If youโre planning to study in Australia, 2025 brings some significant changes to the student visa rules that you need to be aware of. The Australian government has introduced reforms that are aimed at making the international education system more secure and reducing โvisa hopping.โ Hereโs a rundown of the major changes:
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) Now Required
Starting from 1 January 2025, all student visa applicants will need to provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when applying for their visa. This means that letters of offer will no longer be accepted for onshore student visa applications. This change ensures that students have secured their place in a course before applying for a visa, adding an extra layer of certainty to the system.
Work Hours Capped at 48 Per Fortnight
In another significant shift, work rights for international students have been capped. During study periods, students will only be allowed to work 48 hours per fortnight, a reduction from the previous limits. This change ensures that students focus on their studies while still being able to earn, but it also restricts how much they can rely on part-time work to support themselves.
Temporary Visa Holdersโ Access to Student Visas Restricted
Some temporary visa holders will no longer be able to apply for a student visa while staying in Australia. This is an important update for those on other temporary visas who may have hoped to transition into a student visa. Itโs crucial for these applicants to understand their options and whether they need to apply from offshore instead.
Updated English Language Requirements
For students looking to study in Australia, the English language proficiency requirements have also been updated. Since March 2024, all student visa applicants must meet a minimum of IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent). For those applying for a graduate visa, the requirement is set higher at IELTS 6.5. This change ensures that students have the necessary language skills to succeed in their studies and life in Australia.
What These Changes Mean for You
These reforms are designed to improve the integrity of the student visa system and support a high-quality international education environment. If you are planning to study in Australia, make sure you understand the new rules and how they may affect your visa application.
At CIA Lawyers, our experienced migration team is here to guide you through the application process, ensuring your student visa application is compliant with all the latest requirements. Whether you need help understanding the new rules or lodging a compliant application, weโre here for you every step of the way.
Need Help Lodging Your Student Visa?
If youโre unsure how the new changes affect you or if you need assistance lodging your student visa application, get in touch with our expert migration lawyers at CIA Lawyers. Our team has extensive experience with the latest visa rules and can provide the support you need to navigate the process smoothly.
Book your appointment today:
๐ 0480 294 699
๐ง info@cialawyers.com.au
