Australia is finally open

Australia’s borders finally reopen to fully vaccinated international students and Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) Visa holders from December 15, 2021. Almost two years since Australia’s international borders closed due to the pandemic.

This will allow education providers to plan for the return of international students, and for students to arrive in Australia and complete pathway courses before the start of the 2022 academic year.

International students are an important part of the Australian community and the education environment in classrooms, campuses and communities. Your return will surely be a reason to celebrate.

“We have missed their presence dearly and couldn’t be more delighted to welcome them back from today,” Universities Australia CEO Catriona Jackson

The Australian government and education providers are developing International Student Arrival Plans to allow students to travel to Australia while some travel restrictions still exist.

The Australian Government has endorsed International Student Arrival Plans for the following states:

• New South Wales: Supporting the safe return of international students to NSW – Study NSW
• Queensland: Study Queensland
• Victoria:  International Student Arrivals Plan | Coronavirus Victoria
• South Australia: Return of International Students to Adelaide | StudyAdelaide.

You must hold a valid Student (subclass 500) visa to participate in an International Student Arrival Plan. The Australian government will not facilitate priority processing for student visas as part of these plans. 

While there is no minimum visa validity required to enter Australia, you should leave sufficient time on your visa if there are delays in your trip to Australia. You cannot board your scheduled flight without a visa.

If you travel to Australia on your existing student visa, and you submitted a new visa application while offshore that is still pending a decision, you will be able to apply for a Bridging visa A. 

You will need to complete an Australian Travel Declaration online at least 72 hours before your departure to Australia.

The Australia Travel Declaration collects your contact details in Australia, flight details, quarantine requirements and health status.

Once the declaration has been completed, you will receive an email with details you can show before boarding your flight and upon arrival in Australia.

Australia is finally open and ready for your arrival. The ACE Australia team is also ready to guide your way to this wonderful country filled with amazing opportunities. How about you? Are you ready?

Contact us, start your journey to Australia today and get ready to #LiveTheExperience