The Migration Legislation Amendment (2016 Measures No. 1) Regulation 2016 (F2016L00523) entered into force on July 1, 2016. The student visa framework was simplified, with the Subclass 500 (Student) and Subclass 590 (Student Guardian) visas replacing the previous eight subclasses. From July 1, 2016, the former subclasses 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, and 580 were repealed.
To study in Australia or accompany someone who is studying in Australia, candidates will only be eligible to apply for the Subclass 500 (Student) or Subclass 590 (Student Guardian) visas starting July 1, 2016. Regardless of which educational sector they are engaged in, international students who intend to study in Australia can apply for the Subclass 500 (Student) visa.
Visas issued before July 1, 2016, are valid until the expiration date mentioned on the visa.
There are four key changes as follows: