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Writer's pictureBWONDER AGENCY

What to Do If Your Visa Is Refused?


Student Visa Refused

Hello! If you're reading this, you'll probably be excited about starting your educational adventure overseas. But what happens if, amidst all the preparations, you receive the news that your visa has been refused? It's a challenging situation, but you're not alone. This article will provide critical information on how refunds are managed if your visa is not approved before and after you start your course.


Visa Refusal Before Course Commencement

Imagine that, like Julia, you've paid a significant amount for your tuition and other related expenses, but just before starting your course, you receive the dreaded visa refusal notification. The good news is that, according to Section 9, your provider is obligated to refund all course fees, less a small deduction for administrative costs.


Practical Example:

Julia lives in Germany and has paid $15,000 in tuition fees and $5,000 in non-tuition fees for a course starting in April. In January, the Department of Immigration notified her that her visa had been refused. Julia informed her provider and withdrew from the course before it started. Now, her provider must calculate her refund according to Section 9 of the refund specification.


Julia's Refund Calculation:


  1. Total Course Fee: To calculate the total course fee, we sum the tuition and non-tuition fees. In Julia's case:

    • Tuition Fees: $15,000

    • Non-Tuition Fees: $5,000

Therefore:

Total Course Fee=Tuition Fees + Non-Tuition Fees

 Total Course Fee=$15,000 + $5,000=$20,000


  1. Deductions: Now, the provider can deduct an amount from this total fee to cover administrative costs. The deduction can be:

    • 5% of the total course fee:

      • 5% of $20,000 is $1,000.

    • A fixed amount of $500. (The fixed amount of $500 is part of the refund policy to cover administrative costs. This means that, regardless of the situation, the provider can retain up to $500 to compensate for the expenses incurred in managing the enrolment process and other education-related costs.)

The provider will take the lesser of these two deductions.


  1. Refund Amount: Finally, to calculate the refund that Julia will receive, we subtract the lesser deduction from the total course fee:

Refund=Total Course Fee−Lesser Deduction

Refund=$20,000−$500=$19,500

So, in summary, Julia will receive a refund of $19,500 after the deduction of $500, ensuring that most of her investment is protected.


Visa Refusal After Course Commencement


But what happens if you've already started your course and then receive notification of a visa refusal? This is where Section 10 comes into play. This case can be a bit more complicated as it seeks to balance your rights as a student with those of the educational institution.


Practical Example:

Rani, who lives in Sydney, began her VET Diploma, and after two weeks of classes, her visa was refused. Although her course cost $10,000, Rani will only be able to receive a refund of $4,500 for the uncompleted weeks of the course, as she has already used the materials and incurred related costs. This means that, while the situation is difficult, you will receive a partial refund for what you haven't used.


Practical Example of Visa Appeal


Lucas is a student from Colombia who arrived in Australia on a student visa to pursue a vocational program. After a few months of classes, he received a notification from the Department of Immigration informing him that his visa had been denied due to issues related to the documentation submitted.


Steps Lucas Can Follow to Appeal the Decision:


  1. Review the Visa Denial Notification

  2. Gather Documentation

  3. Prepare the Appeal

  4. Submit the Appeal

  5. Wait for the Decision

  6. Follow the outcome of the Appeal


What Should You Do If You Find Yourself in This Situation?


  1. Get Informed: Familiarise yourself with Sections 9 and 10 of the refund specification. To delve into the legal details, you can find the sections of the law regarding refunds here: https://internationaleducation.gov.au/Regulatory-Information/Documents/Fact%20Sheet%20ESOS%20refund%20specification%2040714%20(2).pdf  Knowing this information will help you be better prepared for any eventualities.

  2. Documentation: Ensure you have all necessary documentation, such as payment receipts and the visa notification.

  3. Consider Other Options: If your visa has been refused, assess whether you can appeal the decision. If you're in Australia, you can apply for an appeal!


BWonder Agency: Your Ally in the Process


At BWonder Agency, we support you from start to finish. If you are our student, we will help you through the entire process. If your visa has been refused, you may want to consider appealing the decision. Keep in mind that this option is available only for those who are in Australia.


However, it's important to note that we do not provide migration advice at BWonder Agency. We focus on assisting you with the administrative processes related to your education, including managing refunds and providing support during the appeal process. And if you're not our student, don't hesitate to contact us! We're here to support you every step of the way and ensure you receive the assistance you need.


A visa refusal can be a discouraging experience, but remember that there are policies in place to protect your interests as an international student. Feel free to contact us if you need assistance—BWonder Agency is here to help! The educational adventure continues, and many more opportunities are waiting for you.


Do you have questions or experiences to share? We'd love to hear your story in the comments!

 

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