International Student Visa Updates: Australia, UK and More | 23 October 2026

Australia tightens student dependant and onshore application rules. UK sponsor register refreshed 23 October. Plus verified US, Canada and France guidance.

International Student Visa Updates: Week Ending 23 October 2026

Updated 23 October 2026. Australia's recently introduced Student visa changes and this week's UK sponsor-register updates deserve close attention. UniDoxia has checked official sources and separates rules already in force, future changes and proposals.

Australia: Important Student Visa Family Rules Are Now in Force

Status: In force since 2 October 2026; not a new announcement this week. Australia's Home Affairs Department says most applicants for Student visa (subclass 500) can no longer include a partner or dependent children unless they qualify for a limited exemption. Examples include PhD students, certain government-sponsored or foreign-government-scholarship students, and eligible students from Pacific and ASEAN countries. Applicants should check the precise exemption criteria.

After a Student visa is granted, family members cannot be added as subsequent entrants, with no exceptions under this new rule. Family planning now needs to happen before the initial visa application. Applications lodged before 2 October are assessed under the rules in force when lodged.

Official sources: Australian Home Affairs: Student visa rule changes and including family members.

Australia: Many Applicants Must Apply From Outside Australia

Status: In force since 2 October 2026. Under the new rules, most holders of affected temporary visas, and many current Student visa holders applying for another Student visa, must be outside Australia when they apply and when the new visa is granted. Current Student visa holders can sometimes apply inside Australia, for example for an eligible progression to a higher qualification, PhD study or up to 12 extra months to finish a course at the same provider, but the exemption has detailed conditions. Onshore applications submitted by people required to apply offshore are invalid. The rule does not cancel an existing valid Student visa.

Students changing courses or providers should check their visa position and eligibility before paying more fees or booking travel.

Official source: Home Affairs: applying in Australia.

UK: Licensed Student Sponsor Register Updated 19–23 October

Status: Confirmed operational updates this week. UKVI updated its licensed Student sponsor register on 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 October 2026. This does not mean every university changed status. Before relying on a university to issue a CAS or paying a significant deposit, verify its exact legal name and current status on the live UKVI sponsor register.

UK: Higher Student Living-Funds Requirements From 30 November

Status: Confirmed upcoming change, not in force on 23 October. From 30 November 2026, the standard monthly Student maintenance requirement becomes £1,570 for London and £1,203 outside London, generally for up to nine months. This replaces £1,529 and £1,171 respectively. Tuition costs are separate. The Home Office change contains application-date transition rules; check the current requirements when you apply. Home Office Immigration Rules, HC 584.

USA: OPT Fee Proposal Is Not Law

Status: Proposal published 8 October 2026, not in force. DHS proposed that SEVP-certified schools pay US$70,000 for an initial OPT recommendation and US$30,000 for later recommendations. These are proposed school obligations, not fees currently payable by international students. The rulemaking comment deadline is 9 November 2026. Students should not base a university decision on misleading claims that these amounts are already required. US Federal Register official record.

Canada: Financial Evidence Still Matters

Status: Existing rule from 1 September 2026; no new general increase verified this week. One study-permit applicant outside Quebec must show CAN$23,448 for the first year's living expenses, plus tuition and transportation. IRCC assesses the source and ongoing availability of money. Six months of bank statements with source-of-income explanations is one example, not an automatic universal requirement for every applicant. Check the visa-office instructions for your country. IRCC proof of funds.

France: No New Nationwide Student Visa Rule Verified This Week

The official France-Visas website continues to state a minimum €877.50 per month for applicable long-stay student visa applications from 1 August 2026. This is an existing requirement. Official France-Visas.

Before You Apply

Check your destination's current immigration rules, verify that your provider is properly authorised, prepare truthful financial records and ask what rules apply to family members or any further study. A confirmed rule is different from a proposal or an unverified online claim.

Explore Study Options With UniDoxia

UniDoxia supports prospective international students, especially from Africa, in exploring universities, programmes and study destinations. Explore your options at UniDoxia.com. We guide you end-to-end.

Disclaimer: General educational information as of 23 October 2026, not individual legal or immigration advice. Requirements may change. Consult the relevant official authorities and institutions before making payments or visa decisions.