Student Visa Programme changes
On 1 July 2016, Australia will make a number of changes to its student visa processes. These changes include the introduction of a simplified student visa framework (SSVF).
Under the SSVF:
- all international students will now apply for a single Student visa (subclass 500), regardless of their chosen course of study
- all international students will be required to apply for their student visa online
- a new immigration risk framework will be used to guide the evidence of English language and financial capacity that a student needs to provide with their visa application.
Why the Australian Government is making these changes
The SSVF will support the sustainable growth of Australia’s international education sector by making the process of applying for a student visa simpler to navigate for genuine students, delivering a more targeted approach to immigration integrity and reducing red tape for business.
If you hold a student visa with subclass numbers 570 to 576, your visa will remain valid and your visa conditions will not change after 1 July 2016.
Family members of existing student visa holders (subclasses 570-576) will need to apply for a subclass 500 visa if they do not currently hold a student visa and want to join their family member in Australia.
Please note that paper applications for a student visa lodged from 1 July 2016 will be considered invalid and returned to the applicant together with payment of the student visa application charge.
You can find more information on the changes to the student visa programme and documents you need to provide with your student visa application at http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Stud/changes-student-visa.