Are you planning to apply for an onshore student visa in Australia after January 2025? If so, you need to be aware of some important changes to the application process that could affect your application. From 1 January 2025, the Department of Home Affairs will require a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) instead of a Letter of Offer when applying for a student visa within Australia. This change aims to create a more simple and consistent process for both onshore and offshore student visa applications.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what this change means, how it will impact your visa application, and what you need to do to stay on track with your student visa application process.
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with accurate information as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
What is the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)?
Starting from January 2025, the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) will replace the Letter of Offer as part of the onshore student visa application process. But what exactly is a CoE?
A CoE is an official document issued by your Australian educational institution that confirms your enrolment in a specific course. It includes crucial details about your studies, such as the course start date, duration, and tuition fees. Unlike the previous Letter of Offer, which was often used as provisional evidence of your enrolment, a CoE provides more definitive proof of your intention to study in Australia.
The CoE plays a central role in the new visa process, so it’s essential that you secure this document before you apply for your student visa from within Australia. Now that you know what a CoE is, let’s take a look at why these changes are being made.
Why is the Change Happening?
The new requirement to submit a CoE with your student visa application is designed to streamline the process for both onshore and offshore applicants. But why has this change been introduced?
1. Streamlined Process
By aligning the requirements for both onshore and offshore student visa applications, the Australian government aims to create a more consistent and straightforward process for all applicants. This reduces complexity and ensures that everyone follows the same steps.
2. Demonstrating Commitment
Providing a CoE upfront demonstrates a stronger commitment to studying in Australia. It shows that you are not just considering studying, but that you have already enrolled in a course and are ready to start your studies.
3. Increased Certainty
This change helps provide greater certainty to Australia’s international education sector. By confirming enrolment upfront, institutions have more reliable data on student numbers, which contributes to better planning and resource allocation.
Overall, this change is intended to benefit both students and the education sector by ensuring clearer and more reliable application processes. Now, let’s move on to discuss how these changes will impact your onshore student visa application.
How Will This Impact Your Onshore Student Visa Application?
The introduction of the CoE requirement may have both positive and negative impacts on your visa application process. Let’s explore both sides.
Positive Impacts
- Streamlined Processing: With a CoE in place, visa processing times may become faster. Since your enrolment is confirmed upfront, it reduces the need for further checks.
- Reduced Fraud: The requirement of a CoE from a registered educational institution helps ensure that only genuine students are applying for visas, thus reducing the chances of fraudulent applications.
- Increased Certainty: Both you and the educational institution benefit from clear confirmation of enrolment, which also ensures a more stable and predictable number of students.
Negative Impacts
- Extra Step for Students: The requirement to obtain a CoE may add an extra step in the application process, especially for students with complex circumstances or those applying near the start date of their course.
- Invalid Applications: If you fail to obtain a CoE before applying for your student visa, your application will be considered invalid, which could lead to delays or rejections.
While the introduction of the CoE requirement has significant benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential delays or complications. To avoid issues, let’s explore what this change means for you specifically.
What Does This Mean for You?
So, what do these changes mean for you as an onshore applicant for an Australian student visa?
Applications Lodged Before 1 January 2025
If you submit your student visa application before 1 January 2025, the new CoE requirement won’t affect you. You can still use the Letter of Offer from your institution.
Applications Lodged After 1 January 2025
From this date onwards, every onshore student visa application must include a CoE. If you fail to provide a CoE at the time of application, your visa application will be invalid, meaning it won’t be processed.
Visa Expiry & CoE Availability
If your visa is due to expire and you cannot obtain a CoE in time, you may need to leave Australia or explore other visa options. It’s important to ensure you have all the necessary documents well in advance to avoid any complications.
Understanding these changes is necessary to ensure your application remains valid.
Final Thoughts
The change to onshore student visa applications from January 2025 means you must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of your application. It’s essential to secure this document before you apply to ensure your visa application is processed smoothly and remains valid.
If you’re uncertain about how to obtain your CoE or how this change impacts your specific situation, Knowbal can help. Our team of expert migration agents can guide you through the process and provide the support you need to ensure your visa application is successful.
Contact Knowbal today to get expert advice and personalised assistance with your onshore student visa application.