Student visas. Understand the requirements before your next step.
Advice for international students and families on eligibility, evidence and visa conditions. Compare the student and guardian pathways or go straight to the subclass you need. This is migration advice, not course placement.
Student visa changes effective 2 October 2026
Application location, location at grant and family inclusion are separate eligibility questions. Check the rules before making study, travel or family plans.
- 500: Most applicants must apply outside Australia and also be offshore at grant. An eligible visa and a relevant exemption are required to apply in Australia.
- 500 family: A separate exemption is needed to include partners or children. Subsequent entrant applications after grant are not available.
- 590: Affected temporary visa holders must apply and be outside Australia at grant. Current 590 holders can apply for a further 590 in Australia, subject to eligibility.
Application, grant-location and transitional details
- Where you apply
- Most subclass 500 applicants must apply outside Australia. An eligible visa and an applicable exemption are needed for onshore lodgement. Certain current student holders can qualify; holding a valid Australian visa alone is not enough. Restrictions also affect temporary visa holders applying for subclass 590.
- Where you are at grant
- Applicants affected by the offshore rules must also be outside Australia when the visa is granted. Check the requirements for the exact visa and exemption; do not assume application location and decision location are interchangeable.
- Family members on 500
- Most new or further subclass 500 applications cannot include partners or dependent children unless an exemption applies. Family members cannot apply as subsequent entrants after grant. Family-inclusion exemptions are not the same as onshore-application exemptions.
- Transition
- Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 continue to be assessed under the rules applying when lodged. These changes do not cancel an existing Student visa. Further applications must satisfy the rules applicable to them.
Compare the 500 and the 590
Summary only, not an eligibility assessment. Each subclass page has the full details. Scroll sideways on smaller screens.
| Visa | Purpose | Genuine requirement | Work rights | Where you apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500Student Visa | Undertake eligible studies in Australia | Genuine Student (GS) | Generally 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session, after course commencement; exceptions and other conditions apply | Usually outside Australia; eligible onshore applicants must meet the relevant visa and exemption criteria |
| 590Student Guardian Visa | Provide care and welfare support to a qualifying student | Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) | No work permitted | In Australia only if eligible; affected visa holders must apply offshore |
Genuine Student is not the same as GTE
Genuine Student (GS)
Studying must be the primary purpose. Explain your circumstances, course choice and the value of the proposed study with genuine supporting evidence.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)
The guardian must demonstrate a genuine temporary stay to provide care and support. This is not the student’s GS assessment.
General information only, not individual migration advice. See the Department’s Student and Student Guardian application guidance (opens in a new tab) and the Genuine Student requirement (opens in a new tab).
Student visa questions
500 is for the student undertaking eligible studies; 590 is for an eligible guardian providing care and support. Their genuine-purpose, work, insurance and other requirements differ.
Current visa and exemption criteria must be assessed. Under the rules effective 2 October 2026, most 500 applicants and affected temporary visa holders applying for 590 must apply offshore and also be outside Australia at grant.
Subclass 500 has separate family-inclusion exemptions, and subsequent entrant applications after grant are not available. Guardian family-unit rules differ. Do not assume an onshore exemption also allows family inclusion.
No. A later visa requires a separate eligibility assessment and a valid application. Neither visa guarantees permanent residence.
This service concerns migration eligibility, evidence, applications and visa conditions—not education-provider or university placement.
Book the consultation first, then complete the linked visitor registration form. Appointments are normally by phone, Zoom or at the Melbourne office.
Your matter:
Student Visas.
Selected service · Student Visas
A consultation assesses your circumstances, discusses realistic options and outlines possible next steps. It is not a visa or review application and not a representation agreement. Any further work, its scope and fees are agreed separately.
- 01Book your appointment
Choose an available appointment time and check the details before confirming.
Book appointment (opens booking page in a new tab) - 02Complete the visitor registration form
After booking, add your details and circumstances for your student visas consultation.
Complete registration form (opens in a new tab) - 03Attend your consultation
Appointments are normally by phone, via Zoom, or in person at our Melbourne office. Follow your appointment confirmation for the arrangements.
Urgent matter or approaching deadline? Call our office on 03 9620 3195 or mobile +61 415 997 528.Message (SMS)WhatsAppA booking does not lodge anything, preserve rights or extend a deadline.