Australia One Migration

Warning: Major Disadvantages for Student Visa Appealers! 🚨

The Albanese Government has passed the Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, forcing big changes at the ART.
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Huge Drawback for Students: Student visa refusal reviews are now mandatory "on the papers"—NO ORAL HEARINGS ALLOWED! You’re stuck submitting everything in writing, with no chance to explain your case live, answer questions, or respond to concerns in real-time. This risks rushed decisions based on documents alone, potentially overlooking key nuances in complex student cases.

Attorney General Michelle Rowland claims efficiency, but critics say it silences students.

Strengthening the Administrative Review Tribunal The Albanese Government has today passed legislation to deliver a stronger, more efficient Administrative Review Tribunal (the Tribunal), while continuing to ensure that applicants can meaningfully present their case in full.

CLOSURE OF SUBCLASS 408 COVID-19 PANDEMIC EVENT VISA

The Albanese Labor Government is closing the Pandemic Event visa from February 2024 to ensure the visa system remains reliable.

Starting September 2, 2023, it will only be open to existing Pandemic Event visa holders, making all other visa holders ineligible. This is a transitional measure to promote visa integrity. Those with valid Pandemic Event visas will remain lawful until their current visa expires. The government has also ended pandemic measures, such as unlimited work hours for international students and work exemptions for Working Holiday visa holders, to support population growth.

From 2 September 2023, new applications will receive a six month visa. A Visa Application Charge of $405 AUD will also be introduced.

If you are applying for your first Pandemic Event visa, you must lodge by 1 September 2023. If you already hold one and want to apply for another one, you will be able to apply before the program completely closes in February 2024.