Australia releases latest visa and travel bulletin for int'l students

Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs put out its latest policies and answers to frequently asked questions related to student visa amid the coronavirus pandemic.

While the borders remain closed, the bulletin indicates that offshore student visa applications continue through its normal online channels.

Below are the FAQs published at the Study in Australia website:

Should I apply for a student visa even though the borders are still closed?
Granting of offshore student visas, where all requirements are met, will provide certainty for international students and the reassurance that you will be able to enter Australia when health advice allows and travel restrictions are relaxed. You can apply through normal online channels.

Can a 408 Visa Holder or Bridging Visa 'E'  holder apply for a Student Visa?
Details on student visa eligibility are available here

If I had my visa approved before 02/01/2020, but was not able to travel, do I have to pay the VAC again? 
If you held a student visa on or after 1 February 2020, you may be eligible for a nil-VAC student visa if you could not complete your course within your visa validity. Learn more here.

If I had a visa approved, but now plan to travel in 2022, should I submit an updated COE now, or should I wait?
Student visas cannot be extended. If you require more time on a student visa in order to complete your course, you should apply for a further student visa closer to the time of visa expiry.

Does the VAC fee waiver, as part of the COVID-19 Impacted Students visa package, apply to tourist visas approved pre-COVID for study purposes?
Visitor visa applicants outside of Australia, whose previous Visitor visa expired, or will expire, between March 2020 and December 2021, will soon be able to apply for a Visitor (subclass 600) visa with a nil VAC. Learn more

Do all students globally now have full access to biometrics collection services? Or are some regions/countries still impacted by service office closures?
The resumption of offshore biometrics collection services through the Australian Visa Application Centres (AVACs) and Australian Biometrics Collection Centres (ABCCs) is dependent on in-country COVID-19 restrictions. Updated information on AVACs and ABCCs, including contact information and opening times in each country, is available here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/contact-us/offices-and-locations/offices-outside-australia

If my visa has expired without travelling, do I need to provide and pay for new biometrics?
Yes, if requested.

Are the panels of doctors currently operating? Will students need to get new medicals, even if they were taken within a one-year period?
Panel doctor availability is dependent on in-country COVID-19 restrictions.
To determine whether or not you are required to undertake health examinations, read here

When will visas lodged pre-COVID be processed? Are processing times for those visas as published on the website?
Current processing times are available here

Is there a tentative date suggested that I can select on my COE, in order to lodge an application?
CoEs should accurately reflect the course start and end dates (including any periods of online study offshore).

If I am re-applying, do I need to present updated supporting documents, including financial evidence?
Yes, if required. You can use the Document Checklist Tool to determine if you are required to provide financial evidence with your application.

How many times can I re-apply and complete form 1545? Can I apply in Australia if their visa does not cover the full length of their studies? Will this form/exemption be available for a limited time?
The student visa fee waiver is a temporary measure and will continue for as long as necessary. More information is available here

Will there be quarantine and/or isolation requirements for students arriving in Australia? Will they need to get tested for COVID? Who will pay for those arrangements?
The return of international students is being led by Australian States and Territories and the Department of Education, Skills and Employment. 

If I have an approved but about-to-expire visa, will I be able to travel to Australia once borders open?
Students will be able to travel to Australia as long as they hold a valid visa. 

If I am commencing university studies online in Semester 1, 2021, do I need to apply for a visa in order to be eligible for the PSW visa?
Students must hold a student visa in order for their study to count towards the eligibility requirement for a Temporary Graduate visa. Go here.

Do I need to purchase OSHC even though I am starting my studies online?
All student visa applicants must hold adequate health insurance at the time of their visa grant and maintain this during their stay in Australia. Any changes to health insurance arrangements post student visa grant and prior to arrival in Australia are a matter for the visa holder (or education provider) and health insurance provider.

How long before the potential commencement date can I lodge a visa application?
Students are encouraged to lodge a complete student visa application at least six weeks before CoE commencement. More information is available here

Before the pandemic, it was possible to get the HAP ID before applying for a visa. Will this function be re-established?
My Health Declaration (MHD) is temporarily suspended. More information is available here.

What is the maximum time I can undertake studies online in order to still be eligible for the post study work visa?
The Education Regulators (ASQA and TESQA) determine the mode and proportion of online learning required to qualify for an Australian qualification.

Will there be any Covid-19 related changes to the demonstration of financial capacity requirements?
Financial capacity requirements have not changed. Information on financial capacity requirements is available here

How can agents/students process a visa withdrawal?
Information on this process is available at here