The Australian government is developing a new Transfer stream within the Student visa (subclass 500) that will require students who change education providers to apply for a new visa. Details of the stream and its commencement date are still being finalised and have not been publicly released.
What is the proposed Transfer stream?
Under the proposed arrangements, Student visa holders who change education providers will need to apply for a new visa through a dedicated Transfer stream within the existing Student visa subclass. This reform aims to strengthen the integrity of the Student visa program when students move between providers. The Department of Home Affairs is still developing the specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and processing arrangements for this stream. No legislation or regulatory instrument has been published, and the government has not announced a target implementation date.
How does this differ from current rules?
As of 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for a Student visa while in Australia, and family member inclusions are restricted. However, these changes do not yet introduce a separate stream for provider changes. Currently, students who wish to change providers generally remain on their existing Student visa, provided they continue to meet visa conditions. The proposed Transfer stream would replace that arrangement with a mandatory new visa application for any provider change.
Key points from the October 2026 changes that are already in effect:
- Most temporary visa holders (including Working Holiday Maker and Skills in Demand visa holders) must apply for a Student visa from outside Australia and be outside Australia when the visa is granted.
- Student visa holders generally cannot apply for another Student visa in Australia unless an exemption applies (e.g., DFAT/Defence sponsored, doctoral or school students, provider default, up to 12 additional months with the same provider, or progression to a higher-level course).
- Family members can no longer be included in a new Student visa application unless an exemption applies (doctoral students, nationals of Pacific and ASEAN countries, fully‑funded foreign government scholarship recipients, DFAT/Defence sponsored).
- Family members cannot be added after a Student visa has been granted, with no exemptions.
What about Temporary Graduate visa changes?
Restrictions on including family members in Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) applications are also being developed. Like the Transfer stream, details and timing have not been announced.
What should students do now?
- Monitor official sources – The Department of Home Affairs will publish details when the Transfer stream design is finalised.
- Check your current visa conditions – If you are considering changing providers, review whether your current visa allows it and whether you meet the conditions for continued stay.
- Seek individual advice – Visa outcomes depend on personal circumstances. For advice tailored to your situation, contact a migration agent registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA).
- Use the Document Checklist Tool – The Department’s online tool helps you understand the financial capacity and English language evidence required for a Student visa application.