Key takeaways
- Study Australia’s 7 October 2026 update says a new Transfer stream will apply to Student visa holders who change education providers.
- Restrictions on including family members in Temporary Graduate (485) visa applications are also planned.
- The details of both are not yet final, so there is no confirmed start date to plan around.
- The 485 visa application charge for the main applicant is A$5,750, from 1 July 2026.
The 2 October 2026 changes dealt with who can apply for a Student visa onshore and who can bring family. The government has signalled two more changes, and students already in Australia and those planning a post-study visa should keep an eye on them.
A new Transfer stream for changing providers
Study Australia says Student visa holders who change education providers will need to apply through a new Transfer stream. The detail of how it will work, what it will cost and when it starts has not been finalised. If you are thinking of changing provider, do it with advice, and do not assume you can switch freely in future.
Family members on Temporary Graduate (485) applications
Restrictions on including family members in Temporary Graduate visa applications will also be introduced. The Department has not published the final rules. If you plan to bring a partner or children on a 485 visa after your studies, this may affect you.
| Lodged | Charge |
|---|---|
| From 1 July 2026 | A$5,750 |
Exemptions to the 485 charge exist for eligible applicants from Pacific Island countries, Timor-Leste and ASEAN member states.
How to plan while the rules settle
- Choose your provider and course once, and avoid planning to switch.
- Check whether your family can be included now, and assume the same may not be true after your studies.
- Budget for the full cost, including the 485 charge, before you commit to an Australian pathway.
- Compare Australia with the UK, Canada, Germany and Ireland, which each have different family and work rules.
Compare the real cost
Tuition, living costs and visa charges for your city, in rupees.
General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules, fees and deadlines change; we confirm what applies at your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the new Transfer stream for Student visas?
When will the Transfer stream start?
Will I be able to bring my family on a 485 visa?
How much is the 485 visa charge?
Do these changes affect my current Student visa?
Official sources
- Study Australia — Student visa application changes: October 2026 update
- Department of Home Affairs — Changes to Student visa applications (factsheet)
General information only, current at the date shown. It is not immigration advice for your circumstances. Information on this site is general guidance only and not legal, migration or investment advice. Rules, fees and occupation lists change frequently — always confirm current requirements with the relevant government authority before acting.
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Who will assist you
Sumit Kumar
Chartered Accountant & Australian Registered Migration Agent · MARN 1803385
I migrated from India to Melbourne as a skilled migrant in 2005 and became an Australian citizen in 2010, so I know first-hand what it takes to rebuild a career and a life in a new country — the paperwork and the waiting, and also the job search, the loneliness and the pressure of starting over far from home. Since 2013 I have advised individuals, families and businesses on migration and cross-border moves, combining migration casework with a Chartered Accountant's view of tax, funds and business structure.
