What is paused
- New CRICOS applications for private VET and ELICOS provider registration
- Applications to add new VET or ELICOS courses to an existing CRICOS registration
Visa Updates · 18 May 2026
New CRICOS Applications to ASQA Suspended for 12 Months
From 19 May 2026 to 19 May 2027, the Australian Government has suspended certain new CRICOS applications to ASQA. The pause covers new private VET and ELICOS provider registrations, and applications to add new courses. Existing students and public providers are not the target of this pause.
Discuss Your Visa Pathway
What Changed
How the ASQA Application Suspension Works
The Department of Education has issued a fact sheet on the suspension of new applications to the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act). The instrument is the Education Services for Overseas Students (Suspension of Applications for Registration to the National VET Regulator) Determination 2026.
The pause runs from 19 May 2026 to 19 May 2027. It is intended to let ASQA focus on applications already in the system and carry out integrity checks. It is not a freeze on all international education, and it does not cancel student visas that have already been granted.
What can still proceed
- Valid applications lodged and paid before 19 May 2026 continue to be assessed
- Public providers such as government schools, TAFEs and public universities are not covered by this pause
Other exemptions
- Adding a new delivery location for a course the provider is already approved to deliver
- Updating a course where the training product has been superseded
What this means for students and providers
An application is only treated as lodged once the fee has been paid. If a CRICOS application was submitted in asqanet before 19 May 2026 but paid after that date, it generally falls inside the suspension and will not be processed, unless an exemption applies. Non-exempt applications lodged during the pause are withdrawn, and fees are cancelled or refunded under ASQA’s usual processes.
Students already studying with a CRICOS-registered provider can generally continue. The pause is about new provider and course registrations, not a blanket stop on student visa grants. Course choice, CoEs and visa conditions still need to be checked case by case.
Read the official fact sheet on the Department of Education ASQA application suspension page. This update is general information only and is not immigration advice.
Migration Insights & News
View all articles
Browse other articles
Visa Updates
Overseas Student Transfer Restriction Extended to 12 Months
From 2 October 2026, most overseas students must complete 12 months of their principal course before transferring providers.
Visa Updates
New Student Visa Application Rules From 2 October 2026
Most people can no longer apply for a Student visa while in Australia, and family members can usually no longer be included.
Visa Updates
New Immigration Reforms Target Students, Backpackers and Overstayers
The 17 September 2026 package tightens student family rules, working holiday stays and visitor visas.
Visa Updates
Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) Closed to New International Students
From 5 October 2026, providers cannot enrol or commence new overseas students in BSB80120.
Visa Updates
Work and Holiday Visa Applications Paused for Most Capped Countries
Home Affairs has paused first subclass 462 applications from most capped partner countries.
Visa Updates
New Skilled Visa Processing Priorities Under Ministerial Directions 121 and 122
From 19 September 2026, Directions 121 and 122 set the new skilled visa processing order, including subclass 482 and 186.
Need help with a student visa or study pathway?
Speak with Ozreach if a course or provider change may affect your student visa. This update is general information only and is not immigration advice.
Book a Consultation