Recently the Government has recommenced granting student visas in all locations lodged outside Australia. This means when borders re-open, students will already have visas and be able to plan travel.
Students who held a student visa on or after 1 February 2020 will be able to lodge a further student visa application free of charge, if they are unable to complete their studies within their original visa validity due to COVID-19.
Current student visa holders studying online outside Australia due to COVID-19 will be able to use that study to count towards the Australian study requirement for a post-study work visa.
After course completion, recent graduates who hold a student visa or have held one in the last 12 months will be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa outside Australia if they are unable to return due to COVID-19.
Additional time will be given for applicants to provide English language results where COVID-19 has disrupted access to these services.
