closely with agencies to ensure it’s got the latest risk framework.”
Mr Hawke said the backlog in applications is now “in line with last year’s numbers”.
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Important changes to Australia's student visa programme from 1 July 2016
