Australia’s International Student and Graduate Visa Policy Updates

The Australian government has provided a series of new visa support initiatives for international students and graduates, including the refund of international student visa fees, temporary lifting of work hour restrictions for Student Visa (Subclass 500), the option for overseas graduates to apply for a new Subclass 485 alternative visa, and an extension of the duration of the Subclass 485 Graduate Work visa.

Refund of Student Visa Application Fee

Any international student visa holder (including dependents) who arrived in Australia between January 19, 2022, and March 19, 2022, will be eligible for a refund of the visa application fee (approximately AUD 630). The refund applies to existing visa holders and new applicants who arrived in Australia within these dates. To apply for a refund, students need to create an account on the Department of Home Affairs Visa Refund Portal and complete an online application form. Eligible visa holders can submit refund applications at any time before December 31, 2022.

Students who were in Australia and held a student visa on or after February 1, 2020, and were unable to complete their course within the original visa timeframe due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be eligible for a waiver of the student visa application fee (VAC) when applying for a new student visa.

Additional time for English testing, biometric collection, and health examinations

If students are unable to take English tests due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, they will have additional time to provide their English test results. Additional time will also be provided for the collection of biometric information and health examinations in places where services are unavailable due to the pandemic. If students require more time, they should respond to information requests through their ImmiAccount.

Temporary lifting of restrictions on students’ working hours

Temporary relaxation of work restrictions for student visa holders means that there are currently no limitations on working hours during their study period in Australia. These changes will be reviewed in April 2022. However, the temporary removal of work restrictions does not change the requirement for students to meet relevant course registration, attendance, and progress requirements, as well as the need to balance their work and study commitments. The Study in Australia Employment Hub includes various employment information for students and graduates. International students are still protected by Australian workplace laws and can report any concerns to the Fair Work Ombudsman. Find out more in “Know your rights.”

Visa Extension for Eligible Graduate Temporary Visa (Category 485) Holders

Starting from February 18, 2022, graduates who hold a valid Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) and were outside Australia at any time between February 1, 2020, and December 14, 2021, due to international travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, will have their visa extended until September 30, 2022. This extension is to allow eligible graduates to enter or remain in Australia, live and work, until they can apply for and obtain the Temporary Graduate visa alternative. Eligible visa holders will be directly notified by the Department of Home Affairs.

Temporary Replacement Visa for Graduates

Existing and expired graduates (subclass 485) temporary visa holders who are unable to enter Australia due to international travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will be able to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa alternative. Applications for the Temporary Graduate visa alternative will open from July 1, 2022, and provide the same duration of stay as the original temporary graduate visa.

Extension of “Stay and Work” Period for Graduate Temporary Visa (Category 485) Holders

The stay period for graduate temporary visa (Subclass 485) holders in coursework-based master’s programs has been extended from two (2) years to three (3) years, aligning with the current provisions for research-based master’s programs.

It’s important to note that the information provided here is based on the visa requirements last updated. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend visiting the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs or consulting with a professional migration agent or who specialises in Australian visas.