Australia’s Onshore Student Visa Rules: What Took Effect on 25 September 2026?

Reviewed 28 September 2026. Australia’s Migration (Visas that Preclude a Person from Lodging a Student Visa Application in Australia) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/068) took effect on 25 September 2026. It identifies temporary visas whose holders cannot lodge a valid Student visa (subclass 500) or Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) application while in Australia.

This is not a new blanket ban introduced in September. Visitor, Temporary Graduate and several other visa holders have faced onshore Student visa restrictions since 1 July 2024. The 2026 instrument replaces a 2016 instrument that was due to expire on 1 October 2026. The Government’s explanatory statement says it continues the existing arrangements.

Which visa holders cannot lodge onshore?

The current instrument lists these visa subclasses:

• Temporary Graduate (subclass 485)
• Visitor (subclass 600), Electronic Travel Authority (601) and eVisitor (651)
• Medical Treatment (subclass 602)
• Transit (subclass 771)
• Maritime Crew (subclass 988)
• Temporary Work (International Relations) (subclass 403), but only the Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream
• Diplomatic (Temporary) (subclass 995), for primary visa holders only

People on these visas must generally lodge a Student or Student Guardian visa application from outside Australia. The old list also named subclass 426, which the 2026 instrument omits because that program closed to new applications in 2012.

What does the rule mean in practice?

The rule concerns where a person holding one of the listed visas can lodge an application. It does not mean that every affected person is barred from studying in Australia, or that an offshore application will be granted. All other Student visa requirements still apply. Australia’s Department of Home Affairs Student visa page explains the current application steps and eligibility requirements.

Students already in Australia on a Student visa may be able to apply for a further Student visa onshore if they meet the relevant requirements. Working Holiday (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas are not listed in this particular instrument, although other visa conditions can still affect an individual application.

What should Nepali applicants do?

1. Check your current visa subclass and conditions. Review your grant letter and Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO), especially before making travel or enrolment decisions.
2. If your visa is on the list, plan for offshore lodgement. Check the current Home Affairs instructions before leaving Australia or paying non-refundable fees. An offshore Student visa application does not itself provide a bridging visa to remain in Australia while you wait.
3. Prepare the full Student visa application. Your course, Confirmation of Enrolment, finances, health cover and Genuine Student answers still matter. If your situation is complicated, seek advice from a registered migration agent or Australian immigration lawyer.

If you are in Nepal and intend to apply from Nepal, this onshore restriction does not prevent you from lodging there. Start with our Study in Australia guide and Student Visa guidance, or speak to our counselling team about your study plan.

Official sources

• Federal Register of Legislation: 2026 instrument (LIN 26/068)
• Australian Government: explanatory statement
• Department of Home Affairs: Student visa (subclass 500)
• Study Australia: onshore restrictions introduced in 2024

Information checked 28 September 2026. This article is general information, not personal migration advice. Always check current Australian Government guidance before applying.

Featured image: University of Sydney campus. Photo by Warren Yip / Pexels (illustrative).