Changes to Student visa (subclass 500) and Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) application rules

From 2 October 2026, new rules apply to Student (subclass 500) and Student Guardian (subclass 590) visas. The rules change who can apply for and be granted these visas while in Australia, and whether family members can be included in a Student visa application. The changes may affect people applying for a Student visa in Australia, Student visa holders applying for another Student visa, and applicants who want to include family members or have them join later. The Department has published a fact sheet, an infographic and decision trees explaining the new rules.