Are subjective student visa refusals coming back?

We have received a case of student visa refusal for analysis. They applied for a 16-week English course, Level 2 country, with a Level 2 provider. Outcome: Refused on Genuine Student (GS) grounds.

Now let’s analyse the reasoning:

Family ties

The case officer acknowledged that the applicant’s partner and three children would remain in their home country but then dismissed this entirely, stating that family members could apply as dependants and join her in Australia because, hypothetically, they might apply for visas they never applied for. 

Professional ties

The applicant has run their own business since 2019. The refusal states that the officer could not determine whether the business would remain viable during a 4-month absence. However, uncertainty is not evidence of risk.

Study benefit

The refusal claims the applicant failed to show how improving English would justify the cost of study, despite clearly explained a logical, commercial justification for their studies. 

So what does this mean?

It’s a reminder that the GS assessment is discretionary. And discretion, when applied conservatively, becomes subjective.

This should pose as a reminder that even the best prepared applications can be scrutinised, and agents and applicants need to rethink how airtight their submissions really are.

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