Sector AusAID or Defence Sector. Another significant change to the student visa program on 1 July 2001 was the introduction of assessment levels. Students must provide evidence that satisfies the assessment factor applicable to them before they can be granted a student visa. AL 1 represents the lowest assessment level and AL 5 the highest. Currently, no countries or sectors are ranked AL 5.
Most countries have a mix of assessment levels across sectors.
For example, the United Kingdom is AL 2 for all sectors except the Schools sector, which is AL 3. For example, they may take a short English language proficiency course or a foundation course before their main course begins. Students and their dependants applying for student visas for the first time are not automatically granted permission to work in Australia. They can only apply for permission to work after they arrive in Australia and the student has begun his or her course of study. Work rights are intended only to supplement a student's income rather than be the sole source of funds.