From 1 July 2024, Australia has implemented new visa regulations that will affect many current and prospective visa holders. 

These visa regulations are crucial for those planning to apply for student visas as they aim to streamline the visa application process and maintain the integrity of Australia's education system. For instance, holders of certain temporary visas will no longer be able to apply for student visas onshore, and the maximum eligible age for Temporary Graduate visa applicants has been reduced.

Knowledge is power when navigating new visa regulations in Australia. We have summarised the key changes below, but please refer to the announcement from Study Australia for official updates on Australia’s visa regulations.

Key Information You Need To Know

Several key changes to student visa regulations in Australia will affect the process of applying for student visas in Australia. Here are the critical points for                                 student visa regulations:

1. Visa Restrictions: From 1 July 2024, holders of certain visas, such as Visitor (Subclass 600) and Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485), cannot apply for student visas while in Australia.
2. Offshore Applications: Students can still apply for visas from offshore. However, they must hold a valid visa to enter Australia during the processing period.
3. Bridging Visas: Offshore student visa applicants are not eligible for a Bridging visa to remain in Australia while their application is processed.
4. Working Holiday Visas: Holders of Working Holiday (Subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visas are not affected by these changes.
5. Application Timing: Applications lodged before 1 July 2024 are not impacted by these changes and will be processed.
6. Visa Conditions: Offshore applicants must comply with all conditions attached to their visa, including work and study limitations, while waiting for their student visa application to be processed.
7. Study Limitations for Visitor Visa Holders: Visitor visa holders may continue to study for up to three months. For longer study periods, they will need to apply for a student visa outside Australia.

Visa Subclasses Impacted By New Regulations

Changes to Australia visa regulations affect several visa subclasses, preventing onshore applications for student visas. Holders of these visas will need to leave Australia to apply for a student visa. The impacted subclasses include from the new visa regulations are:

• Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)
• Subclass 600 (Visitor)
• Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority)
• Subclass 602 (Medical Treatment)
• Subclass 651 (eVisitor)
• Subclass 988 (Maritime Crew)
• Subclass 771 (Transit)
• Subclass 995 (Diplomatic Temporary)
• Subclass 403 (Temporary Work (International Relations))
• Subclass 426 (Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Diplomatic or Consular)

Why These Changes Are Taking Place

The government is introducing these changes to student visa regulations in Australia to combat the issue of 'visa hopping' and 'permanent temporariness.' This occurs when individuals extend their stay through multiple visa applications, undermining the integrity of the visa system.

A 2023 report by the Grattan Institute found that one in three international graduates returned to further study, "mostly in cheaper vocational courses, to prolong their stay in Australia." This practice contributes to the exploitation of visa loopholes and fails to address the genuine need for skilled migration in Australia.

These new visa regulations in Australia are part of the government's broader Migration Strategy aimed at maintaining the integrity of international education and supporting genuine students. Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil recently highlighted this commitment, stating that Australia needs "a migration system which delivers the skills we need, but doesn't trade in rorts, loopholes and exploitation."

Preparing Your Student Visa Application

To prepare your student visa application from offshore, follow these essential tips for an effective approach. Proper preparation can help avoid delays and increase the chances of a positive outcome.

• Start Early: Begin the application process well in advance to accommodate processing times. Starting early gives you ample time to gather all necessary documents and address any issues that may arise.
• Meet Requirements: Make sure all your documents meet the new financial and English language requirements. This includes evidence of sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses and travel, as well as meeting English language proficiency standards.
• Show Genuine Intent: Demonstrate clear course progression and genuine student intent as part of your application. Provide a detailed study plan that outlines your academic goals and how your chosen course aligns with your career aspirations.
• Check Updates: Stay informed about any changes by regularly checking the Department of Home Affairs website. Visa regulations and requirements can change frequently, so keeping up-to-date will help your application to remain compliant.

By understanding these visa regulations in Australia and preparing accordingly, you can smoothen the application process and secure your place to study in Australia. 

For any questions or further assistance, contact us today at OVHC Insurance for reliable guidance and support. We have decades of experience in dealing with visa regulations Australia and student visa regulations.