Here’s What You Need to Know About the Changes to Student Visa Arrangements in Australia

A number of changes have been announced.

The Australian government revealed earlier this week that changes are being made to student visa arrangements to ensure Australia remains a priority destination for international students amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

One of the changes includes international students being able to extend their visa free of cost. Plus, students who hold a student visa but are offshore are now eligible to apply for a post-study work visa. 

However, you might be wondering what all the other changes are, and why they've been made. 

So, let's break it down together. 

What are the changes? 

The government has made five changes to student visa arrangements. 

One change is that the government will recommence granting student visas in all locations lodged outside Australia. This means when borders re-open, students will already have visas and be able to make travel arrangements.

Additionally, international students will be able to lodge a further student visa application free of charge, if they're unable to complete their studies within their original validity due to COVID-19.

Current student visa holders who are studying online outside of Australia because of coronavirus will also be able to use that study to count towards the Australian study requirement for a post-study work visa.

On top of that, graduates who held a student visa will be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa outside Australia if they're unable to return due to COVID-19. 

Finally, additional time will be given for applicants to provide English language results where the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted access to these services.

.@AlanTudgeMP and @DanTehanWannon have announced a number of changes to student visa arrangements to ensure Australia remains a priority destination for international students as we emerge from the #COVID19 pandemic. For more information, visit: https://t.co/OSUqU8fyL2 pic.twitter.com/AXw47SSaiO

— StudyAUOfficial (@StudyAUOfficial) July 21, 2020

Why have these changes been made? 

Well, the government hopes that these five visa changes will ensure international students are not worse off due to the coronavirus pandemic and that Australia remains competitive with other countries.

As reported by SBS, Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said the changes provide assurance to international students already in Australia, along with those who haven't been able to travel due to border closures. 

"We are a welcoming nation with a world-class education system and some of the lowest rates of COVID-19 in the world. Students want to study here and we want to welcome them back in a safe and measured way," Mr Tudge said.

"Doing so will not only support the education sector, it will also have flow-on effects for many local communities and businesses, including accommodation services, tourism, hospitality and retail." 

Good News 📢
Australia to restart granting visas to international students to lift struggling university sector !!!!!!!

Government announces current student visa holders studying online outside Australia due to Covid-19 will also be allowed to count study towards work visa🎓✈️ pic.twitter.com/cCzykrMTi4

— Freebird Abroad Consultants (@AbroadFreebird) July 22, 2020

Can I lodge another student visa application for free? 

Yes, you can. However, you'll need to be a current student visa holder who has been unable to travel down under due to border closures.

Alternatively, if you weren't able to finish your studies within your original student visa validity due to the coronavirus pandemic, you'll also be able to lodge another student visa application for free. 

Today @DanTehanWannon and I announced changes to student visas for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes will give int’l students confidence in their visa arrangements so they can make plans to study in Australia when it is safe to do so 👉https://t.co/emF45vW8D0

— Alan Tudge (@AlanTudgeMP) July 20, 2020

Can I still defer my study?

If you aren't able to continue your studies in Australia, you may defer your study. Deferring will not have an impact on your visa status.

You can find more information on how to apply for a student visa here.

Aust Govt changes to help overseas students will allow current student visa holders studying online outside Australia due to COVID-19 to use that study to count towards the Australian study requirement for a post-study work visa.

— Oz Migration Action (@migrationaction) July 22, 2020

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