Updated 3 October 2026 | Global Consult485, 482 and Working Holiday Maker holders cannot apply onshoreHolders of 485, 482, Working Holiday Maker and visitor visas cannot lodge a Student visa application while in Australia. This includes spouses and children holding 485 visas. Any offshore Student visa...
Updated 3 October 2026 | Global Consult
485, 482 and Working Holiday Maker holders cannot apply onshore
Holders of 485, 482, Working Holiday Maker and visitor visas cannot lodge a Student visa application while in Australia. This includes spouses and children holding 485 visas. Any offshore Student visa application remains subject to the relevant eligibility and grant requirements.
Who may still apply in Australia?
Eligible primary Student visa holders may qualify through specified exceptions, including higher-level course progression, qualifying course completion, doctoral or school study, and provider default. Enrolment alone does not establish eligibility. Read our detailed onshore eligibility guide.
What about bringing family members on a 485 visa?
The Minister announced similar family restrictions for Temporary Graduate visas and said existing families together in Australia holding Student or Graduate visas as secondary applicants would be protected from separation.
These are separate questions: a 485 dependant switching to a Student visa is affected by the onshore restriction. Whether a spouse or child can join a graduate through a new 485 application requires checking the applicable 485 family criteria.
The Student reform instruments reviewed do not amend the detailed 485 family criteria. The announcement alone does not establish that every new 485 spouse application is already prohibited. Check separate legislation, commencement and transitional provisions before lodging.
Get advice before changing your visa or course
Contact Global Consult with your visa grant notice, expiry date, course details and each family member’s current visa and location.
Registered Migration Agents: MARN 1797600 | 1688108 | 2619181 | 2619554
globalconsult.com.au | [email protected]
Official sources
- Minister’s announcement — 2 October 2026
- Student Visa Reform Regulations
- LIN 26/102 — onshore restrictions
- LIN 26/087 — specified exceptions
General information only. Individual eligibility and all visa requirements must be assessed.
