Student visa application rules changed on 2 October: check onshore and family eligibility

The department’s guidance addresses who can apply in Australia and when family members can be included.

Australia Migration NewsPublished 31 Oct 2026 · Development 2 Oct 2026

AT A GLANCE

New rules apply from 2 October 2026.
Onshore applications and family inclusion need separate consideration.
Official fact sheets and decision trees are available.

What changed?

Home Affairs says new rules from 2 October 2026 affect Student (subclass 500) and Student Guardian (subclass 590) visas. They concern who can apply and be granted a visa while in Australia, and the inclusion of family members.

Who should check?

The guidance is relevant to onshore applicants, current students considering another Student visa, and people planning for family to apply with them or join later. It does not say all students are unable to apply.

Before making plans

Use the official subclass guidance, fact sheet and decision trees to assess the particular circumstances before study, travel or relocation arrangements. This brief does not determine an individual’s application validity or eligibility.

PRIMARY SOURCE

Department of Home Affairs

Read the primary source

Source checked 31 Oct 2026. Later developments may affect this report.

Student visas

This reporting provides general information, not advice about an individual matter. Editorial standards · Request a correction

Student visa application rules changed on 2 October: check onshore and family eligibility

What changed?

Who should check?

Before making plans

Department of Home Affairs

More from the newsroom.

Direction 123: signed text specifies commencement on 31 October 2026

Roseingrave: overseas family representations cannot be excluded by Direction 110 headings

EEN25: a protection review lodged one day late was outside the ART’s jurisdiction