Though the situation is still unpredictable, there has been a temporary update for students as well as the graduates who need the visa update. Here is the information that you need to know.
About the student visa
For those who are unable to continue their course and have a student visa on or after 1 February 2020, you can submit a student visa application to continue your study. You will not have to pay for anything as this information is for the following students:
- Students who are unable to come to Australia because of travel restrictions hence have to postpone their study
- Students who have to reduce their part-time
- were unable to complete their work-based training or placements.
That being said, if you are a student who is currently applying for a new student visa because of typical reasons such as failing a course or a part of the study, postpone a study for personal motives, or intentionally scale down your study, then this measure can’t be applied.
Student visa conditions
You are unable to apply for a student visa if you have already agreed to postpone your course of study and are currently studying online. As for the work hours, you will be allowed to work for more than 40 hours per fortnight momentarily if you are:
- Working in the health sector or currently studying health courses (nursing or medicine), and assisting the health official against COVID-19.
- Working in the agriculture, tourism, and hospitality sector.
- Before September 8, 2020, in aged care by an Approved Provider or a Commonwealth-funded aged care service provider.
- Before April 23, 2020, registered to a National Disability Insurance Scheme provider.
Though there is an option for the work hours for some sectors, as a student you must balance your study and your work commitments. Those who work for more than 40 hours per fortnight should maintain their course enrolment, ensure course attendance and course progress.
How to get a free visa application fee
- If you want your fee waiver considered by Australian immigration, attach the complete form of 1545 COVID-19 Impacted Student when you are applying for a student visa. Please go to your education provider with a valid Student visa application. However, the application fee waived is only for the new applications.- You can be outside or currently in Australia when applying for this visa. As for the application, you can apply for a student visa online. Please note that when applying for a fee waiver, a Bridging visa may require some time since the fee exemption must be checked.
- Remember that the free cost will only apply to the visa application and there will not be any refund if the students decide to cancel their Student visa application.
Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa eligibility
There has been an update for those who wish to apply for a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa, the changes are:
- The students who are affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions and currently outside Australia studying online might qualify for the Australian Study Requirement and be able to apply for new student visa holders.
- If you have met all the conditions, you can proceed and will be granted a Temporary Graduate visa outside Australia.
Please note that you should have held a Student visa in the past 12 months to apply and you can start online study when the Student visa is granted.
If you require further information or want us to assist you in lodging the visa application, please do not hesitate to contact us.
PACE MIGRATION & EDUCATION CONSULTANCY
☎️ (612) 9267 8008
0416570818 / 0452 003 944
[email protected] / [email protected]
www.pacemigration.com.au
Source: covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au
