From 1 July 2024, the Australian government is implementing changes to the student visa program that may affect your plans. If you're currently on certain visas, you won't be able to apply for a student visa while onshore in Australia.

The visas impacted by this change include:

• Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485)

• Visitor (Subclass 600)

• Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601)

• Medical Treatment (Subclass 602)

• eVisitor (Subclass 651)

• Maritime Crew (Subclass 988)

• Temporary Work (Subclass 403) - 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

Holders of the visas can still apply for student visas from offshore, but they will need to ensure they meet all the other criteria of the visa, including the Genuine Student criteria that was introduced earlier this year. Bridging visas wouldn’t be granted for offshore applications.

If you're affected by these changes, now is the time to reassess your plans and take action. Consider your options, such as applying for a student visa offshore or exploring other visa pathways that align with your goals.

Want to discuss your situation with us? Book in your consultation HERE.

Disclaimer: Information published on our website, social media, or in our factsheets and products is general information only and DOES NOT constitute legal advice or create a lawyer-client relationship between you and Visa Sidekick. It does not take into account individual circumstances and is intended to be informational only. If you need legal advice please contact an Australian Immigration Lawyer.