Genuine Student Responses: Organising Your Evidence

Understand the current requirement

Home Affairs applies the Genuine Student requirement to Student visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024. Its published guidance asks about current circumstances, the proposed course and provider, the benefit of study and other relevant information. Responses are in English, with a 150-word limit per response, and supporting documents carry weight.

Use a question-to-evidence table

Create a working table with four columns: question, relevant facts, supporting records and information still missing. Keep the notes factual. The table is a preparation method, not a replacement for the application form or an individual assessment.

For a course-choice question, your notes might distinguish what you researched about the course from what you know about the provider and location. For future plans, distinguish a personal goal from an offer or outcome you can document.

Write from the records

• Use your actual education and employment history.
• Explain a course change or study gap consistently with the records available.
• Identify documents that support a factual statement before making it.
• Keep names, dates and course details consistent across your working notes.
• Mark uncertainty for discussion rather than filling it with invented detail.

Keep the answer focused

Answer the question being asked. Remove repetitive introductions and unrelated background before cutting out a fact that helps explain your circumstances. A short answer should remain intelligible without exaggerated claims or copied personal experiences.

Review before submission

Ask a registered migration agent which requirements apply to your circumstances and whether the evidence addresses the relevant questions. Student visa application rules can change; check the current Home Affairs guidance rather than relying on a saved template.

What to bring to TILSAVV

Bring your course and provider details, education history, relevant employment information, visa history and the records behind your proposed answers. We can help you identify questions and organise your preparation. Enrolment or a well-written response does not guarantee a visa.