My school is reporting me to the Immigration Department (Department of Home Affairs) – what can I do?
Common Questions and Issues

Case Study 1: My school is going to report me due to my low attendance.

Student A is an international student who is studying Academic English. He was sick recently and was absent for several classes. He has received several warning emails but hasn’t paid much attention to them. Several months later, he has received a warning letter that his school is going to report him to the immigration department (Department of Home Affairs) due to his low attendance.

Questions:

  • Can I still go to class as usual?
  • Is there anything I can do to avoid the school reporting me?
  • What will happen to me after my school reports me to the immigration department?

 

Case Study 2: My school is going to report me due to my poor academic performance.

Student B has been studying Foundation studies hoping to get into university after completion. However, she has failed many subjects including failing one same subject several times. The school has since issued a warning letter that she will be reported to the immigration department due to poor academic performance.

Questions:

  • Can I change to a school that is more suitable for me?
  • Is there anything I can do to avoid the school reporting me?

 

Case Study 3: My school has cancelled my COE.

Student C forgot to pay his tuition fees by the census day and missed subsequent reminders by the school. The school has now cancelled his COE and enrolment.

Questions:

  • What happens to my student visa if my COE is cancelled?
  • What can I do now if I want to continue studying in Australia?

 

Case Study 4: My school is going to report me due to my academic misconduct.

Student D is studying his first year Bachelor’s degree. He has recently been selected by his
lecturer to attend a misconduct investigation as his assignment is very similar to others.

Questions:

  • What is academic misconduct? My friends helped me complete part of my report, is this misconduct?
  • What are the consequence of academic misconduct?
How ACIC can help

All of the above scenarios are quite serious and can have a detrimental impact on both your school enrolment and student visa. You should take action immediately, otherwise, you may risk losing your place at your school and/or your right to stay in Australia (visa).

ACIC is highly experienced in assisting students in these scenarios as we have many case precedents and can offer you the best advice based on your particular situation. We can either help you look for a solution to stay within your school (e.g. appeals process) or help you find a more suitable school. At the same time, we need to make sure you meet all the visa regulations so that your student visa will not be at risk.

Some important tips for international students are:

  • As an international student, there are always some conditions under your student visa that you have to follow as a student visa holder, such as maintain more than 80% attendance.
  • Academic misconduct is taken very seriously in Australia. It includes plagiarism and cheating in the exams. Plagiarism is when you have copied other people’s work or someone helped you complete your work – these behaviours will be treated as misconduct.

If you know you will face potential problems with your student visa, it is best to seek ACIC’s advice as early as possible. The more time you have in advance, the more options will be available to you.

Did you know? ACIC’s education advice and application service is FREE for international students already in Australia as we are an authorised and official representative of the long list of universities and colleges that we work with.

 

Full range of ACIC services
  • Advice on what to do after receiving your school’s warning letter (including attendance, suspension, exclusions, etc)
  • Assistance on how to communicate with your school before any reporting is done
  • Prepare backup study and visa plans so you can continue to study in Australia
  • Visa applications: including FREE onshore visa extensions*
  • Migration and visa advice by our in-house registered Migration Team

*For eligible students

The ACIC Difference

ACIC is recommended by all the top institutions in Australia click here to see video testimonials.

ACIC was established in Australia in 1988 and we now have over 35 years of experience in the Australian education sector. Our experience is unrivalled in the industry and is backed by the 70000+ students whom ACIC have successfully helped enroll in Australian institutions. That’s a lot of experience and knowledge that you can rely on. You can be assured that ACIC will provide you with the best advice.

ACIC has an in-house Migration Team that specialises in helping students with visa problemsNo matter what your circumstances, ACIC can design a plan for you. We have had many successful cases of helping students extend their stay and studies in Australia. 

ACIC focuses exclusively on migration and visa services in Australia (not other countries) so we are a true expert on Australian migration and visas.

All of ACIC’s staff are highly qualified and experienced. They undertake regular training and have the latest course and visa information. Over 85% of our staff at our Head Office have completed a Master’s degree from an Australian university and over 95% have studied at an Australian tertiary institution, so they have first-hand experience of visa processes, work and life in Australia.