As announced by the federal home minister, the new visa rules of Australia will not allowinternational students on Subclass 500 visa to change their course or research topic without the approval of the minister. The new rules willcome into effect from July 2022.
The minister can approve the change of course only after being satisfied that there is not an unreasonable risk of unwanted transfer of critical technology by the Student visa holder. The visa will be canceled if there is an unreasonable risk of the same.
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The government of Australia has made amendments to the Migration Act 1958 which willchange the policies of Australian student visas (Subclass 500).
A subclass 500 student visa is a temporary visa to study in Australia for up to fiveyears which permits students to study, travel and work in Australia.
Two new visa conditions, 8204A and 8204B, have also been added by the Department of Home Affairs for visa holders who are pursuing higher education or postgraduate research courses in Australia and want to change major, thesis, or research topic.
The new visa rules will be put into effect for applications received after July 1, 2022. The ministers approval will be granted for the graduate certificate, graduate diploma. masters degree, doctorate, or any bridge course required to study or research for a masters degree or doctorate.
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These conditions will gradually be applied to the following visa subclasses:
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Temporary Graduate (subclass 485)
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Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) (subclass 400)
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Temporary Activity (subclass 408)
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Training (subclass 407)
- Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
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Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482)
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Permanent Residence (Subclass 191) (expected to begin on November 16, 2022)
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Recognised Skill Graduate (subclass 476)
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Global Talent Independent Program visas:
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Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa
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Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visa
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Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa
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Distinguished Talent (subclass 858) visa
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The students will have to complete a form available on the website of the Department of Home Affairs and submit it to adelaide.student.centre@homeaffairs.gov.au.
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Source:Study International