Australia’s New Visa Rule for International Students

According to the recent update on international student visas for Subclass 500 Visa holders, students Planning to Study in Australia will not be allowed to change the course of study without the Minister’s pre-approval.

NRI affairs reports have also declared that the Australian Government has amended the Migration Act 1958 and will implement new rules for Australian student Visa(Subclass 500) holders this July.

In his explanatory statement, the federal home minister quoted that the legislation “inserts a condition for Subclass 500 (Student) visa holders studying, or intending to undertake, higher education studies that they must not change their course of study, or research topic unless approved by the Minister.”

According to the statement issued, visa can be cancelled if the Minister is satisfied that there is an unreasonable risk of unwanted transfer of critical technology by the visa holder.

“Cancellation will be discretionary for ‘relevant visas’ (certain protection visas and related bridging visas), but mandatory for all other types of visa” reads the statement.

The department has added two new visa conditions, 8204A and 8204B, for the applicant studying a higher education course or postgraduate research course and intends to change their course of study, thesis, or research topic.

The New Rule Applies to Students Willing to Pursue:

• Graduate certificate
• Graduate diploma
• Master’s degree
• Doctorate, or
• Any bridging course required as a prerequisite to a course of study or research for a master’s degree or doctorate

How to Apply for an Assessment?

Students planning to change their course of study, thesis, or research topic have been required to complete a form available on the Department of Home Affairs website and submit it to Adelaide.student.centre@homeaffairs.gov.au.

However, new visa regulations will apply to the applications received after July 1, 2022. Rules for all the applications submitted before the date will remain unchanged.

What is a Subclass 500 Australia Student Visa?

Subclass 500 student visa is a temporary visa that allows international students to study (in line of their enrolment) and work in any sector for unlimited hours.

Before the announcement of new rules, international students were allowed to change the course of study they had been pursuing for six months or more as approved by their educational authorities.

It is also important to note that while the Minister has the power not to approve the change of course, Australian Student Visa holders can still challenge the Minister’s decision if they are not satisfied with the Minister’s decision.

Conclusion

Many foreign nationals intending to Study in Australia will find it difficult to change their course after enrollment by the implementation of the new rules from the Ministry of Australia. However, to minimize the risk of illegal activities, the Government of Australia has amended the Migration Act 1958 for international students. Contact Your Study Abroad Consultant today if you are also concerned about the perfect course to choose for study in Australia.