Melbourne-based Kandel Consultancy published an in-depth blog on 7 October dissecting the practical fallout of Australia’s new student-visa regulations. The firm explains four key changes—mandatory offshore applications for most renewals, a wider list of barred onshore visa holders, abolition of the 28-day onshore window, and strict new dependant limits—and offers a free online checker to help students gauge their options. Of special note is the consultancy’s advice to graduate-visa holders (subclass 485): switching back into study is now off-limits onshore, potentially disrupting career-change plans. The firm also highlights gaps in Home Affairs’ guidance on what constitutes an “equivalent” course when finishing studies delayed by COVID-19 or provider closures. With many students already holding flights for the upcoming summer break, the need to be offshore at both lodgement and decision points may create a spike in exit-and-re-entry travel, adding strain to border-processing queues. Employers sponsoring staff for part-time MBAs or professional diplomas should therefore build extra lead-time into mobility schedules.
Source: Kandel Consultancy
