16/10/2026
🇦🇺 AUSTRALIAN STUDENT VISA UPDATE: NEW APPLICATION RULES
📢 Important changes effective 2 October 2026
Planning to study in Australia or apply for a further Student visa? The Australian Department of Home Affairs has introduced new rules affecting Student visa (Subclass 500) and Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) applications.
Here are three important points to understand:
🔹 1. Applying for a further Student visa
Most current Student visa holders can no longer lodge a further Student visa application while in Australia. Eligibility to apply onshore depends on the applicable requirements and exemptions.
🔹 2. Including family members
New restrictions apply to including a partner or dependent children in a Student visa application. Limited exemptions are available for eligible applicants.
🔹 3. Check your eligibility before applying
Before enrolling in another course, making financial commitments or planning your stay, check whether you must apply from outside Australia and whether the relevant exemptions apply to your circumstances.
⚠️ Important: An application lodged in Australia when offshore lodgement is required may be invalid. An ineligible family member's application may also be invalid. Do not assume that the same rules apply to every applicant.
📌 What about applications lodged before 2 October 2026?
The Department confirms that applications lodged before the changes commenced will continue to be assessed under the rules that applied when they were lodged.
📖 Read the official Department of Home Affairs guidance:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/changes-to-student-visa-application-rules-500-590
📩 Need assistance understanding your Australian visa options? Contact Albano Migration to enquire about migration assistance.
📩 Email us at [email protected].
Albano Migration
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Disclaimer: This post provides general information only and does not constitute individual migration or legal advice. Visa requirements depend on the applicant's circumstances and may change. Please consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent for guidance specific to your situation. No visa outcome is guaranteed.