New Student Visa Rules 2022 – No More Course Change for International Students!

Are you an international Student Visa holder in Australia? If yes, then this piece of news is for you. Australia has introduced some new Student Visa rules. Under the new policies, international students aren’t allowed to change their course, thesis or research topic. They can’t change it without the approval of the Minister.

The Australian Government has taken this step to ensure that overseas students do not actively promote or endorse extremist views. So, let’s discuss the details of new restrictions for international Student Visa holders in Australia.

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New Student Visa Rules 2022!

There’re several restrictions associated with a Student Visa 500 to study in Australia. If you hold a visa 500, some conditions might apply to your visa.

These conditions include:

New Conditions: 8204 and 8303

The Australian Government has introduced or expanded 2 new conditions, which are 8204 and 8303. According to condition 8204, international students must not change or undertake their course of study, thesis, or research topic. They aren’t allowed to do this until the Minster gives approval.

International Student Visa holders can’t change their course for a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Master’s degree, or Doctorate. It also includes any Bridging courses required for studies leading to a master’s degree or doctoral degree.

In the past, international students in Australia could easily change the original course they’ve been studying for 6 months or more with permission from the educational institution. However, this approval must now be obtained from the Minister.

This approval can only be given after the Minister has obtained an assessment from the competent Australian authorities that you are not likely to be directly or indirectly a risk to Australian national security.

Furthermore, condition 8303 has been introduced to prevent international students actively promoting extremist views and interfering with community operations in Australia.

You must not become involved in activities disruptive to, or violence threatening harm to, the Australian community or a group within the Australian community.

Watch

Australian Immigration News 2022! | New Visa Support for International Students.

Major Benefits of the Student Visa Australia

Aside from letting you study in Australia, the Australian Student Visa has several unique benefits that are often ignored.

Work and study simultaneously.

You can work up to 40 hours every two weeks while in school, which is about 20 hours per week on average. During school breaks, you can work as much as you want.

Based on the middle school year, where students get about a month off in the winter and three months off in the summer, and Australia’s minimum wage laws, some casual work in the summer could add up to a nice sum and help you pay for your living expenses.

Post-graduate work opportunities

After completing their Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degrees in Australia while on a 500 visa, international students may apply for the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa to work after they graduate. They can work there for two to four years to get work experience in another country.

The Graduate Work Stream also offers students employment opportunities. They are eligible for this stream if they have graduated with skills and a job similar to a position on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The time frame for this visa is 18 months.

New Student Visa Rules – Final Words!

The Australian Government has recently introduced new restrictions regarding the change of courses. International students aren’t not allowed to change their course until the Minister approves. You can check the conditions on your VEVO profile or look over your visa grant letter if you’re unsure which restrictions apply to your visa.

For more information about the new Student Visa rules, you can book a consultation with us.

Nasir Nawaz

I’m Nasir Nawaz. I’m a registered migration consultant in Australia. I am based in Sydney. I’ve studied Master of Laws at the University of New South Wales. I’m providing immigration services for several years.

Consult with me for legal advice on Australian visas to permanently live, study, and work in Australia.