🚨 Major Student Visa Changes Now in Effect from 2 October 2026

Australia has introduced significant changes to the Student visa framework, effective from 2 October 2026.

📌 Most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for a Subclass 500 Student visa while in Australia, including holders of:

• 417 / 462 Working Holiday visas
• 482
• 407 / 408
• 485
• Visitor visas

This means common onshore pathways such as:

➡️ 417/462 → 500
➡️ 482 → 500
➡️ Visitor → 500

are no longer available as standard onshore options.

🎓 Existing Student visa holders are also affected.
In most cases, a further Student visa application will now need to be lodged offshore, unless a limited exemption applies.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family member arrangements have also been tightened.
Once a Student visa has been granted, family members will generally no longer be able to join later through the subsequent entrant pathway.

⏳ The previous limited 28-day onshore lodgement pathway after a Student visa expired has also been largely removed.

✅ Important transitional rule:
Student visa applications validly lodged before 2 October 2026 will continue to be assessed under the previous rules.

⚠️ These reforms may significantly affect anyone currently in Australia on a temporary visa who was planning to switch to a Student visa.

STC Lawyers | Migration Law Update

This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Individual eligibility should be assessed based on personal circumstances.

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