Key Student Visa Rule changes Applicable w.e.f. 1st January 2025

Starting January 1, 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs will require a significant change for international students applying for a student visa while already in Australia.

What is the change?

From this date, onshore applicants will no longer be able to submit Letters of Offer from educational institutions. Instead, they must include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of their visa application.

This change aims to streamline the visa application process and increase certainty for the Australian education sector. By requiring a CoE upfront, it demonstrates a stronger commitment from the student to their chosen course of study.

What will be the impact?

• Invalid Applications: Applications submitted without a CoE will be deemed invalid and cannot be processed by visa decision-makers.
• Bridging Visa Ineligibility: An associated Bridging visa will also not be granted if the substantive Student visa application is invalid.

Key points to remember

• Existing Applications: This change only applies to applications lodged on or after January 1, 2025. Applications submitted before this date using a Letter of Offer will not be affected.
• Exemptions: The requirement for a CoE does not apply to Foreign Affairs, Defence, or secondary exchange students.
• Maintaining Lawful Status: International students currently in Australia are responsible for maintaining their lawful status. If their current visa expires and they cannot obtain a CoE before that date, they must either depart Australia or explore other visa options.

This measure is part of the Australian government's ongoing efforts to address "visa hopping" and strengthen the integrity of the international education sector. Restrictions have been implemented on applying for a student visa onshore while holding certain visas, such as visitor visas and Temporary Graduate visas.

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How the Visas Avenue Can Help Aspirants Apply for Australian Visas in 2025

The Visas Avenue, a hypothetical visa program, could potentially assist Australian visa aspirants in several ways. Firstly, it could streamline the application process by simplifying the documentation requirements and providing clear, concise guidelines. Secondly, the Visas Avenue might offer personalized support through online portals or dedicated case officers, guiding applicants through each stage of the process.

Thirdly, this program could leverage technology to expedite application processing times, potentially reducing wait times for visa approvals. Finally, the Visas Avenue could provide valuable resources, such as workshops or webinars, to educate applicants on visa requirements, eligibility criteria, and the application process. You may contact VA Australia migration expert on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar