The Australian Department of Home Affairs has announced a significant change to onshore Student Visa applications, set to take effect from 1 January 2025. Under the new regulation, applicants will no longer be able to submit a Letter of Offer when applying for a Student Visa. Instead, they must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of application.
What Does This Mean for Applicants?
Failure to submit a CoE will render the visa application invalid, meaning it will not be processed by the Department. Additionally, applicants will not be eligible for a Bridging Visa if their substantive visa application is deemed invalid.
Why Is This Change Being Introduced?
The update is designed to bring onshore Student Visa requirements in line with offshore applications, ensuring that students have a genuine commitment to study in Australia. It also helps education providers by offering greater certainty and reinforcing the high standards of Australia’s international education sector.
Who Is Affected?
- This change only applies to Student Visa applications lodged on or after 1 January 2025.
- Applications submitted before this date with a Letter of Offer will not be impacted.
- Students applying under the Foreign Affairs, Defence, or secondary exchange categories will still be permitted to submit alternative evidence of study.
For assistance with Student Visa applications, Ausphin Consultancy offers expert guidance and has a 100% approval track record.
482 Visa Holders: What You Need to Know If You Leave Your Sponsoring Employer
Holders of the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa must comply with Condition 8607, which requires them to:
✅ Work only in their nominated occupation as per their latest 482 visa application.
✅ Work only for their sponsoring employer or its associated entity unless a new visa is granted.
Can a 482 Visa Holder Change Employers?
Yes, 482 Visa holders can switch employers, particularly with the recent changes to the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) pathway. The two-year employment requirement for the Subclass 186 Permanent Residency (PR) pathway can now be fulfilled across multiple employers.
However, before starting a new job, the new employer must lodge and receive approval for a new 482 visa nomination.
New Work Flexibility for 482 Visa Holders (Effective 1 July 2024)
A new policy provides greater flexibility, allowing 482 Visa holders to work outside their nominated occupation for limited periods:
✅ Up to 180 days in a single period
✅ Up to 365 days in total over the visa’s validity
This means 482 Visa holders can start working for a new employer before nomination approval for up to 180 days. If the nomination is not approved within this period, they must cease work until the approval is granted.
Key Considerations for Permanent Residency (Subclass 186 TRT Pathway)
While this change reduces employment gaps, it is important to note that only employment after lodging a new nomination counts toward PR eligibility. To avoid delays in securing permanent residency, Ausphin Consultancy strongly advises employers to lodge new 482 nominations as soon as possible.
For expert visa guidance, contact Ausphin Consultancy at:
📞+61 2 3814 8213
✉️enquiries@ausphin.edu.au