Major Change for Onshore Student Visa Applications Starting January 2025
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has announced a critical update for onshore Student Visa applications, effective 1 January 2025. From this date, 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.
Failure to submit a CoE will result in an invalid visa application, which will not be assessed by decision-makers. Additionally, applicants will not be granted a Bridging Visa if their substantive visa application is deemed invalid.
Why is This Change Being Implemented?
The Department aims to align the requirements for both onshore and offshore Student Visa applications. By mandating a CoE at the time of application, the new rule ensures that students have a genuine commitment to study in Australia. It also provides more certainty for Australian education providers and strengthens the country’s international education standards.
Who is Affected?
This update applies only to applications lodged on or after 1 January 2025. Applications submitted before this date using a Letter of Offer will not be impacted. Foreign Affairs, Defence, and secondary exchange students will still be able to use alternative evidence of their intended course of study.
For any Student Visa concerns, Ausphin Consultancy offers expert assistance with a 100% visa approval track record.
482 Visa Holders: What Happens If You Leave Your Sponsoring Employer?
Visa holders under the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa must comply with Condition 8607, which requires them to:
✔️ Work only in the nominated occupation from their latest visa application.
✔️ Work only for the sponsoring employer or its associated entity, unless a new visa is granted.
Can You Change Employers on a 482 Visa?
Yes, 482 Visa holders can change employers, especially under the new Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) pathway. The two-year sponsorship requirement for the Subclass 186 Permanent Residency (PR) pathway can now be completed across multiple employers.
However, before starting a new job, the new employer must lodge and receive approval for a new nomination.
New Flexibility for 482 Visa Holders (Effective 1 July 2024)
The Department has introduced more flexibility, allowing 482 Visa holders to work outside their nominated position for a limited period:
🔹 Up to 180 days in a single period
🔹 Up to 365 days in total during the visa validity
This means 482 Visa holders can work for a new employer for up to 180 days while awaiting nomination approval. If the nomination is not approved within 180 days, they must stop working and wait for approval before resuming employment.
Important Considerations for PR (Subclass 186 TRT Pathway)
While these changes help prevent employment gaps, only employment after lodging a new nomination counts toward PR eligibility. To avoid delays in obtaining permanent residency, Ausphin Consultancy strongly recommends lodging a new 482 nomination as soon as possible.
For expert advice on navigating these changes, contact Ausphin Consultancy today.
+61238148213
enquiries@ausphin.edu.au