As of 2026, the Australian government has implemented strict measures to prevent “visa hopping” by blocking many temporary visa holders from applying for a Student visa (Subclass 500) while inside Australia. If you hold one of the visa subclasses listed below, you must depart Australia and lodge your Student visa application from offshore.

Visa Subclasses Blocked from Onshore Student Visa Applications

If you hold any of the following visas, you are prohibited from lodging an onshore application for a Student visa:

• Subclass 485: Temporary Graduate
• Subclass 600: Visitor
• Subclass 601: Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
• Subclass 651: eVisitor
• Subclass 771: Transit
• Subclass 988: Maritime Crew
• Subclass 602: Medical Treatment
• Subclass 995: Diplomatic Temporary (primary visa holders only)
• Subclass 403: Temporary Work (International Relations) – Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream
• Subclass 426: Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Diplomatic or Consular

Important Considerations for Your Migration Strategy

• Offshore Lodgement: You are still permitted to apply for a Student visa from outside Australia. If granted, you may then travel to Australia, provided you hold a valid visa that allows you entry.
• No Bridging Visas for Offshore Applicants: If you apply for a Student visa while offshore, you are not eligible for a Bridging visa to remain in or enter Australia while your application is being processed.
• Working Holiday Exemptions: Holders of Subclass 417 (Working Holiday Maker) and Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visas are currently not affected by these specific onshore restrictions and may still apply for a Student visa while in Australia.
• The Section 48 Bar: If you have had a visa refused or cancelled while in Australia, you may be subject to a “Section 48 bar.” This prevents you from lodging most further onshore visa applications, regardless of whether you are trying to switch to a student visa or another category. Exceptions to this bar are limited (e.g., Partner, Protection, or certain skilled visas like the 190, 491, and 494).