The Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026 introduce significant changes to the application process for Student visas in Australia, effective from 2 October 2026. Under the new regulations, existing Subclass 500 visa holders seeking further Student visas must generally apply from outside Australia, unless they qualify for specific exemptions such as being Defence or Foreign Affairs students.

Additionally, the amendments impose restrictions on family members applying as secondary applicants. These applicants must meet certain criteria, such as the primary applicant being a Defence or Foreign Affairs student or holding a passport from a Pacific regional or ASEAN member country. All eligible secondary applicants must apply concurrently with the primary applicant, and separate subsequent entrant applications are no longer permitted.

The changes also eliminate the onshore application pathway for those whose Student visas expired within the previous 28 days, with limited exceptions following Administrative Review Tribunal decisions. These amendments aim to enhance the integrity of the Student visa program and curb the use of successive temporary visas to extend stays in Australia. Applications submitted before the commencement date are not affected by these changes.