Complementing the offshore-lodgement mandate, the Migration (LIN 20/158) Amendment Instrument 2026, also registered on 1 October, specifies classes of applicants who may still renew or apply for Student visas while in Australia. The carve-outs cover doctoral candidates, students affected by provider default, those needing extra time to finish their principal course and applicants who can prove satisfactory course progression. For secondary applicants, the instrument permits family members of doctoral students, scholarship recipients and certain other cohorts to lodge on-shore, mitigating disruption to research and high-value projects. It simultaneously repeals pandemic-era fee-free provisions and tightens eligibility for visa-charge waivers. Universities welcomed the doctoral exemption but warned the overall offshore requirement could deter mid-course transfers that are sometimes necessary when providers lose accreditation. Mobility managers should note that only a narrow set of cases now qualify for on-shore renewal; all others must depart Australia before lodging. Institutions are advised to update admissions guidance and publish clear decision trees for affected students.
