What is a genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement?

The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is one of the most important requirements for Australian student visas. It's designed to ensure that students who come to Australia to study genuinely intend to return to their home country after their studies are complete.

If you're planning to apply for an Australian student visa, you'll need to meet the GTE requirement. But don't worry, it's not as difficult as it sounds! In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about the GTE requirement and how to meet it. We have helped thousands of students meet their GTE requirements and would be more than happy to help you if you are ready to talk to an expert!

If you need more information about GTE requirements for international students in Australia, then read on below:

The genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement is an integrity assessment that all applicants for a student visa must provide to substantiate that they are coming to Australia temporarily to gain a quality education and intend to use the student visa program for its intended purpose only and not as a channel to gain residency in Australia.

Your personal circumstances are considered when the Department of Home Affairs assesses if you’re a genuine temporary entrant. As an applicant, it's recommended that you give a personal written statement in English addressing the GTE requirement. It’s also a great way to prove your proficiency in English and makes a great first impression. Be clear, concise and get to the point.

Provide evidence for the information you give in your written statement. Statements unsupported by evidence will not be weighted heavily in the GTE statement. Below are some suggestions of evidence or information you can provide:

1) Be honest

Present your case precisely and honestly. In your written statement, reflect what’s true to you and avoid unsupported reasoning. Avoid copying someone else’s GTE statement as everyone’s circumstances and reasons for study differ. Don’t hide anything, if your visa had been denied in the past, you failed a few subjects, be upfront and own up to it.

Home country or country of residence

Demonstrate your ongoing commitment to return to your home country. Factors that will be considered by the Department of Home Affairs include:

  • economic situation – describe your family composition, list the number of dependents if you have any, family income and employment details, assets (property, vehicles, etc) and liabilities (mortgages, loans, etc)

  • political or civil unrest

  • military service commitments in your home country

2) Study

Explain why you have chosen your university and why Australia, instead of other countries offering the course. You should include information on all the courses that you have been enrolled in, are currently enrolled in and are intending to enrol in at the university of your choice, e.g. English, Diploma, Degree and Master programs.

You should include:

  • how the course/s you’re intending to enrol is related to previous qualifications and /or employment.

  • the relevance of the course/s to your future career and/or educational plans

  • the type of employment you will be looking for after the completion of your studies and which country you intend to work

  • the possible salary increase with your intended qualification

  • potential employers you have contacted in your home country

  • information about other countries (including Australia if applicable) that you hope to move to for work upon graduation

  • a list of career opportunities that you would be eligible for upon graduation (you can include evidence from employment websites, research and company websites)

  • info on salaries that companies are currently offering for similar roles (evidence from company and job websites)

  • a business plan and supporting documents if you are pursuing study in Australia for the purpose of starting a business when you return to your home country

Factors that will be considered by the Department of Home Affairs include:

  • level of knowledge of the proposed course and education provider

  • precious study and qualifications

  • the relevance of the course to proposed future employment in your home country or a third country

3) Academic progression

If you had a gap in your previous study, explain the reasons why you didn’t maintain your enrolment:

Some likely situations include:

  • you’re applying to extend your current visa as a result of failing to pass subjects in your current degree

  • you’re applying to extend your current visa because you were medically unfit to complete the course

For situations like the ones described above, ensure you provide full details explaining the circumstances and include all supporting documents to support your claim.

4) Why Australia

Explain the reasoning behind why you have chosen Australia. You should provide details of your living arrangements while in Australia, details of your partner/spouse, children, siblings, relatives or friends who are in Australia, especially if you are living with any of them.

Factors that will be considered by the Department of Home Affairs include:

  • family ties that offer a strong reason for you to stay in Australia

  • financial stability to pay for your stay (cost of living, course and travel expenses) in Australia

  • past study history and qualifications

  • expected salary and other benefits that you will gain if you got your qualifications from the proposed course of study

  • if you paid all your debts to the Australian Government

5) Employment Evidences

Provide evidence of any employment you had while in Australia.

Include:

  • the name of your employer, period of employment, the position held, salary paid

  • attach any work certificates issued by your employer, payslips and bank statements showing salary payments received from your employer

6) Immigration history

Share if you have had any previous visa applications for Australia or other countries, visa refusals, and cancellations, if applicable.

Documentation

All claims made through your GTE must be supported with documentary evidence. IDP counsellors have been through this process many times before with students like you, so a few pointers from someone with experience may save you many hours and worries. If you need support, send an enquiry and we’ll be in touch.

Source: Department of Home Affairs