Mandatory Visa Length OSHC from 1st July 2010
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has today confirmed to Medibank Private the following arrangements for the introduction of mandatory Visa Length Cover (VLC) for all student visa applicants from July 1, 2010.
DIAC are currently in the process of updating information on these changes for release on the DIAC website on 1 July. All relevant information will be released at: http://www.immi.gov.au/business-services/education providers/roles_responsibilities.htm - under the heading “Arranging Health Insurance for Students”. This roll-out of information will be updated on an ongoing basis with examples of best practice.
The requirement is to become effective for those who apply for a student visa on or after July 1st, 2010.
Whilst it is best practice for all students to have VLC, there is no requirement by DIAC for current student visa holders to have VLC as their visa application has already been assessed and approved.
Current students who apply for a subsequent student visa after 1 July, 2010 will be required to provide evidence that they have visa length OSHC.
When completing a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for commencing students on or after July 1st, 2010 selecting YES in response to the question about the provision of OSHC by the Education Provider is advising DIAC that OSHC has been arranged for the entire length of the student visa.
DIAC have asked education providers to include the expiry date of the OSHC policy and Policy Type (Single or Family) in the ‘Comment’ field – this will be considered as official advice that this requirement has been met for the student.
The DIAC assessment of student visa expiry dates, according to course length and course completion, has not changed. You will be able to accurately determine the visa expiry date from the information below:
Duration of Course Duration of Visa
10 months or less One month longer than the duration of the course
Longer than 10 months Two months longer than the duration of the course
Longer than 10 months and finishing October-December The visa will usually be granted up to March 15 of the following year
The OSHC start date should be the date the student is advised or expected to arrive in Australia.
If you need any further information please contact SmartPlan Education Team on Info@smartplaneducation.com
