The reforms introduce changes to who can apply for and be granted a Student visa (subclass 500) while in Australia, and whether family members can be included in Student visa applications. These changes may affect people wanting to:

1. Applying for a Student visa or Student Guardian visa while in Australia
Most temporary visa holders in Australia must now be outside Australia when they lodge a Student or Student Guardian visa application, and when a visa is granted. This rule also affects current Student visa holders applying for another Student visa unless an exemption applies. The changes do not affect current Student visas. Current Student Guardian visa holders can continue to lodge a further Student Guardian visa application while in Australia.

Exemptions – applying for another Student visa in Australia
Limited exemptions for current Student visa holders applying for another Student visa are in place. These include requiring additional time to complete a course, course provider default, specific cohorts of students, and certain course progressions.

2. Including or adding family members as secondary applicants
Student visa applicants – whether they are applying for their first or a further Student visa – can no longer include family members in their Student visa application unless an exemption applies.

Exemptions – including family members at the time of application
Limited exemptions to this rule are in place. No Student visa holder or applicant can add family members after their Student visa has been granted. There are no exemptions to this rule.

Further information and full details of exemptions can be found at the Subclass 500 Student visa.