Happy Australia Day! Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey for Emigration Guru, your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of migration to Australia. As we embark on this journey, we bring you important updates that reflect Australia’s commitment to maintaining a robust and transparent migration system.
Starting 1 January 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs will introduce a significant change to the requirements for onshore Student visa applications. This change aims to streamline the process and align onshore application requirements with those for offshore applications.
Key Change: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) Requirement
From 1 January 2025, individuals applying for a Student visa while in Australia must include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of application. The Department will no longer accept Letters of Offer as sufficient evidence of an intended course of study for onshore applications.
This change will only affect applications lodged on or after 1 January 2025. Applications submitted before this date using a Letter of Offer will not be impacted.
Implications of Not Providing a CoE
Failing to include a CoE with your application will render it invalid. Key consequences include:
- Invalid Application: Visa decision-makers cannot assess an application that does not meet validity requirements.
- No Bridging Visa: An invalid application will not result in the granting of an associated Bridging visa, which means applicants may risk becoming unlawful if their current visa expires.
Why the Change?
This policy update aligns onshore Student visa requirements with offshore requirements, ensuring consistency across the system. Requiring a CoE at the time of application demonstrates a stronger commitment by students to study at their intended institution, providing greater certainty for Australia’s international education sector.
Exceptions
There are no changes to the alternative forms of evidence for:
- Foreign Affairs and Defence students
- Secondary exchange students
These applicants may continue to provide alternative evidence of their intended course of study.
Maintaining Lawful Status
Visa holders in Australia must ensure they maintain lawful status. If you are unable to obtain a CoE before your current visa expires, you will need to:
- Depart Australia, or
- Explore other visa options.
Note that recent changes to Australia’s migration system have introduced restrictions on applying for a Student visa while holding certain visas. For more information, refer to the Department’s guidance on Ending ‘visa hopping’ in the migration system.
Conclusion
This change reinforces the importance of careful planning for individuals intending to study in Australia. Obtaining a CoE before lodging a Student visa application will now be a critical step for onshore applicants. For more details and official updates, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
As Emigration Guru begins its journey on this Australia Day, we are here to guide you through every step of your migration journey. Let’s make your Australian dream a reality!