Student visa extension & offshore re-application
Since 2 October 2026, most people must be outside Australia to lodge — and to be granted — a new Student visa. A few current students can still apply here. We find out which applies to you, then make the next application simple.
- Category
- Student
- For
- Current students, and holders of 485, 482, working holiday, visitor and dependant visas
- Onshore still possible if
- Up to 12 more months with the same provider, moving up an AQF level, PhD, school, DFAT/Defence, or provider default
- Otherwise
- Lodge from outside Australia and stay outside until the grant
- Government charge
- A$2,500 main applicant
- Our fee
- From A$990
Start here
Do this
- Check your exemption before booking any flights
- Confirm the AQF level of your current and new course
- Keep your current visa conditions until you leave
- Plan your course start date around being outside Australia at grant
Avoid this
- Assuming you can extend from inside Australia like before
- Lodging onshore when the rules say offshore — it can't be granted
- Enrolling in a course only to stay in Australia
- Letting your current visa expire while you wait
What a wrong turn can cost: Lodging in the wrong place wastes the A$2,500 charge and weeks of time — and if you're required to be outside Australia at grant, the visa simply can't be granted while you're here.
Are you on the right track?
- Do you need 12 months or less beyond your original end date, with the same provider?
- Is your next course at a higher AQF level than the one you completed?
- If you must lodge offshore, do you know when you'll leave and where you'll wait?
Unsure about any of these? Talk it through on a free call — you're not alone in this.
Is this you?
- Your course end date is close and you need a few more months to finish.
- You want a new course, or to change provider, and aren't sure if you have to leave Australia.
- You're on a 485, 482, working holiday or dependant visa and want to study.
What changed
2 Oct 2026 Most temporary visa holders must be outside Australia when they lodge a Student visa, and outside Australia when it's granted.
2 Oct 2026 Current students can still lodge in Australia only in limited cases, such as needing up to 12 more months with the same provider, or progressing to a higher AQF level.
2 Oct 2026 If you hold another temporary visa (for example a 485 or 482), there are no exemptions.
Who qualifies
- You can still apply in Australia if you hold a Student visa and: need up to 12 more months after your original course end date with the same provider (main course only); are applying for a PhD; are applying for school studies; completed an AQF course and are progressing to a higher AQF level; are DFAT or Defence sponsored; or your provider has defaulted.
- If you completed a higher education course, your next course must also be higher education, delivered by a higher education provider.
- Student visa dependants who want their own Student visa must lodge from outside Australia — no exemptions.
- Holders of other temporary visas (such as 485, 482, working holiday and visitor visas) must lodge from outside Australia and be outside at grant.
- Your current Student visa isn't affected by the changes.
Step by step
- Exemption checkWe check your visa, course dates and AQF levels and tell you: onshore or offshore.
- Course and CoENew CoE or extension letter from your provider; deferral if timing needs it.
- Evidence planFunds, OSHC for the whole stay, English if needed, Genuine Student answers in your own words.
- Lodgement planOnshore lodgement — or, if offshore, a timing plan: when to leave, where you'll be, staying outside until grant.
- Lodge and respondQuality-checked lodgement and quick replies to Home Affairs.
- Grant and returnGrant explained; travel and conditions briefing.
Document checklist
Your ticks are saved on this device only.
Common problems
Myths and facts
How we help you with Student visa extension & offshore re-application
- 1UnderstandA quick exemption check — onshore or offshore, in writing.
- 2PlanA plan with your course, dates, costs and where you'll lodge.
- 3PrepareEvidence, OSHC and Genuine Student answers prepared with you.
- 4LodgeLodgement — and if offshore, a timing plan so the grant happens while you're outside.
- 5DestinationGrant explained, travel and conditions briefing.
What you'll receive
How we keep in touch: WhatsApp and email updates at every step — wherever you are when you lodge.
Three ways to do it
An honest look at your options. Some people do this themselves, and that can work well.
| Topic | With Omar Nafiz | Doing it yourself | With another provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onshore or offshore | Exemption checked against your exact dates, provider and AQF levels | Often guessed from social media | Varies |
| Timing | Lodgement and grant planned around being outside Australia | Flights booked before checking | Varies |
| Genuine Student answers | Coached in your own words, explaining your progression | Often templated | Sometimes templated |
| Alternatives | Compared with skilled and employer pathways | Not considered | Rarely |
| Cost | Fixed fee; government charges separate | Charges only — plus a lost charge if lodged wrongly | Varies |
Free mini-course: Studying in Australia after 2 October
3 short lessons and quick checks. About 10 minutes.
Questions people ask
Can I still extend my Student visa in Australia?
Only if an exemption applies — for example needing up to 12 more months with the same provider, or progressing to a higher AQF level.
I'm on a 485. Can I apply for a Student visa here?
No. Holders of other temporary visas must lodge from outside Australia and be outside when it's granted.
Does the change affect my current Student visa?
No. Your current visa and its conditions stay the same.
Can my partner come with me on the new visa?
Usually not — family can only be included in limited cases, and only when applying.
Pricing
Consultation
A full review of your situation and a written plan.
Onshore extension
When an exemption applies: CoE coordination, evidence, Genuine Student answers, lodgement.
Offshore re-application
Exemption check, timing plan, evidence, OSHC, Genuine Student coaching, lodgement and grant briefing.
Complex
Previous refusals, study gaps, dependant to primary, or visa conflicts.
Packages are paid in stages, only after you sign a written service agreement.
Book
Talk to us about Student visa extension & offshore re-application
Start with a free 15-minute phone call. If you need full advice, book a A$110 consultation — it comes off your package.
Often considered alongside
Official sources
- Home Affairs: applying for a Student visa while in Australia
- Study Australia: Student visa (subclass 500)
Figures checked 8 October 2026. Visa rules and charges change — we confirm everything for your situation before you pay for a package.