Our student community remains the top priority at iae GLOBAL Sydney (iaeG Sydney). We want to ensure that all international students, both here in Australia and overseas, are aware of the current situation concerning travel and visa. We will do our best to continue supporting students through online customer care and virtual services.
Stay informed, connected and supported with iaeG Sydney. We’re all #InThisTogether
Travel and border curbs
There are currently restrictions on travel to and entering Australia. Only Australian citizens, permanent residents and immediate family members are able to enter Australia.
The Australian Border Force Commissioner may only consider a travel exemption on a case-by-case basis to:
foreign nationals travelling at the invitation of the Australian Government
individuals providing critical medical services and persons with critical skills to support the national effort
diplomats accredited to Australia
travellers with compelling humanitarian or compassionate reasons
International students or bridging visa holders who do not meet any of these categories cannot travel to Australia.
All travellers arriving in Australia will be placed in a mandatory quarantine for 14 days from their arrival.
Non-citizens and non-residents can return to their home country if it is safe and possible to do so. There is no travel restriction to leave Australia.
Impact on student visa application
Student visa application services provided by iaeG Sydney are still available, although we have moved online.
Here are some things you should know:
Australian visa requirements remain the same during the lockdown.
If you are applying for a visa, be mindful that you may take longer to meet your visa requirements, given that some related services such as medical examinations by panel doctors, English language test facilities and biometrics collection may not be readily available.
Students in Australia:
If you are staying in Australia, it is still important to stay legal and lawful within your visa conditions while under the restricted movement order. Despite the current situation, student visas cannot be extended. You must still apply for a new visa if:
• You cannot return to your home country and your visa is expiring
• You need more time in Australia to complete your course
If you decide to apply for a new student visa, you should make your application at least six weeks before your existing visa expires. There is however no need to provide proof that you have been impacted by the lockdown.
If your study in Australia is ending, you can apply for a Visitor
Visa (subclass 600). You need to do this before your student visa expires.
Once you apply for the visa and if your current visa is expiring, you will be automatically given a bridging visa that lets you stay in Australia legally.
Due to the impact on services related to the visa application process, you will be given additional time to complete checks and meet their visa requirements but you should ensure you have achieved this before you apply.
Meanwhile, we strongly suggest that you stay where you are if you’re in Australia and avoid travelling even within the country during the pandemic.
iaeG Sydney is #InThisTogether
iaeG Sydney will fully subsidise the student visa application fee of eligible students in Australia who use our services and enrol in any Higher Education program that we recommend. We will also contribute 50 per cent of the visa application fee of those who enrol in a VET (Vocational Education & Training) or ELICOS (English Language Intensive) course through us.
We are also giving Coles or food store vouchers to each newly enrolled student with us. Contact us for more details.
Students outside Australia:
Students unable to return to Australia to continue their studies may need to have their
studies deferred. This will not affect their visa status.
If you start your Australian course overseas with online classes, you do not need a visa for Australia. You only need a visa when you intend to enter Australia, once the travel ban is lifted.
You should only lodge a visa application when you are confident that you can
satisfy the visa requirements. However, the applications would only be processed once Australia’s travel ban is lifted.
Visa information and other resources for international students during the coronavirus crisis: