So basically the main takeaways from the townhall are this. Expect to be there in January, so complete your visa and apply for exemption. There are three possible scenarios 1) they open borders by January 2) they don't open borders by January but you get an exemption 3) you don't get an exemption and they don't open the borders.
Don't get discouraged if you don't get the exemption the first time, just apply again. If you're not granted the exemption then no worries we can do online for semester 1. If you are granted the exemption, come asap. If by second semester you still are not able to get into Australia, you have the three options in the email (defer, graduate with master's, exit)
They will provide official documentation soon and also were recording so keep your eyes out for the official video.
Edit: link for exemption
Travel restrictions | COVID-19 and the border
Also to the people that just interviewed and the people that are waitlisted. The class is currently ful, but don't worry it will most likely change soon if you're still interested.
Edit 2: totally didn't read the forum before posting this so my bad
@FutureDoc9876. To try to best fill in.
The letter of support is something we might apparently need to apply for exemption as I understood it. The reason why it takes so many times is because it depends on the person who is looking at your case, so once you get rejected you should apply again. I guess it's really just a numbers game.
Yeah they said something about doing CBLs and some clinical stuff at Ochsner if the borders don't open by January. We will be asked do come down by Ochsner society (which we will be given at orientation) due to not having enough space for all of us. From my understanding, this means that we will only be in NO for a short time . Like future doc said, the details will be explained once we know for sure the borders are not going to open.
Lastly what futuredoc was referring to was in the case of you getting an exemption and being required to quarantine, they will contribute up to 2k to help up with the cost (I assume in aud). Also, they said they will help us find accomodations after quarantining. Also should note that you will quarantine in whichever part of the country you land in first. So if you land in Adelaide, you will quarantine in Adelaide and then you don't have to quarantine again when you get to Queensland.
Sorry again for not reading posts before, hope this helps