There are hundreds of student stuck overseas waiting for months to return to Australia to resume their studies. However, in order to travel to Australia, an international student require an exemption for travel. The following are few guidelines issued by the Australian Border Force (ABF) commissioner under which an international student may be eligible for travel exemption :
1. People who are enrolled in an Australian education institution as a PhD research student, regardless of the visa type held. Any request from a PhD research student should include evidence of support from a relevant Government agency outlining why the research is considered essential and in Australia’s national interest and how their role is critical to the research.
2. Year 11/12 students (only where a letter of support from their Australian school and the relevant state or territory health authority is provided).
3. a student in your final two years of study of a medical, dental, nursing or allied health profession university degree, where you have evidence of a confirmed placement in an Australian hospital or medical practice which begins within the next two months.
4. Students who are in their final two years of study of a medical, dental, nursing or Allied Health Profession university degree, where they have evidence of a confirmed placement in an Australian hospital or medical practice which commences within the next two months. Allied Health Professions include: Arts therapy, audiology, chiropractic, diagnostic radiographer/medical imaging technologist, dietetics, exercise physiology, genetic counselling, music therapy, occupational therapy, optometry, orthoptics, orthotics/prosthetics, osteopathy, perfusion, physiotherapy, podiatry, psychology, rehabilitation counselling, social work, sonography and speech pathology.
5. travelling for compassionate and compelling reasons.
6. The immediate family member of a non-citizen with critical skills in Australia, where the person in Australia holds a temporary or provisional visa. The impact to Australia should be considered – including if there is a high risk that the person with critical skills will depart Australia if they are unable to reunite with their immediate family member. Objective evidence of the ongoing criticality of the relevant skill from a state or territory government should be given considerable weight.
7. The partner of a person who is in Australia and in the final trimester of their pregnancy or otherwise due to give birth.
8. Cases demonstrating strong compassionate circumstances that, if not taken into account, would result in serious, ongoing and irreversible harm and continuing hardship to the family unit.
9. Compassionate circumstances regarding the age and/or health and/or psychological state of the person that, if not taken into account, would result in serious, ongoing and irreversible harm and continuing hardship to the person.
10. Strong economic, scientific, cultural or other benefit to Australia would result from the person being permitted to enter Australia. Support from a state, territory or Commonwealth government authority should be given considerable weight.
11. People with critical skills, including nurses, doctors, medical specialists, engineers, marine pilots and crews. Skills must be critical to Australia’s COVID-19 response or economic recovery. Evidence of current employment in Australia must be provided. Any evidence of support for the applicant from a State, Territory or Commonwealth government authority will be considered favourably. Consideration should include any beneficial economic, health, social or employment outcomes for Australian citizens
In order to receive a successful outcome of your travel exemption application, you must ensure that an evidence based, organised and strong submissions are put forward to satisfy the delegate so that the delegate is able to use their discretion in your favour. We can help you with writing a detailed submission according to your instructions and the evidence provided.
Contact us for a consultation in relation to your Travel Exemption Application. We will assess your circumstances and evidence whether you have a reasonable chance for a successful outcome for your travel exemption application.
