Starting 1 July 2024, holders of certain visas, including Visitor and Temporary Graduate visas, will no longer be able to apply for Student visas while in Australia. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Details
Restricted Onshore Applications: Holders of Visitor visas (Subclass 600), Temporary Graduate visas (Subclass 485), and other specified visas cannot apply for Student visas while in Australia.
Temporary Graduates: At the end of their visa, temporary graduates should either depart Australia or explore job opportunities that may lead to employer-sponsored visas or permanent residency if they wish to stay in the country.
Unaffected Visa Holders: Holders of Working Holiday Maker visas (Subclass 417) and Work and Holiday visas (Subclass 462) are not affected by these changes.
Pre-July 2024 Applications: Student visa applications lodged in Australia before 1 July 2024 will still be processed.
Offshore Applications: Applicants must apply for Student visas from outside Australia and can travel to Australia to wait for the visa outcome, ensuring they hold a visa that permits entry and stay in Australia during that time. Compliance with visa conditions, including work and study limitations, is essential.
No Bridging Visas: Offshore Student visa applicants cannot obtain Bridging visas to stay in Australia while their applications are processed.
Study on Visitor Visas: Visitor visa holders can continue to study for up to three months. For longer study periods, a Student visa must be obtained from outside Australia.
Affected Visa Subclasses The following visa holders cannot apply for a Student visa while in Australia:
Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485)
Visitor (Subclass 600)
Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601)
Medical Treatment (Subclass 602)
eVisitor (Subclass 651)
Maritime Crew (Subclass 988) Additionally, it is already not possible to make a valid Student visa application from the following visa types:
Temporary Work (Subclass 403) International Relations – Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream
Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Diplomatic or Consular (Subclass 426)
Transit (Subclass 771)
Diplomatic Temporary (Subclass 995) – primary visa holders only
Reason for the Change
This change addresses the issue of 'permanent temporariness,' where individuals extend their stay through successive visa applications without meeting permanent residency criteria. It is part of broader reforms in the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy aimed at maintaining the integrity of the international education system and supporting genuine students.
Applying for a Student Visa
Early Offshore Application: Begin your Student visa application early from offshore and stay informed about any changes via the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.
Genuine Student Requirement: Ensure your study plans clearly demonstrate course progression to meet the Genuine Student Requirement as part of your visa application.
These changes reflect the Australian Government's commitment to supporting genuine students while closing loopholes that compromise the system's integrity. Source: Australia, Immigration Home Affaiirs
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