austlii:cth/FedCFamC2G/2025/1166
General information, not legal advice.
FedCFamC2G
2025-07-23
Mr J
Original judgment source is linked above.
FEDERAL CIRCUIT AND FAMILY COURT OF AUSTRALIA (DIVISION 2)
MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
Note: The form of the order is subject to the entry in the Court's records.
Note: The Court may vary or set aside a judgment or order to remedy minor typographical or grammatical errors (r 17.05(2)(g) Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (General Federal Law) Rules 2021 (Cth)), or to record a variation to the order pursuant to r 17.05 Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (General Federal Law) Rules 2021 (Cth).
(a) that the decision of the Tribunal be quashed;
(b) a writ of mandamus directed to the Tribunal requiring it to determine the Student Visa application according to law;
(c) a writ of prohibition directed to the Minister to prohibit him from giving effect to the Delegate's decision dated 1 April 2021; and
(d) such further order as the Court thinks fit and costs.
500.212
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
I, (Dalvir Kaur) am very much interested in pursuing ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF NETWORKING In Australia. Following is the brief description of my background, my academics, my interest and my aspirations.
'There are many roads to success. The best road is always the toughest'
I belong to a very educated family, where I always learnt that education is not just in order to earn money but it is a way to stay ahead in this competitive world. My parents and my husband are supporting me for my further study of Advanced Diploma of Networking in Pacific Collage of technology.
As a young student in primary school, I used to be completely enraptured by magical word of computers, the playful games its programming and applications in computer always attracts my interest and fascinated me in every aspect of my life. But due to some other reasons I had to take admission in bachelor of Arts in Guru Nanak Girls collage. During Study in Arts my main interest was still in technology. Then after finishing my bachelor I took admission Post Graduation Diploma in Computer application at ORV DAV collage. Where I completed it with 67% Marks.
Then in 2009 by Grace of God I Enrolled in Master of information technology at University of Southern Queensland in Sydney. Then after finishing masters in IT I joined MBA at HOLMES college, to get the knowledge about business in IT. This leads my interest in field of computers. After finishing my MBA, I started searching job but the main challenge was networking. During my masters of information technology studies there wasn't much subjects of networking, So I couldn't develop my knowledge of networking. Most of the companies have the requirement of networking skills. I worked in a company for three months where I found interest in networking. Having a sound of business and IT now I would like to study in Advanced Diploma of Networking, which intendeds to provide me with the opportunity to be a qualified Professional. This Diploma will enhance my Knowledge and skills in networking.
This makes me select the course of Advanced Diploma of Networking at pacific collage of technology which would give an additional boost to my career. The information provided to me by the University, gave me a good insight of the course content, job opportunities and future prospects, after completion of my course. The reason to choose Pacific collage of technology is that, it is fulfilling all my needs of my required study and the bonus point is that, with kids it was hard for me to travel further away from home. This collage is very near to my home town. I am confident that with the strong motivation, hard work and interest for the study, I would be able to make the best of my abilities. I am sure that I can afford my well being while studying In Australia.
I have selected Australia as my destination for advance studies, since it is one of the countries having largest number or International student in the English speaking world. Its qualification and institution are recognized globally for their high quality and excellence. Students from Australia are very successful in getting the job and hold prominent position worldwide. Multicultural Australia is a safe, friendly, sophisticated and harmonious society in which students can easily learn and travel.
With this broad interest and specific goals, I am tempted to undertake Advanced Diploma of Networking at pacific collage of technology. I am sure that after finishing my study in Australia, it will be a career boost in my country to get job and knowledge and exposure gained will help me in building successful career in the field of Information System so I can work in some of Multinational IT Company for the rapid development of my country.
In considering whether an applicant is a genuine applicant for entry and stay as a student, the AAT must have regard to Ministerial Direction No. 69 'Assessing genuine temporary entrant criteria for Student visa and Student guardian visa applications'. A copy of this is attached for your reference.
(Emphasis in the original)
(a) The applicant gave the study history which appears at paragraph 13 of these Reasons.
(b) The applicant said that she chose the education provider for the Australian course she was then studying because:
I choose this education provider because:
- subjects I needed to study was provided by this institute.
- positive and best reviews from friends.
- online classes. Most important in this pandemic situation
- less travel - close to my home, 10 minutes drive only.
(c) As to whether there are similar courses in the applicant's home country, the applicant said:
First of all, these courses are not available in my country as if available without my knowledge than (sic) I know the level of the education provider intitute (sic) or level of education would be very low as compare (sic) to Australian education. I wanted to get a good level of education and Australia is a world known education provider.
(d) The applicant said that she did not study between February and July 2019 following the birth of her second child.
(e) The applicant said that she worked as a waitress at a hotel in Parramatta between 1 December 2014 and 11 January 2015, and in an unpaid information technology position in Sydney between 15 January 2018 and 15 April 2018.
(f) Of her family ties, the applicant said that her parents and two sisters live in India, and that her brother and another sister live in Italy. She last saw her brother in June 2005, her three sisters in December 2011, and her parents in 2019. The applicant said that she communicates with her parents and two of her sisters twice a week. I infer that the sisters with whom she speaks are those who live in India, noting the similarity of telephone numbers for them with the number of her parents. The applicant's husband and two children reside in Australia with the applicant.
(g) Of her community ties in her home country, the applicant said:
Most of my community ties are in India. I am very much attached to my family, relatives, school friends, childhood friends and my neighbours. We used to celebrate cultural programs and festivals together. I am missing Indian weddings. That's why I just want to finish my studies and go back to my home country as soon as possible.
(h) Of her community ties in Australia, the applicant said:
I don't have any family relatives in Australia, but I have some friends and I meet them occasionally, like on kid's birthday parties.
(i) The applicant stated that she owned land in India with an asserted value of about $40,000.
(j) Of her plans, including her employment plans, at the completion of the proposed course of study, and how these courses relate to those plans, the applicant said:
Currently, I am doing graduate certificate in management learning. I always wanted to start my career in IT business sector. With the help of IT and MBA I learned a lot about high level business techniques. But this course teaching me basics which is most important to start a career.
(k) Of the remuneration she expects to receive in her home country using the qualifications she will gain from the proposed study, the applicant said:
If I complete my studies in Australia and get job in my home country than (sic) I must say that it will be much better life than here in Australia. I can get around RS.200,000 monthly salary which is more than enough to live a quality of life as things are much cheaper there as compare (sic) to Australia. Moreover I can meet my family and friends whenever I want to.
(l) The applicant denied any military service commitments or civil or political unrest in her home country.
(a) she belonged to an educated family and understood the value of education. The "importance and relevance" of the course was to "support my career";
(b) she had always had a keen interest in management studies. After completing her Masters of Business Administration, the applicant wanted to pursue further business-related courses "within my local region and internationally". The courses in Strategic Leadership and Management "intends to provide me with the opportunity to be a qualified professional" and "will enhance my knowledge and skills required in the job market";
(c) the courses "will give an additional boost to my career [...] The information provided by the University gave me good insight of the course content, job opportunities and prosects after completion of this course. I am confident that with the strong motivation, hard work and interest for the study, I would be able to make the best of my abilities. The reason for choosing this collage (sic) is that it is fulfilling all of my need of necessary qualification to find a desirable employment";
(d) the college was close to the applicant's home, and she had the financial support of her family;
(e) she chose to study in Australia since it has many English-speaking international students and provides high quality education. She said:
Multicultural Australia is safe, friendly sophisticated and harmonious society in which students can easily learn and travel. I choose a career in this field, which not only supplement the knowledge I possess but also provides a stable platform for my future career goals. In future I have always wanted to work in an international organisation which I can have the chance to see how various cultures that are combined and the possibility of working as a team. Nowadays in India, there are numerous multinational companies looking for international graduates having international exposure. There are even more employment opportunities available after completion of my course.
(f) her study intentions are sincere, she has a good attendance record and wished to complete the courses in which she was then enrolled. The applicant said she was a law-abiding and complied with all visa requirements; and
(g) she was "very confident and ready to take this opportunity towards achieving my career goals".
I am writing in relation to the applications for review made by you in respect of decisions to refuse to grant Student (Temporary) (Class TU) visas.
We have considered the material before us, but we are unable to make a favourable decision on this information alone.
You are invited to appear before the [Tribunal] to give evidence and present arguments relating to the issues arising in your case. We are arranging for you to appear by telephone.
[...]
Please provide at least 7 days before the hearing all documents you intend to rely on to support your case. [...]
In addition, please provide at least 7 days before the hearing date so that a decision can be made as quickly as possible:
- A copy of your current Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) or other document/s that show you are currently enrolled in a course of study as defined in cl 500.111 and as required by cl 500.211(a) of schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994 (the Regulations) for the grant of the visa.
- Documents that show your past studies in Australia, including copies of all your attendance certificates, academic transcripts and certificates of completion as well as documents evidencing any work related to past or intended studies in Australia.
- We will assess whether you are a genuine applicant for entry and stay as a student (which was the reason for the delegate's decision). Relevant to this requirement is a direction from the Minister known as Direction No. 69, a copy of which is attached.
Please provide a written statement addressing the issue of whether you are a genuine applicant for entry and stay as a student by referring to Direction No.69.
In determining whether you are a genuine applicant for entry and stay as a student, we may also have regard to cl.500.212(b) of Schedule 2 to the Regulations. This clause requires that you intend to comply with any conditions subject to which the visa is granted, having regard to your record of compliance with any previous visa conditions and your stated intention to comply with any conditions to which the visa may be subject. Please be prepared to answer any questions the Tribunal may have on this issue and provide any supporting information or documents you may wish to provide to the Tribunal.
(Emphasis added)
(a) "Is there any issue that may affect your ability, or that of any other person participating, to take part in the hearing (e.g. a health problem or disability?";
(b) "Do you believe that you or another person will experience difficulty participating in the hearing or that hearing cannot be conducted as arranged in the hearing invitation?";
(c) "Do you intend to rely on any documents at the hearing e.g., written witness statements, written submissions, country information, or other evidence?"; and
(d) "...that the Member takes oral evidence from another person."
We have received hearing invitation for the above mentioned applicant. According to the hearing request letter, today we have uploaded past study documents. In hearing invitation, it is mentioned that, We (sic) need to submit current enrolment proof. But we have uploaded that document to AAT application on 22-02-2021 as per earlier request. We have also uploaded genuine temporary entrant letter at the same time.
Kindly let us if you are unable to locate those documents; so that we will resubmit it.
(a) value of the course to the applicant's future: the Tribunal did not accept the applicant's oral evidence as to the value of the two VET courses to her future (CB 232 at [32]). It noted that the applicant's evidence as to her employment plans differed between those provided in her s 359 form and at hearing, and found that it could not accept that her Graduate Certificate would be of any real assistance to her finding employment in a multi-national IT company in India when regard was had to the courses she completed in the course of her Master of Business Administration (CB 233 - 235 at [57]-[64]). It also found that the course in Strategic Leadership would be of limited value (CB 235 at [66]-[68]) and that these courses would not materially assist her in finding employment in India (CB 236 at [69]-[75]). > > (b) circumstances in India: the Tribunal found that it was difficult to reconcile the applicant's evidence that she was in touch with her parents in India twice a week with the fact that she had not been back to India since 2011, but was prepared to accept that there was some ongoing contact (CB 233-234 at [51]-[52]). The Tribunal did not accept the applicant's evidence that she was 'much attached' to her family in light of the extensive period of time the applicant and her immediate family remained in Australia without return visits to India (CB 234 at [53]-[55]). The Tribunal acknowledged the applicant's statement that she owned land in India, but noted that she had not provided any corroborative evidence of this (CB 234 at [56]). The Tribunal noted that the applicant had no concerns about military service commitments in India (CB 235 at [65]) but ultimately found that the applicant did not have a strong incentive to return to India (CB 237 at [76]-[81]; CB 238 at [89]-[90]). > > (c) potential circumstances in Australia: the Tribunal found that the applicant had significant personal ties to Australia and that she and her immediate family appeared 'fairly well entrenched' in the Australian community (CB 237 at [82]-[83]). It found that these were 'significant ... profound ties' (CB 237 at [85]). > > (d) immigration history: the Tribunal noted that the applicant had been in Australia for 12.5 years, which was an 'extensive stay' for a genuine temporary student in Australia (CB 238 at [91]). In addition, it noted that she had been granted 'no less than six TU-573 visas' (CB 238 at [92]) and that there was nothing in her immigration history that alleviated the findings the Tribunal had otherwise made (CB 238 at [93]). It concluded that the applicant's immigration history should be 'given weight' (CB 239 at [94]). > > (e) other relevant matters: the Tribunal found that there were no other relevant matters to consider, apart from the fact that she had enrolled in two additional VET courses and had given almost no evidence to justify her enrolment in the Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership course (CB 239 at [96]-[97]).
b. Not considering the evidence that was already before it.
- The tribunal has accordingly breached section 338,348 353 and 357A of the Migration Act by failing to properly review the decision that was before it and further by its failure to act in a way that is fair and just.
- The Tribunal has further breached section 368 of the Migration Act by its failure to provide proper reason for its decision and findings on the material question of fact on which the decision was made.
6. The decision of the Tribunal on 1st April 2021 was and is invalid in that:
- The Second Respondent ("the Tribunal") wrongly held that the visa should be refused.
- The Tribunal reached a mistaken conclusion that the applicant is not a genuine applicant criteria set out under cl.500.212(a), and for that the Tribunal must have regard to Direction No.69, 'Assessing the genuine temporary entrant criterion for a Student visa.
- The Tribunal was mistaken as to its finding there was insufficient evidence to satisfy the primary criteria.
- The Tribunal acted improperly and unreasonably by affirming the decision of the delegate.
*** The Tribunal denied the applicant procedural fairness and/or failed to exercise its jurisdiction by failing to provide the applicant ample opportunity and time to respond to the matter and queries sought by the Tribunal.**
(a) The Tribunal wrote to the applicant on 2 October 2019 inviting her to provide material and written arguments, and enclosing multilingual and other information.
(b) The applicant was invited to provide information in support of her application pursuant to s 359 of the Act and accepted that invitation by way of her Request for Information. The applicant also provided additional documents including study documents and the Statement dated 22 February 2021.
(c) The applicant was invited to appear before the Tribunal at an oral hearing, and she availed herself of this. In her "Response to hearing invitation" dated 29 March 2021, the applicant denied any impediments to the conduct of such hearing.
(d) The applicant appeared at the hearing with the assistance of her representative and gave evidence, as demonstrated by the hearing record as to the applicant taking an affirmation and paragraph 11 of the Tribunal's Decision. The applicant's representative made short oral submissions before the Tribunal, as recorded in paragraph 12 of its Decision.
*** The Tribunal erred in finding that the applicant's visa should be refused and failed to give proper weight and consideration to the earlier documents submitted by the applicant. By doing so, the Tribunal erred jurisdictionally by failing to objectively and dully consider the evidence before it by discounting the evidence before it.**
*** As procedural fairness was not accorded by the Tribunal to the applicant, the Tribunal erroneously concluded that it had to affirm the decision of the delegate, and is accordingly breach of the applicant's right to natural justice by: 1. Failing to explore and make proper enquiries into their erroneous conclusion that the applicant did not meet the requirements of cl.500.212(a) of Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994 (the Regulations).**
b. Not considering the evidence that was already before it.
(a) the duration of the applicant's study history (at paragraphs 48 and 49);
(b) the applicant's reasons for choosing her education provider (at paragraph 50);
(c) the value of the courses of study to the applicant's future (at paragraphs 32, 57-63, 66 to 75 and 97 to 98);
(d) the applicant's likely future remuneration (at paragraph 64);
(e) whether the applicant had any military service commitments in India (at paragraph 65); and
(f) the applicant's visa history (at paragraphs 91 to 96).
*** The tribunal has accordingly breached section 338, 348 353 and 357A of the Migration Act by failing to properly review the decision that was before it and further by its failure to act in a way that is fair and just.**
(a) s 338 contains the definition of a 'Part 5-reviewable decision';
(b) s 348 states that the Tribunal must review a Part 5-reviewable decision that is the subject of a valid review application;
(c) s 353 provides that the Tribunal is not bound by technicalities, legal forms or rules of evidence, and shall act according to substantial justice and the merits of the case; and
(d) s 357A states that Division 5 of Part 5 of the Act is an exhaustive statement of the requirements of the natural justice hearing rule in relation to the matters it deals with.
- The Minister submits that ss 338, 348 and 357A do not confer any discretion or obligation on the Tribunal that could be breached so as to give rise to jurisdictional error.
- Further, s 353 is exhortative in nature and any failure to comply (which is not conceded) would also not give rise to jurisdictional error: Minister for Immigration & Citizenship v Li (2013) 249 CLR 332; [2013] HCA 18 at [53] per Hayne, Kiefel and Bell JJ.
- The applicant has otherwise not particularised the contention that the Tribunal failed to act in a way that was fair and just and the Minister submits that the evidence before the Court does not disclose any apparent breach of the Tribunal's procedural fairness obligations. Accordingly, this ground should be dismissed.
*** The Tribunal has further breached section 368 of the Migration Act by its failure to provide proper reason for its decision and findings on the material question of fact on which the decision was made.**
368D Tribunal's decisions given orally
How and when oral decisions are taken to have been made
(1) A decision on a review that is given orally by the Tribunal is taken to have been made, and notified to the applicant for the review, on the day and at the time the decision is given orally.
Statement in relation to oral decision
(2) If a decision on a review is given orally, the Tribunal must:
(i) describes the decision of the Tribunal on the review; and
(ii) describes the reasons for the decision; and
(iii) describes the findings on any material questions of fact; and
(iv) refers to the evidence or any other material on which the findings of fact were based; and
(v) identifies the day and time the decision is given orally; or
(i) sets out the decision of the Tribunal on the review; and
(ii) sets out the reasons for the decision; and
(iii) sets out the findings on any material questions of fact; and
(iv) refers to the evidence or any other material on which the findings of fact were based; and
(v) records the day and time the decision is given orally.
(3) The Tribunal has no power to vary or revoke the decision after the day and time the decision is given orally.
Written statement to be provided on request of applicant
(4) If the Tribunal makes an oral statement under paragraph (2)(a) and, within the period prescribed by regulation, the applicant makes a written request for the statement to be provided in writing, the Tribunal must:
(a) reduce the oral statement to writing; and
(b) within 14 days after the day the request is received by the Tribunal, give a copy of the written statement:
(i) to the applicant by one of the methods specified in section 379A; and
(ii) to the Secretary by one of the methods specified in section 379B.
Written statement to be provided on request of Minister
(5) If the Tribunal makes an oral statement under paragraph (2)(a) and, at any time after the oral statement is made, the Minister makes a written request for the oral statement to be provided in writing, the Tribunal must:
(a) reduce the oral statement to writing; and
(b) within 14 days after the day the request is received by the Tribunal, give a copy of the written statement:
(i) to the Secretary by one of the methods specified in section 379B; and
(ii) to the applicant by one of the methods specified in section 379A.
Return of documents etc.
(6) After the Tribunal makes a statement under subsection (2), the Tribunal must:
(a) return to the Secretary any document that the Secretary has provided in relation to the review; and
(b) give the Secretary a copy of any other document that contains evidence or material on which the findings of fact were based.
Validity etc. not affected by procedural irregularities
(7) The validity of a decision on a review, and the operation of subsection (3), are not affected by:
(a) a failure to identify or record, under subsection (2), the day and time when the decision was given orally; or
(b) a failure to comply with subsection (4), (5) or (6).
6. The decision of the Tribunal on 1st April 2021 was and is invalid in that:
- The Second Respondent ("the Tribunal") wrongly held that the visa should be refused.
- The Tribunal reached a mistaken conclusion that the applicant is not a genuine applicant criteria set out under cl.500.212(a), and for that the Tribunal must have regard to Direction No.69, 'Assessing the genuine temporary entrant criterion for a Student visa.'
- The Tribunal was mistaken as to its finding there was insufficient evidence to satisfy the primary criteria.
- The Tribunal acted improperly and unreasonably by affirming the decision of the delegate.
(a) the Tribunal Member had made up his mind before the hearing and initially told her that he was not satisfied about the genuine temporary entrant requirement, even though her family had visited;
(b) the Tribunal was not fair to her because the Member said he did not accept that she had family ties in India yet did not ask her to provide anything, such as family photos and proof of the video calls; and
(c) the Tribunal asked her about her family and studies and why she was not a genuine temporary entrant, whereas he should have asked about the applicant's husband's jobs, her jobs, and "about the evidence".
We have considered the material before us, but we are unable to make a favourable decision on this information alone.
I certify that the preceding one hundred and four (104) numbered paragraphs are a true copy of the Reasons for Judgment of Judge Eldershaw.
Kaur
Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs [2025] FedCFamC2G 1166
(1999) 197 CLR 510
(2003) 211 CLR 476
(2006) 228 CLR 152
(2006) 151 FCR 214
(2012) 200 FCR 223
(2015) 238 FCR 158
(2009) 259 ALR 429
(2013) 249 CLR 332