Streamlined visa processing (SVP) arrangements will be extended to eligible advanced diploma level students with 55 new SVP providers commencing from 23 November 2014. 

SVP arrangements were so far available to Universities and other select education providers for their bachelor, master's or doctorate degree courses. Under the SVP arrangements student visa applications from select education providers are assessed as assessment level 1 even if they are from assessment level 3 countries.

These institutions are considered 'low- risk providers' and the latest additions to the list have been specified in the the latest instrument Migration Regulations 1994 - Specification of Eligible Education Providers and Educational Business Partners - IMMI 14/075 found here: http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2014L01511

This will come as a refreshingly welcome news to the international education sector who have been complaining about the VET courses being treated unfairly with only degree level courses from certain education providers being given SVP status.

Immigration Minister Mr Scott Morrison announced the intention to allow SVP to these new providers earlier this year saying that it, "will enable eligible education providers in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector and higher education sector to directly access SVP. This will make study in Australia even more attractive to overseas students, while at the same time ensuring that immigration risk is appropriately managed."

Education Minister Chris Pyne added that these changes will substantially benefit Australia's high-quality VET and higher education sectors, supporting the sustainable growth of Australia's international education industry while providing a vital boost to the economy.

 

'The number of international students seeking to study in Australia continues to rebound positively, with an increase of over 27 per cent in the number of visas granted to offshore applicants in the 2013-14 programme year,' Minister Pyne said.

  

'Extending SVP arrangements will help capitalise on these trends, reducing red tape and helping to attract further students from overseas.'

  

You can access the list of the latest additions to the SVP list here.

 

Try the Archives of IMMIGRATIONews, that should do the trick.