Responding to an enquiry from the Migration Alliance, the Australian High Commission in India has indicated that the PSEB Class 12 result has never been recognised as equivalent to the Australian Year 12 qualification but the DIBP is only now enforcing this requirement because of concerns that ‘some results have been found to be non-genuine or not reflective of a client’s academic ability.’

Here is the response in full:

Dear Mr. Gomez

 

Thanks for your email. Your email has been forwarded to me for response.

 

I can confirm that there has not been a change to our assessment under “Genuine Temporary Entrant” criteria   in relation to PSEB certificate holders.

 

Whilst it is the case that State Education Board Examination results are listed as not necessarily equivalent to year 12 qualifications (and there is no change in that regard), our concern remains primarily that some results have been found to be non-genuine or not reflective of a client’s academic ability.

 

The academic background of a student visa applicant is one of a number of considerations under Ministerial Direction 53 in relation to the assessment of the “Genuine Temporary Entrant” criteria. Please note that holding a PSEB certificate is not, in itself, a reason for refusal as it is a holistic assessment. There are certainly some PSEB certificate holders granted visas.

 

Hope the information is of assistance.

#####Deparment of Immigration and Border Protection Australian High Commission, New Delhi”

Newspapers and politicians in Punjab are now running daily commentaries on the refusal of “hundreds of student visa applications” claiming that the Australian department of immigration has suddenly refused to recognise Class 12 qualifications from the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB).

There are claims that PSEB schools are likely to suffer falls in enrolment as students shop around for recognised examinations. It is estimated that some 25,000 student visas are granted to students from Punjab each year. The pressure is clearly now on for students using the PSEB results to ensure they lodge comprehensive and credible applications to avoid DIBP invoking the PSEB rule.

Always consider using the services of a Registered Migration Agent to get the best results. RMA’s are professional migration advisers who will let you know what you need to provide to support a visa application.