Important Update for Student Visa Applicants (Effective 1 January 2025)
From 1 January 2025, international students applying for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) from within Australia must include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) with their visa application. Letters of Offer will no longer be accepted for onshore applications.
Key Points:
Who is affected?
- This change applies to applications lodged on or after 1 January 2025.
- Applications submitted before this date with a Letter of Offer will not be affected.
What happens if you don’t include a CoE?
- Applications without a CoE will be invalid.
- Invalid applications cannot be assessed, and you will not receive a bridging visa.
Why is this changing?
- To make the process uniform for onshore and offshore applicants.
- A CoE demonstrates a stronger commitment to studying at a particular institution.
Exceptions
- This change does not affect students sponsored by Foreign Affairs, Defence, or secondary exchange programs.
Important Reminder for Visa Holders:
Make sure to maintain a valid visa while in Australia.
If you cannot get a CoE before your current visa expires, you must either:
1. Leave Australia, or
2. Explore other visa options (note: restrictions may apply to certain visas).
Streamlined Student Visa Processing: Introducing Ministerial Direction 111
Australia has introduced a new directive to ensure fair and efficient processing of offshore student visa applications. Effective 19 December 2024, Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111) replaces the previous Ministerial Direction 107 (MD107), offering a balanced and transparent system to support the international education sector.
Key Changes:
Priority Processing for Student Visas
MD111 introduces two priority levels for offshore Subclass 500 Student Visa applications:
- Priority 1 – High: For students linked to higher education and vocational training providers who haven’t reached their enrolment threshold in PRISMS (the Department of Education’s enrolment system).
- Priority 2 – Standard: For all other applications once the provider’s prioritisation threshold is met.
Fairer for All Providers
The new system ensures equitable processing across various education providers, including regional and smaller institutions, supporting Australia’s broader international education goals.
What Does MD111 Mean for Students?
- It’s Not a Cap: MD111 is a prioritisation system, not a cap, and doesn’t affect visa approval criteria.
- Faster Processing for Priority 1: Applications in the high-priority category will move more quickly through the system.
- Submit Early and Complete: Students should lodge applications as soon as possible and ensure all required information is included at the time of submission.
For a smooth visa application experience, apply early, provide all required information, and stay informed through updates from your institution, IDP, and government resources.
Why Choose Upright Migration Consultants in Melbourne?
Upright Migration Consultants is the best consultancy in Melbourne for student visa services. With our proactive approach and efficient processes, we help students achieve their dreams of studying in Australia with ease and confidence.
Vision
Our vision is to assist aspirants in accomplishing success in migration and education matters while becoming a consultancy that is responsible for bringing a positive change in the lives of our clients.
Belief
Our belief is to work with a proactive and far-sighted approach, along with effective and efficient actions, for our clients seeking to settle, work, study, visit, or move permanently or temporarily to Australia.
Contact Us
Upright Migration Consultants
Building Q2, Level 4/2 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
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