Starting from January 1, 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs has adjusted the application requirements for student visas (Class 500). According to the new regulations, domestic applicants must provide a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) when submitting their student visa application. Only the offer letter will no longer be accepted. This change applies to applications submitted on or after January 1, 2025, and previously submitted applications containing only admission letters are not affected.

According to the new regulations, if the applicant fails to provide a CoE at the time of application, their application will be considered invalid and the visa officer will not be able to evaluate it. In addition, invalid applications cannot obtain relevant bridging visas. This adjustment aims to standardize the student visa application process, ensure applicants' commitment to the courses they are studying, reduce "visa skipping" behavior, and maintain the integrity of the Australian visa system.

However, students engaged in diplomatic affairs, defense work, or participating in medium exchange programs are not affected by this new regulation and can still apply for visas using other forms of proof materials. For other visa holders who plan to continue their studies but are unable to obtain a CoE before the current visa expires, they may need to leave Australia or consider other visa options.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs stated that this policy adjustment will bring greater certainty to the international education sector by aligning the requirements for providing evidence of study for student visa applications both domestically and internationally.