FAQ AUSTRALIA STUDY VISA
1 | What is the Government doing to support student visa holders? The Government is taking a flexible approach in relation to student visa conditions where COVID-19 and associated travel restrictions have prevented conditions being met, such as attendance at class or use of online learning. The Government has temporarily relaxed the enforcement of the 40 hour work limitation for the following critical sectors:
Student visa holders who are enrolled in nursing can undertake work to help and support the health effort against COVID-19 as directed by health officials. | ||||||||||||||||
2 | How will students be assured they will not jeopardise their visa? Written advice will be provided to approved employers setting out the temporary relaxation of working hours for student visa holders. Supermarkets must register with the Department of Home Affairs to be given access to the temporary relaxation of working hours for existing workers. A list of registered businesses is published on the Department’s website. Aged Care service providers should refer to the correspondence provided to them by the Department of Health for further details. | ||||||||||||||||
3 | I am worried about not being able to start class on time due to being overseas. Will this affect my Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), what should I do?For questions about your start dates, attendance, fee matters, CoE and other issues relating to your study, you should contact your education provider. If you are not able to return to Australia in time for the start of your classes, you should notify your lecturer or student services contact officer of your circumstances to determine whether alternate arrangements, such as for remote learning, can be temporarily put in place. If your education provider cannot assist, please see the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website at https://www.dese.gov.au/news/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncovfor further advice, including factsheets. If you would like further assistance for specific matters please contact [email protected]. You can also call +61 1300 981 621 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (AEDT) excluding public holidays. | ||||||||||||||||
4 | What type of work can students undertake under these arrangements? The temporary arrangements only apply to student visa holders working in supermarkets or aged care providers, as well as student nurses who are supporting health efforts against COVID-19 as directed by health officials. The arrangements only apply to existing workers in their existing roles. As the COVID-19 situation develops, it will be determined whether similar measures are required in other critical sectors to ensure the supply of essential goods and services to Australians. | ||||||||||||||||
5 | Are these arrangements limited to students? Student visas holders are already permitted to work in Australia with a usual limitation of 40 hours per fortnight. In light of the current circumstances, these arrangements respond to needs raised by sectors having regard to the critical role that student visa holders play in their workforce to deliver essential goods and services to the Australian community. | ||||||||||||||||
6 | Can I work more than 40 hours per fortnight?International students are able to work up to 40 hours per fortnight. International students working in aged care and as nurses have had these hours extended to support these critical sectors. Additionally, international students working in the major supermarkets had also had these hours extended to help get stock on shelves during the high demand. From 1 May, their hours will return to the maximum 40 hours a fortnight as more Australians are being recruited into these roles. | ||||||||||||||||
7 | If I have a student visa, can I still come to Australia?From 20 March 2020 at 9pm (AEDT), only Australian citizens, residents and family members can travel to Australia. If you have enquiries about your visa you should check your ImmiAccount or visit the Department of Home Affairs website for further information: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=354 You should contact your education provider for information about flexible course delivery options and refunds. | ||||||||||||||||
8 | I can’t access my VEVO status; does it mean my visa is cancelled?The Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system replicates information held in Departmental system to help visa holders comply with conditions attached to their visa. It is NOT used by airlines as a primary tool to establish the visa status of travellers. You should refer to your ImmiAccount for information. | ||||||||||||||||
9 | I am unable to support myself in Australia, what can I do? If you are unable to support yourself, you should make arrangements to return to your usual country of residence, noting that it is a condition of all student visas that holders have access to funds to support themselves for the duration of their stay in Australia. Students who have been here longer than 12 months who find themselves in financial hardship will be able to access their Australian superannuation. The Government will continue to engage with the international education sector which is providing some financial support for international students facing hardship. | ||||||||||||||||
10 | Can I access my superannuation early if I face financial difficulties?Students are encouraged to rely on family support, part-time work where available and their own savings to sustain themselves in Australia. As part of their visa application, international students have had to demonstrate that they can support themselves completely in their first year. Students who have been here longer than 12 months who find themselves in financial hardship will be able to access their Australian superannuation. Please contact your superannuation provider for further information on how to access funds. | ||||||||||||||||
11 | I have been overseas in the last 14 days and I am not feeling well, what should I do?If you have developed symptoms within 14 days of leaving another country or been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, you should arrange to see a medical doctor for urgent assessment. You should telephone the health clinic or hospital before you arrive and tell them of your travel history or that you have been in contact with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus. Your doctor will liaise with Public Health authorities to manage your care. You must remain isolated either in your home or a healthcare setting until Public Health authorities inform you it is safe for you to return to your usual activities. For more information, please go to https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov | ||||||||||||||||
12 | I haven’t been in an affected country in the last 14 days but I have been in contact with someone who has. What should I do?If you have been in close contact with a person with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus, you must isolate yourselves for 14 days after last contact with that person. For more information, please go to https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov | ||||||||||||||||
13 | How do I know what mental health services and other support I’m covered for?If you are on a student visa you should contact your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance provider for advice on your health cover and services available to support you. Your insurance provider may be one of the following:
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