Following the recent changes news, we would like to ensure you are aware of another important update to informed of the latest changes affecting international students. This includes the transfer restriction period and new student visa application rules. The below is intended to bring your attention to the changes, visa advice can only be sought from a registered migration agent, legal practitioner, or specific exempt persons, as per the Migration Act 1958.
Transfer restrictions period
Under changes to Standard 7 of the ESOS National Code, overseas students are now required to complete at least 12 months of their principal course before transferring to another provider, effective from 2 October 2026. This is an increase from the previous 6 months transfer restriction period and will apply to students who currently have completed more than 6 months, but less than 12 months, of their principal course.
The new 12-month requirement is temporary. From 1 July 2027, the restriction period is expected to return to 6 months.
New Student visa rules
New Student visa rules took effect on 2 October 2026, introducing important changes for international students and their families.
Certain temporary visa holders must now be outside Australia when applying for and being granted a Student visa (subclass 500) or Student Guardian visa (subclass 590).
Current Student visa holders seeking another Student visa may also be affected, although limited exemptions apply in circumstances such as course completion, provider default and certain course progressions.
Another significant change relates to family members (dependants). Student visa applicants can generally no longer include family members in their application unless they qualify for an exemption. These exemptions for PhD students, nationals of Pacific and ASEAN countries, foreign government scholarship recipients and students sponsored by the Department of Defence or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Once a student visa has been granted, family members cannot be added later, and there are no exemptions to this rule.
Applications submitted before 2 October 2026 will continue to be assessed under the previous rules.
Further information about the change - Book a Consultation