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New rules for Australian student visas in 2022 include that before changing their courses, international students in Australia must receive the Minister’s approval. International students may find it more challenging to change their course of study or to leave their universities under the new Australia Student Visa 2022 regulations, which became effective on July 1, 2022. Before this change, international students could only switch courses if their educational institution granted permission and they had been enrolled for at least six months. A new law in Australia prevents international students from changing their courses without the Minister’s approval.
New Rules for Australian Student Visa in 2022
New Student Visa Rules in 2022
The new visa requirements, 8204A and 8204B have been added for students with student visas who are enrolled in a postgraduate research program or a higher education program and plan to alter their course of study, thesis, or research topic. Otherwise, the Department of Home Affairs could revoke your student visa to Australia.
Here are the new visa requirements, as stated on the website for Australian legislation:
Unless the Minister is fulfilled that there is not an unreasonable risk of an unwanted transfer of critical technology by the holder, and
8204B states that a student on a visa is not permitted to start or change a course of study or research, thesis, or research topic for a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master’s degree, doctorate; or any bridging course necessary as a prerequisite to a course of study or research for a master’s degree or other degrees unless:
The Minister is satisfied that there is not an unreasonably high risk of an unwanted transfer of critical technology by the holder
Read Also: How to Become an Australian Permanent Resident
When Will Australia’s New Student Visa Rules Become Official?
According to NRI Affairs, the Australian government realized these new visa regulations for holders of Australian student visas (subclass 500), which went into effect this July 2022.
For up to five years, students can stay in Australia on a temporary visa known as an Australian student visa (subclass 500). Students are permitted to enroll in an approved course of study, travel inside and outside the nation, and temporarily work a set number of hours in any industry.
International students may find it more challenging to change their course of study or drop out of their universities under the new Australia Student Visa 2022 regulations, which became effective on July 1. A new rule in Australia prohibits international students from changing their courses without the Minister’s consent.
“The Minister won’t approve the change unless satisfied that there is no unnecessary risk of unwanted transfer of critical technology by the Student (subclass 500) visa holders studying, or want to undertake, higher education studies that they do not change their degree or research subject,” according to an explanatory statement from the federal home legislation.
What Justifies Australia’s New Student Visa Rules?
The Minister must be convinced that there is no unreasonable danger that the visa holder will export vital technology to another nation. Critical technology includes any technology of a type the Minister has specified for this definition, as well as any tangible or intangible property that is either a part of, results from, or is used to conduct research, test, develop, or produce any technology of a type the Minister has specified for this definition.
The Australia Student Visa visa may be revoked if the Minister determines that there is an unreasonably great danger that a technological transfer will be unwelcome.
Unwanted critical technology transfer by a person is any of the following, whether direct or indirect:
1. The transfer of vital technology
2. The transfer of knowledge on vital technologies;
By a person who:
- Who would harm or undermine Australia’s security or defense, including actions, capabilities, technologies, techniques, or sources employed by Australian intelligence agencies, public authorities, or foreign intelligence agencies (within the meaning of the Criminal Code);
- Hurt or jeopardize the health/safety of the Australian public or any segment thereof
- Obstruct or jeopardize efforts to prevent, detect, investigate, prosecute, or punish criminal violations of the Commonwealth Act; or
- Negative effects on Australia’s relations abroad
What will happen to your Australian student visa if you change your course of study?
The Minister will use the authority under the new rules to deny an international student’s request to switch courses if doing so would be detrimental to the general welfare. According to the report, holders of Australian student visas can still contest the Minister’s choice.
A bridging course may be necessary as a prerequisite for a course of study or research for a master’s or doctorate, and international students are not permitted to change their course of study or research topic for a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master’s degree, or doctorate without the Minister’s consent.
Assume your request to change your course is denied. If so, cancellation of “relevant visas” (specific protection visas and related bridging visas) will be optional but necessary for all other visa kinds.
Note: Form 1221 must be filled out and sent to Adelaide.student.centre@homeaffairs.gov.au by students who are thinking about changing their thesis, major, or research topic.
Conclusion
Only student visas obtained after July 1, 2022, will make use of the revised visa requirements. Before this date, applications will not be impacted by the new rule.
FAQS
1. Will Australia still grant student visas in 2022?
New guidelines for student visas in 2022
The new visa requirements, 8204A and 8204B have been added for students with student visas who are enrolled in a postgraduate research program or a higher education program and plan to alter their course of study, thesis, or research topic.
2. How long does it take to get a student visa for Australia in 2022?
Processing Times* by client location – 50 percent (median)
| August 2022 | ||
| Visa Program | Visa Category | In Australia |
| Permanent | Skilled (Permanent) Partner (First Stage) | 5 Months 9 Months |
| Temporary | Skilled (Temporary) Student Visitor Working Holiday Maker | 3 Months 5 Months 4 Months 45 Days |
3. Will international students be allowed to study in Australia in 2022?
We are happy to welcome international students to Australia to live, study, and prosper. Holders of student visas will no longer need to present vaccination documentation when traveling to Australia starting on July 6 and July 6, 2022.
4. How many hours can students from Australia work in 2022?
All current students, new student arrivals, and secondary applicants are allowed to work more than 40 hours per week in any sector of the economy until June 30, 2023, when their course of study officially begins.
5. What prompted Australia to revoke student visas?
Study changes:
We reserve the right to terminate your student visa if you are no longer enrolled in a registered course. Even if you finish the course before the end date shown on your Confirmation of Enrollment, your enrollment terminates when you do. You may have additional obligations after completing your course, depending on your enrollment contract.
6. Is Australia okay with a five-year gap?
Is a Gap of Five Years Acceptable or Greater? Most Australian colleges can accept a gap year of one to two years, but a more prolonged hiatus from school, like five years, can hurt your chances of getting accepted.