A Student visa application involves more than obtaining a Confirmation of Enrolment. The Department considers the Genuine Student requirement, study and immigration history, financial capacity, English, health insurance and other criteria. From 2 October 2026, new application-location rules also affect many current Student visa holders and certain temporary visa holders.
Who this pathway is generally for
- You have an eligible enrolment or other evidence required for the relevant education sector.
- You satisfy the Genuine Student requirement and other applicable criteria.
- You meet location and application-validity rules that apply to your current visa status.
How the process usually works
- Confirm course, provider and visa strategy before lodgement.
- Prepare the Genuine Student responses and supporting history coherently.
- Provide required enrolment, financial, English, health insurance and identity evidence.
- Consider family-member planning and whether a further Student visa can be lodged onshore.
Issues that commonly need closer analysis
- multiple course changes or incomplete study
- lower-level or unrelated study after prior qualifications
- 2 October 2026 onshore application restrictions
- student dependant and family planning
- previous refusals, cancellations or condition 8202 issues
Why the details matter
Visa criteria often operate together with application-validity rules, location requirements, previous immigration history and evidence requirements. Two people applying for the same subclass can therefore face very different legal and evidentiary issues.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. Migration law and policy can change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.