Australia Tightens Student Visa Application Rules for Onshore Applicants

• Australia has introduced new application rules for the Student visa (subclass 500) and Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) that limit who can apply from within the country and restrict certain dependent family member options, effective Oct. 2, 2026.

Australia Introduces New Restrictions for Student and Student Guardian Visa Applications 

The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs announced changes to Student visa (subclass 500) and Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) application rules effective Oct. 2, 2026. The updates affect eligibility for onshore applications, repeat Student visa applications and the inclusion of family members.  

Restrictions on Onshore Student Visa Applications 

Most temporary visa holders in Australia can no longer apply for a Student visa or Student Guardian visa while remaining in Australia. Individuals impacted by the new rules must generally be outside Australia both when submitting their application and when the visa is granted.  

The changes also apply to many current Student visa holders seeking an additional Student visa while in Australia, including dependents who wish to become primary Student visa applicants.  

Exemptions for Certain Student Visa Holders 

Some Student visa holders may still be eligible to apply for another Student visa from within Australia if they: 

• Need up to 12 additional months to complete studies with the same education provider; 
• Are sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or Defence; 
• Are applying for a PhD program; 
• Are applying for primary or secondary school studies; or 
• Are progressing to a higher-level course within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) or otherwise meeting specified academic progression requirements.  

Student Guardian Visa Holders 

Current Student Guardian visa holders may continue to lodge a further Student Guardian visa application while in Australia.  

 What Students and Employers Should Know 

The changes may affect foreign nationals who: 

• Plan to apply for a Student visa while in Australia; 
• Hold a Student visa and intend to apply for another Student visa; 
• Wish to include family members in a Student visa application; or 
• Intend for family members to join them in Australia at a later stage. 

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