Starting January 1, 2025, international students planning to study in Australia will face a significant change in the visa application process. The Department of Home Affairs has announced that Letters of Offer will no longer be accepted as part of student visa applications. Instead, students must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
“This change will only apply to visa applications lodged on or after January 1, 2025,” clarified a government spokesperson. “Applications submitted before this date with a Letter of Offer will not be affected.”
The new rule means applications without a CoE will be deemed invalid, leaving visa officers unable to assess them. Additionally, invalid applications will not be eligible for Bridging visas.
“Not providing a CoE at the time of application renders it invalid,” the statement reiterated. “Visa decision-makers cannot assess such applications, and an associated Bridging visa cannot be granted.”
A boost for international education
The government believes the move will strengthen Australia’s international education sector. Requiring a CoE demonstrates a student’s strong commitment to studying in the country, providing greater certainty for education providers.
The rule change does not affect Defence or secondary exchange students and those sponsored by Foreign Affairs, as their alternative evidence requirements remain unchanged.
The government also reminded visa holders to maintain their lawful status while in Australia. “If you cannot obtain a CoE before your current visa expires, you’ll need to either leave Australia or explore other visa options,” the statement read. Students were also warned about restrictions on applying for a Student visa while holding certain visas.
Processing changes under Ministerial Direction 111
The Australian government recently replaced Ministerial Direction (MD) 107 with MD 111, reshaping the visa assessment process. The new framework divides applications into two categories – “high priority” and “standard priority.”
While the university sector welcomed the end of MD 107, concerns linger over MD 111’s potential to slow down visa processing.
