02/10/2026
Major Australian Student Visa changes have officially taken effect from 2 October 2026.
Here is what international students, graduates, and temporary visa holders need to know based on the latest Department of Home Affairs update:
Swipe through for the complete breakdown:
* No More Onshore Switching: Holders of Visitor visas (600, 601, 651), Working Holiday visas (417, 462), Temporary Graduate visas (485), Skilled visas (482, 457), and Training/Temporary Activity visas (407, 408) must now apply for a Student visa from outside Australia.
* Who Can Still Apply Onshore: Existing Student visa holders can still lodge onshore if they are Doctoral (PhD) students, affected by an education provider default within 12 months, needing more time to finish their main course, or progressing to a higher AQF-level course.
* Offshore Applications Required: Most Subclass 500 applicants must lodge from outside Australia, with exemptions for Defence, Foreign Affairs, and primary/secondary school students.
*Dependants & Provider Transfers: All family members must be included in the initial visa application and cannot be added later as subsequent entrants (with limited exceptions). Additionally, students must complete at least 12 months of their main course before changing education providers.
Are your study or migration plans impacted by these new rules? Get clear, professional advice from registered migration agents before lodging your application.
Book a consultation with our team:
📞 (+61) 399-997-994 | (+61) 410-467-467
📧 [email protected]
🌐 holisticmigrationsolutions.com.au
📍 Offices: Carnegie (VIC), Point Cook (VIC), and Adelaide (SA)
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