Migration (LIN 20/158: Class of Persons for Student (Temporary) (Class TU) Visa Applications) Instrument 2020 dated 24 July 2020 [“the Instrument”] specifies additional classes of persons applying for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) to whom the nil VAC (Visa Application Charge) applies.
The Instrument provides that international students who held a valid Subclass 500 visa on or after 01 February 2020 will pay nil VAC while re-applying for a further Subclass 500 visa to complete their study if they were unable to complete it within the original visa validity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, current or recent students whose studies were affected by COVID-19 pandemic and their family members (combined applicants) have been included as the 2 new classes of persons to whom the nil VAC applies, in addition to the previously existing 7 classes.
The Instrument repeals the previous Migration (LIN 20/099: Classes of Persons for Student (Temporary) (Class TU) Visa Applications) Instrument 2020 dated 24 February 2020. Further, the Instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 29 July 2020 and as per Section 2 of the Instrument, it commences on the day after registration and accordingly, is in effect now.
To access the full Instrument, click here.