Subject: Supporting international students to support Australian jobs

Dated: 20 July 2020

Source:Minister for Education, Hon Dan Tehan MP

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The Morrison Government is making a number of changes to student visa arrangements to ensure Australia remains a priority destination for international students as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. International students are extremely important to Australia and our economy, contributing $40 billion annually and supporting 250,000 jobs. Many also go on to become great Australian citizens. While the closure of our international borders has been critical to our success in slowing the spread of the COVID-19, and Australia has been a leader in this regard, it has presented challenges to the education sector and students, both here and offshore.

These five visa changes will ensure international students are not worse off due to the COVID-19 pandemic and that Australia remains competitive with other countries. 

The changes include:

• The Government will recommence granting student visas in all locations lodged outside Australia. This means when borders re-open, students will already have visas and be able to make arrangements to travel.

• International students will be able to lodge a further student visa application free of charge, if they are unable to complete their studies within their original visa validity due to COVID-19.

• Student visa holders studying online outside Australia due to COVID-19 will be able to use that study to count towards the Australian study requirement for a post-study work visa. 

• Graduates who held a student visa will be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa outside Australia if they are unable to return due to COVID-19.

• Additional time will be given for applicants to provide English language results where COVID-19 has disrupted access to these services.

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Subject: The Australian Visa Application Centres in Thailand have resumed limited operations from 02 November 2020 for Biometrics collection

Dated: 2 November 2020

Source: VFS Australian Visa Application Centre, THAILAND

 

Paper applications will not be accepted by mail or at the office. You can apply online for most visa and citizenship applications at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/tools

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Bangkok:

• Operational days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday

• Operational timings: 8:30 am to 01:00 pm

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Chiang Mai:

• Operational days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday

• Operational timings: 8:30 am to 01:00 pm

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Customers are required to make a prior appointment before visiting the centre as no walk-in appointments or in-person information services will be available. Customers needing assistance with completing their Visa form online can avail the service at the Visa

 

Application Centres, for an additional fee. Please make this selection at the time of making your appointment.

Travel restrictions are in place and subject to change. You cannot come to Australia unless you are in an exempt category or you have been granted an individual exemption to the current travel restrictions. Please check the Department of Home Affairs’ website for more information https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/travel-restrictions

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