1827363 (Migration)

[2020] AATA 3836

1827363 (Migration) [2020] AATA 3836 (1 July 2020)

DECISION RECORD

DIVISION:Migration & Refugee Division

CASE NUMBER:  1827363

MEMBER:Steven Griffiths

DATE:1 July 2020

PLACE OF DECISION:  Adelaide

DECISION:The Tribunal remits the application for a Student (Temporary) (Class TU) visa for reconsideration, with the direction that the applicant meets the following criteria for a Subclass 500 (Student) visa:

·cl.500.212 of Schedule 2 to the Regulations.

Statement made on 01 July 2020 at 2:03pm

CATCHWORDS

MIGRATION – Student (Temporary) (Class TU) visa – Subclass 500 (Student) – genuine temporary entrant – intention to complete advanced diploma – longstanding job offer in Malaysia – decision under review remitted

LEGISLATION

Migration Act 1958 (Cth), ss 65, 359, 360

Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 2, cl 500.212

Any references appearing in square brackets indicate that information has been omitted from this decision pursuant to section 378 of the Migration Act 1958 and replaced with generic information

STATEMENT OF DECISION AND REASONS

APPLICATION FOR REVIEW

1. This is an application for review of a decision made by a delegate of the Minister for Home Affairs on 3 September 2018 to refuse to grant the applicant a Student (Temporary) (Class TU) visa under s.65 of the Migration Act 1958 (the Act).

2. The applicant applied for the visa on 13 June 2018. At the time of application, Class TU contained two subclasses: Subclass 500 (Student) and Subclass 590 (Student Guardian). The applicant applied for the visa to undertake study in Australia and does not claim to meet the criteria for a Subclass 590 (Student Guardian) visa.

3. The delegate in this case refused to grant the visa on the basis that the applicant did not satisfy the requirements of cl.500.212 of Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994 (the Regulations).

4. On 24 March 2020 the Tribunal wrote to the applicant pursuant to s.359(2) of the Act, inviting the applicant to provide all relevant information about the course(s) of study he is undertaking and his entry and stay in Australia as a student in writing. The invitation was sent to the applicant by email [and] advised that, if the information was not provided in writing by 7 April 2020, the Tribunal may make a decision on the review without taking further steps to obtain the information and the applicant would lose any entitlement he might otherwise have had under the Act to appear before the Tribunal to give evidence and present arguments.

5. The Tribunal notes a response to the s.359(2) of the Act request for information was received on 7 April 2020.

6. On 22 May 2020 the Tribunal wrote to the applicants inviting them to a hearing, pursuant to s.360(1) of the Act, scheduled for 1 July 2020.

7. The applicant appeared before the Tribunal on 1 July 2020 to give evidence, respond to questions and present arguments. The hearing was conducted with the assistance of an interpreter in the Mandarin and English languages.  

8. The Tribunal exercised its discretion to hold the hearing by telephone. The hearing was held during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tribunal determined it was reasonable to hold a hearing by telephone, having regard to the nature of this matter and the individual circumstances of the applicants. The Tribunal also had regard to the Tribunal’s objective of providing a mechanism of review that is fair, just, economical and quick, and the delay to the matter if the hearing was not to be conducted by telephone. No concerns were raised by the parties on holding a telephone hearing and the Tribunal is satisfied that the applicants were given a fair opportunity to give evidence and present arguments.  

9. For the following reasons, the Tribunal has concluded that the matter should be remitted for further consideration.

   CONSIDERATION OF CLAIMS AND EVIDENCE

10. The criteria for a Subclass 500 (Student) visa are set out in Part 500 of Schedule 2 to the Regulations. The primary criteria in cl.500.211 to cl.500.218 must be satisfied by at least one applicant.

11. The Tribunal notes the delegate’s decision was based around compliance with cl.500.212 of the Regulations, being if the applicant was a genuine temporary applicant for entry and stay as a student.

12. Clause 500.212 states the following must be satisfied:-

    The applicant is a genuine applicant for entry and stay as a student because:

    (a)the applicant intends genuinely to stay in Australia temporarily, having regard to:

    (i)the applicant’s circumstances; and

    (ii)the applicant’s immigration history; and

    (iii)if the applicant is a minor—the intentions of a parent, legal guardian or spouse of the applicant; and

    (iv)any other relevant matter; and

    (b)the applicant intends to comply with any conditions subject to which the visa is granted, having regard to:

    (i)the applicant’s record of compliance with any condition of a visa previously held by the applicant (if any); and

    (ii)the applicant’s stated intention to comply with any conditions to which the visa may be subject; and

    (c)of any other relevant matter.

13. In considering whether the applicant satisfies cl.500.212(a), the Tribunal must have regard to Direction No.69, ‘Assessing the genuine temporary entrant criterion for Student visa and Student Guardian visa applications’, made under s.499 of the Act. This Direction, which is attached to this decision, requires the Tribunal to have regard to a number of specified factors in relation to:

    ·the applicant’s circumstances in their home country, potential circumstances in Australia, and the value of the course to the applicant’s future;

    ·the applicant’s immigration history, including previous applications for an Australian visa or for visas to other countries, and previous travel to Australia or other countries;

    ·if the applicant is a minor, the intentions of a parent, legal guardian or spouse of the applicant; and

    ·any other relevant information provided by the applicant, or information otherwise available to the decision maker, including information that may be either beneficial or unfavourable to the applicant.

14. The Direction indicates that the factors specified should not be used as a checklist but rather, are intended only to guide decision makers when considering the applicant’s circumstances as a whole, in reaching a finding about whether the applicant satisfies the genuine temporary entrant criterion.

15. The Tribunal has read and had regard to information provided by the applicant to the Department. The Tribunal has also read and had regard to the delegate’s decision record, a copy of which was provided to the Tribunal by the primary applicant with his application for review.

16. The Tribunal has read and had regard to information provided by the applicant to the Tribunal on 7 April 2020 as a response to the s.359(2) of the Act request for information, which includes:-

    (a)Arrived in Australia [in] March 2018 on a Visitor 601 Visa.

    (b)Completed a Certificate lV in Marketing and Communication in July 2019.

    (c)Commenced a Diploma of Marketing and Communication in July 2019 that is to be completed in July 2020.

    (d)Will commence an Advance Diploma of Marketing and Communication in July 2020 that will be completed in January 2022.

    (e)Australian Government, Department of Education and Training, Overseas Student Confirmation-of-Enrolment, Certificate lV in Marketing and Communication, 9/7/18 to 7/7/19.

    (f)Australian Government, Department of Education and Training, Overseas Student Confirmation-of-Enrolment, Diploma of Marketing and Communication, 8/7/19 to 5/7/20.

    (g)Australian Government, Department of Education and Training, Overseas Student Confirmation-of-Enrolment, Advance Diploma of Marketing and Communication, 7/7/20 to 3/1/22.

    (h)Submission by the applicant dated 25/5/18.

    (i)Marriage Certificate

    (j)Job offer in Malaysia dated 26/3/20.

    (k)Malaysian school leaving certificates

    (l)Graduation Certificate for completion of Certificate lV in Marketing and Communication, dated 7/7/19.

17. The applicant is [an age]-year-old male citizen of Malaysia who arrived in Australia [in] February 2016 on a Visitor 601 Visa granted 28/1/16 and to cease 28/1/17. He left Australia [date]/2/16, was granted another 601 Visa on 9/9/17 and to cease 13/6/18 and returned to Australia [date]/11/17. He has been on a WA-010 and the WB-020 Bridging Visa from 13/6/18.

18. The Tribunal notes the applicant has travelled four times for a total of approximately 101 days since arriving on [date]/11/17.

19. The Tribunal accepts the documented and oral evidence of the applicant that he completed a Certificate lV in Marketing and Communication in July 2019.

20. The Tribunal accepts the documented and oral evidence of the applicant that he will complete a Diploma of Marketing and Communication in July 2020.

21. The Tribunal accepts the documented and oral evidence of the applicant that he will commence an Advance Diploma of Marketing and Communication in July 2020, with the course to be completed in January 2022.

22. The Tribunal accepts the oral evidence of the applicant that he wanted to undertake his overseas studies in Australia as he wished to improve his English language knowledge and skills and the qualifications gained will significantly improve his job opportunities and expected remuneration.

23. The Tribunal accepts the documented and oral evidence of the applicant that he has a long-standing job offer from a company owned by a friend in Malaysia, to commence with them immediately upon his completion of studies in Australia.

24. The Tribunal accepts the documented and oral evidence of the applicant that he married a citizen of Thailand in May 2016, and that she has twice sought permission visit him in Australia but the visa applications have been refused, and he is very keen to complete his studies and return to Malaysia to be with his wife and family and commence his promised job.

25. The Tribunal accepts the documented and oral evidence of the applicant that he does not work rights in Australia and is supported by his parents in Malaysia and sister in Australia to ensure that his living expenses and tuition costs are met.

26. The Tribunal accepts the documented and oral evidence of the applicant that he has continued to study at all times since the Refusal Decision for his student visa application, as he wishes to complete his studies as intended in January 2022 and return to his life in Malaysia.

27. The Tribunal accepts the oral evidence of the applicant that he and has daily contact with his wife and family in Malaysia.    

28. On the basis of the above, the Tribunal is satisfied that the applicant intends genuinely to stay in Australia temporarily. Accordingly, the applicant meets cl.500.212(a).

29. In accordance with the ministerial direction, the Tribunal asked the applicant of any circumstances in Malaysia that may induce him to apply for a student visa as a means of remaining in Australia indefinitely. The applicant provided oral evidence to the Tribunal that there are not any reasons why he cannot return to Malaysia and that he does not have any issues concerning military service, political or civil unrest.

30. There is no particular evidence regarding the applicant’s circumstances in her home country relevant to others in that country and the Tribunal makes no findings concerning the applicant in that respect. 

31. For the applicant to meet cl.500.212(b), the Tribunal must be satisfied that the applicant intends to comply with any conditions subject to which the visa is granted, having regard to the applicant’s record of compliance with any condition of any visa they previously held, and the applicant’s stated intention to comply with any conditions to which the visa may be subject.

32. A visa granted to an applicant who meets the primary criteria must have the following conditions imposed (cl.500.611(1)): 8105 (work limitation), 8202 (enrolment/course progress/course attendance), 8501 (health insurance), 8516 (continue to satisfy criteria), 8517 (dependents’ education), 8532 (arrangements for under 18s) and 8533 (notify address/education provider).

33. The Tribunal accepts the oral evidence of the applicant having a student private health insurance policy in place to 3 March 2022.

34. The Tribunal accepts the oral evidence of the applicant that he has at all times complied with no work conditions imposed.

35. On the basis of the above, the Tribunal is satisfied that the applicant intends to comply with the conditions subject to which the visa is granted as required by cl.500.212(b).

36. Accordingly, the Tribunal is satisfied that the applicant is a genuine applicant for entry and stay as a student as required by cl.500.212.

37. Given the above findings, the appropriate course is to remit the application for the visa to the Minister to consider the remaining criteria for a Subclass 500 (Student) visa.

    DECISION

38. The Tribunal remits the application for a Student (Temporary) (Class TU) visa for reconsideration, with the direction that the applicant meets the following criteria for a Subclass 500 (Student) visa:

    ·cl.500.212 of Schedule 2 to the Regulations.

    Steven Griffiths
    Member

    
    

    Attachment – Direction No.69

    DIRECTION NUMBER 69 – ASSESSING THE GENUINE TEMPORARY ENTRANT CRITERION FOR STUDENT VISA AND STUDENT GUARDIAN VISA APPLICATIONS

    (Section 499)

    I, PETER DUTTON, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection give this Direction under section 499 of the Migration Act 1958 (the Act).

    Dated: 18 April 2016

    Peter Dutton

    
    

    Minister for Immigration and Border Protection

    Note: Section 499(1) of the Act empowers the Minister to give a written direction to a person or body having functions or powers under the Act if the directions are about the performance of those functions; or the exercise of those powers. Under section 499(2) of the Act, the direction must not be inconsistent with the Act or the Migration Regulations 1994. Under section 499(2A) of the Act, the person or body must comply with the Direction.

    Part 1 of Direction No. 69 - Preliminary

    Name of Direction

    This Direction is Direction No. 69 - Assessing the genuine temporary entrant criterion for Student visa and Student Guardian visa applications.

    It may be cited as Direction No. 69.

    Commencement

    This Direction commences on 1 July 2016.

    Interpretation

    Act means the Migration Act 1958.

    Genuine temporary entrant means a person who satisfies the genuine temporary entrant criterion for Student visa or Student Guardian visa applications.

    Genuine temporary entrant criterion refers to clause 500.212(a), 500.312(a) and 590.215(a) at Schedule 2 to the Regulations.

    Home country has the same meaning as the definition of that term in regulation 1.03 in Part 1 of the Regulations.

    Regulations mean the Migration Regulations 1994.

    Relative has the same meaning as the definition of that term in regulation 1.03 in Part 1 of the Regulations.

    Spouse has the same meaning as the definition of the term in section 5F of the Act.

    Student visa means a Subclass 500 (Student) visa

    Student Guardian visa means a Subclass 590 (Student Guardian) visa.

    Application

    This Direction applies to delegates performing functions or exercising powers under section 65 of the Act in relation to assessing an applicant’s temporary entrant criterion for Student visa applications in Schedule 2 to the Regulations.

    This Direction also applies to members of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal who review the decisions of primary decision-makers in relation to a Student visa or a Student Guardian visa application.

    The genuine temporary entrant criterion must be satisfied by all applicants who make an application for either a Student visa seeking to satisfy the primary criteria for a Student Guardian visa.

    Preamble

    The Australian Government operates a student visa programme that enables people who are not Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents to undertake study in Australia. A person who wants to undertake a course of study under the student visa programme must obtain a student visa before they can commence a course of study in Australia.  A successful applicant must be both a genuine temporary entrant and a genuine student.

    An applicant who is a genuine temporary entrant will have circumstances that support a genuine intention to temporarily enter and remain in Australia, notwithstanding the potential for this intention to change over time to an intention to utilise lawful means to remain in Australia for an extended period of time or permanently.

    The genuine temporary entrant criterion for Student visa applications requires the Minister to be satisfied that the applicant intends genuinely to stay in Australia temporarily, having regard to:

    a.the applicant’s circumstances; and

    b.the applicant’s immigration history; and

    c.if the applicant is a minor — the intentions of a parent, legal guardian or spouse of the applicant; and

    d.any other relevant matter.

    This Direction provides guidance to decision makers on what factors require consideration when assessing the above paragraphs a to d, to determine whether the applicant genuinely intends to stay in Australia temporarily.

    Decision makers must take a reasonable and balanced approach between the need to make a timely decision on a Student visa or Student Guardian visa application and the need to identify those applicants who, at time of decision, do not genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily

    Part 2 of Direction No. 69 - Directions

    Assessing the genuine temporary entrant criterion

    1.Decision makers should not use the factors specified in this Direction as a checklist. The listed factors are intended only to guide decision makers when considering the applicant’s circumstances as a whole, in reaching a finding about whether the applicant satisfies the genuine temporary entrant criterion.

    2.Decision makers should assess whether, on balance, the genuine temporary entrant criterion is satisfied, by:

    a.considering the applicant against all factors specified in this Direction; and

    b.considering any other relevant information provided by the applicant (or information otherwise available to the decision maker).

    3.Decision makers may request additional information and/or further evidence from the applicant to demonstrate that they are a genuine temporary entrant, where closer scrutiny of the applicant's circumstances is considered appropriate.

    4.Circumstances where further scrutiny may be appropriate include but are not limited to:

    a.information in statistical, intelligence and analysis reports on migration fraud and immigration compliance compiled by the department indicates the need for further scrutiny;

    b.the applicant or a relative of the applicant has an immigration history of reasonable concern;

    c.the applicant intends to study in a field unrelated to their previous studies or employment; and

    d.apparent inconsistencies in information provided by the applicant in their Student visa application.

    5.An application for a Student visa or a Student Guardian visa should be refused if, after weighing up the applicant’s circumstances, immigration history and any other relevant matter, the decision maker is not satisfied that the applicant genuinely intends a temporary stay in Australia.

    The applicant’s circumstances

    6.Decision makers should have regard to the applicant’s circumstances in their home country and the applicant’s potential circumstances in Australia.

    7.For primary applicants of Subclass 500 Student visas, decision makers should have regard to the value of the course to the applicant’s future.

    8.Weight should be placed on an applicant’s circumstances that indicate that the Student visa or Student Guardian visa is intended primarily for maintaining residence in Australia.

    The applicant’s circumstances in their home country

    9.When considering the applicant’s circumstances in their home country, decision makers should have regard to the following factors:

    a.whether the applicant has reasonable reasons for not undertaking the study in their home country or region if a similar course is already available there. Decision makers should allow for any reasonable motives established by the applicant;

    b.the extent of the applicant’s personal ties to their home country (for example family, community and employment) and whether those circumstances would serve as a significant incentive to return to their home country;

    c.economic circumstances of the applicant that would present as a significant incentive for the applicant not to return to their home country. These circumstances may include consideration of the applicant’s circumstances relative to the home country and to Australia;

    d.military service commitments that would present as a significant incentive for the applicant not to return to their home country; and

    e.political and civil unrest in the applicant’s home country. This includes situations of a nature that may induce the applicant to apply for a Student visa or Student Guardian visa as means of obtaining entry to Australia for the purpose of remaining indefinitely. Decision makers should be aware of the changing circumstances in the applicant’s home country and the influence these may have on an applicant’s motivations for applying for a Student visa or a Student Guardian visa.

    10.Decision makers may have regard to the applicant’s circumstances in their home country relative to the circumstances of others in that country.

    The applicant’s potential circumstances in Australia

    11.In considering the applicant’s potential circumstances in Australia, decision makers should have regard to the following factors:

    a.The applicant’s ties with Australia which would present as a strong incentive to remain in Australia. This may include family and community ties;

    b.evidence that the student visa programme is being used to circumvent the intentions of the migration programme;

    c.whether the Student visa or Student Guardian visa is being used to maintain ongoing residence;

    dwhether the primary and secondary applicant(s) have entered into a relationship of concern for a successful Student visa outcome. Where a decision maker determines that an applicant and dependant have contrived their relationship for a successful Student visa outcomes, the decision maker may find that both applicants do not satisfy the genuine temporary entrant criterion; and

    e.the applicant’s knowledge of living in Australia and their intended course of study and the associated education provider; including previous study and qualifications, what is a realistic level of knowledge an applicant is expected to know and the level of research the applicant has undertaken into their proposed course of study and living arrangements.

    Value of the course to the applicant’s future

    12.Decision makers should have regard to the following factors when considering the value of the course to the applicant’s future:

    a.whether the student is seeking to undertake a course that is consistent with their current level of education and whether the course will assist the applicant to obtain employment or improve employment prospects in their home country. Decision makers should allow for reasonable changes to career or study pathways; and

    b.relevance of the course to the student’s past or proposed future employment either in their home country or a third country; and

    c.remuneration the applicant could expect to receive in the home country or a third country, compared with Australia, using the qualifications to be gained from the proposed course of study.

    The applicant's immigration history

    13.An applicant’s immigration history refers both to their visa and travel history.

    14.When considering the applicant’s immigration history, decision makers should have regard to the following factors:

    a.Previous visa applications for Australia or other countries, including:

    i.if the applicant previously applied for an Australian temporary or permanent visa, whether those visa applications are yet to be finally determined (within the meaning of subsection 5(9) of the Act), were granted, or grounds on which the application(s) were refused; and

    ii.if the applicant has previously applied for visa(s) to other countries, whether the applicant was refused a visa and the circumstances that led to visa refusal.

    b.Previous travels to Australia or other countries, including:

    i.if the applicant previously travelled to Australia, whether they complied with the conditions of their visa and left before their visa ceased, and if not, were there circumstances beyond their control;

    ii.whether the applicant previously held a visa that was cancelled or considered for cancellation, and the associated circumstances;

    iii.the amount of time the applicant has spent in Australia and whether the Student visa or Student Guardian visa may be used primarily for maintaining ongoing residence, including whether the applicant has undertaken a series of short, inexpensive courses, or has been onshore for some time without successfully completing a qualification; and

    iv.if the applicant has travelled to countries other than Australia, whether they complied with the migration laws of that country and the circumstances around any non-compliance

    If the applicant is a minor— the intentions of a parent, legal guardian or spouse of the applicant

    15.If the primary or secondary applicant for a Subclass 500 Student visa is a minor, decision makers should have regard to the intentions of a parent, legal guardian or spouse of the applicant.

    Any other relevant matters

    16.Decision makers should also have regard to any other relevant information provided by the applicant (or information otherwise available to the decision maker) when assessing the applicant’s intention to temporarily stay in Australia. This includes information that may be either beneficial or unfavourable to the applicant.