Student (subclass 500) visa holders subject to condition 8208 are required to seek written approval prior to undertaking a critical technology-related course of study in the postgraduate research sector.
The Minister for Home Affairs defines the following types of technology as critical technologies:
- Advanced manufacturing and materials technologies.
- Artificial intelligence technologies.
- Advanced information and communication technologies.
- Biotechnologies.
- Clean energy generation and storage technologies.
- Quantum technologies.
- Autonomous systems, robotics, positions, timing and sensing technologies.
You must apply for approval to change your course if you meet all of the below:
- You applied for and were granted a student visa after 01 July 2022.
- You wish to change your course of study and your new course is related to critical technology. This includes:
- a postgraduate research course, at Master Degree (research) or doctoral degree level, that relates to critical technology
- a bridging course identified as a prerequisite to a postgraduate research course relating to a critical technology
- a thesis or research topic for a postgraduate research course relating to critical technology.
Once you have submitted this form, the Department of Home Affairs will consider your request for course transfer. You must wait to receive approval before enrolling in your intended course. This approval can only be given after the Minister for Home Affairs is satisfied that you do not pose an unreasonable risk of unwanted transfer of critical technology.
You will receive an email advising if your request has been approved or denied.
You do
not have to seek approval in relation to the intended course of study originally evidenced in your visa application.
Before completing this form, ensure you have read the additional information in
Migration Amendment (Postgraduate Research in Critical Technology—Student Visa Conditions) 8208.
