New Rules for Australia Student Visa 2022. 

New rules guide the Australian student visa, which was approved and has taken effect as of July 1, 2022. Thus this page will state the new rules for the Australian student Visa 2022 for you.

 

New Rules for Australia Student Visa 2022. 

Below are the new rules for Australian student visas in 2022:

With the information from NRI Affairs, the Australian Government announced this new visa rule for an Australian student visa, subclass 500 holders, which is expected to take effect from July 1, 2022.

An Australian student visa, subclass 500, is a temporary Visa obtained to study in Australia for up to 5 years. With this, students can study an eligible course of study, work limited hours in any sector, and travel in and out of the country at a temporary measure.

The new rules for Australia Student Visa 2022 make it difficult for international students to switch or change courses or leave their universities. International students in Australia cannot, in any condition, change their courses under a new law unless the Minister approves of it.

Citing the explanatory statement from the federal home legislation thus, “The Minister cannot approve this change unless satisfied that there is no unreasonable risk of unwanted transfer of important technology by the Student, a subclass 500visa holders studying or intending to take up a higher education study that they do not change their research subject or degree course”.

What is Behind the New Rules for Australia Student Visas?

The Minister must be delighted that there is no unreasonable risk that the visa holder will transfer any important technology to a foreign country.

By “an important technology,” it means that:

1. The technology of any kind specified for the reasons of this definition or terms by the Minister; or
2. Any property of every description (whether intangible or tangible) that is: Part of or, a result of, or used to develop, research, manufacture, or test; any technology specified for this definition by the Minister.
3. If the Minister is satisfied that there is an unreasonable risk of an unwanted technology transfer, the Australia Student Visa will be canceled.

An unwanted transfer of important technology by a person means any indirect or direct:

1. Transfer of critical technologies; or
2. Transfer of information about essential technologies;

By a person who:

• Will impair or damage the security or defense of Australia, including capabilities, operations, or technologies, sources or methods used by public authorities, and domestic intelligence agencies or foreign intelligence agencies, within the meaning of the Criminal Code.
• Will cause harm or prejudice to the safety and health of the Australian public or any part thereof or
• Will interfere with the detection, investigation, prevention, punishment, or prosecution of a criminal offense against the Commonwealth Act, or
• Will it harm or damage Australia’s international relations?

New Student Visa Conditions in 2022

The new visa conditions, 8204B and 8204A, have also been added to student visa holders studying postgraduate research courses or higher education courses and intending to change their course of study or research topic. Hence, the Department of Home Affairs will cancel your Australia Student visa.

As described on the Australian legislation website, here are the new visa conditions:

For Visa 8204A: Student visa holder must not change their course of study, research topic, or thesis unless the Minister;

1. Is satisfied that there is no unreasonable risk of an unwanted transfer of important technology by the holder and
2. Has approved the change in writing.

 For Visa 8204B: Student visa holder must not change a course of study or thesis, or research topic:

1. For a graduate certificate,

• a graduate diploma,
• a master’s degree or 
• a doctorate; or

2. For any bridging course that serves as a prerequisite to a course of study or research for a doctorate or master’s degree;

Unless the Minister :

• Is satisfied that there is no unreasonable risk of an unwanted transfer of important technology by the holder and
• Has approved in writing the holder changing the course of study, research, or research topic.

What is the effect of changing your study course on Your Australian Student Visa?

The effect of changing your study course on Your Australian Student Visa are as follows:

1. Previously, an international student could change the course of study they have been pursuing for six months or more with the approval of their educational institution only.
2. But now, with the new rules, the Minister is given the power not to approve an international student’s decision to change courses in the public’s interest.
3. The new visa conditions are only applied to student visas received after July 1, 2022, the day the new visa conditions took effect. Applications made before this date are not affected. Unless the Minister approves, on no condition must an international student change their course of study or research topic for a graduate diploma, a graduate certificate, master’s degree, or doctorate, or bridge a course that is required as a prerequisite for a course of study or research for a doctorate or master’s degree.
4. And Suppose your application to change course is declined. In that case, visa cancellation will be optional for relevant visas thus, (certain protection visas and related bridging visas) but is mandatory for all other visa types.
5. Students who want to change their thesis or research topic must complete Form 1221 and submit it to Adelaide.student.centre@homeaffairs.gov.au. 

Conclusion 

There are new Australian student visa rules, which are mandatory for all international students. Please check this page to see the new rules for Australian student Visa 2022. 

Read Also: How to Apply for an Australian Student Visa 

How to Become an Australian Permanent Resident

How Long Does a Permanent Resident Stay Outside of Australia?

FAQS 

1. Is Australia giving students visas now?

Yes, students are now allowed to return to Australia. Please check the Australian Government’s student visa page for up-to-date advice.

2. How fast can someone get an Australian student visa?

This varies sometimes; the applicant receives an instant response, but sometimes it can take a few weeks. But mainly, it is expected that a response will come within 8 weeks.