From 2 October 2026, Home Affairs has new rules for Student visa (subclass 500) and Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) applications. The changes affect who can apply while in Australia, and whether family members can be included.
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The Department of Home Affairs has published new application rules for Student visas (subclass 500) and Student Guardian visas (subclass 590). The government says the changes are intended to strengthen integrity and keep the visa aligned with temporary stay for study.
Genuine students can still apply if they meet the visa requirements. The changes do not cancel a Student visa that has already been granted. Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 continue to be assessed under the rules that applied when they were lodged.
Family exemptions include doctoral students, nationals of Pacific and ASEAN countries, fully funded foreign government scholarship recipients, and DFAT or Defence-sponsored students. Families already included before 2 October 2026 may be able to stay together on a further application if the student is eligible to apply in Australia. Lodging onshore when you are required to apply offshore can make the application invalid.
A Transfer stream for students changing education providers is still being developed. Temporary Graduate visa family settings are also still being progressed. Check your own visa, location and exemptions before making travel, enrolment or family plans.
Read the official update on the Department of Home Affairs Student visa application rules page. This update is general information only and is not immigration advice.
From 2 October 2026, most overseas students must complete 12 months of their principal course before transferring providers.
From 19 September 2026, Directions 121 and 122 set the new skilled visa processing order, including subclass 482 and 186.
The 17 September 2026 package tightens student family rules, working holiday stays and visitor visas.
From 19 May 2026 to 19 May 2027, new CRICOS applications to ASQA for private VET and ELICOS providers and courses are paused.
From 5 October 2026, providers cannot enrol or commence new overseas students in BSB80120.
Home Affairs has paused first subclass 462 applications from most capped partner countries.
Speak with Ozreach if an onshore application, family member or course change may be affected. This update is general information only and is not immigration advice.
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