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Ensuring you do not breach your visa

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International students in Australia should exercise caution to avoid violating their visa conditions, as this could lead to deportation. Recent federal government statistics revealed that immigration officials canceled 10,949 foreign student visas in the past year. These cancellations were due to reasons such as providing false documents, inaccurate information, posing a risk to community health and safety, and not genuinely being a student.

Given the numerous conditions that students must adhere to, it's crucial to be aware of the requirements to prevent visa cancellation. Below, you'll find a checklist that generally applies to most international student visas. Please note that exceptions may apply depending on your specific visa type, so consider this a general guideline. For a comprehensive list of conditions, you can refer to the full list here.

To ensure the ongoing validity of your visa, here are some essential "dos" and "don'ts".

DO:

Here are some key requirements to ensure the ongoing validity of your international student visa:

Be enrolled in a course registered with the Commonwealth Register for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Ensure you have sufficient funds to cover your study and living expenses.
Notify your education provider of your residential address in Australia within 7 days of your arrival.
Notify your education provider promptly of any changes in your residential address within 7 days of the change.

DON’T:

Here are additional important points to consider to maintain your international student visa status:

Do not work more than the upper limit set for students.
Do not change your course, thesis, or research topic without obtaining prior approval. If you wish to change your course, there are specific steps you must follow.
Avoid engaging in any activities that could disrupt or pose harm to the Australian community.

For further guidance on student visa-related matters, you can contact your nearest IDP office.