Immigration (Education) Regulations 2018

Administered by Department of Home Affairs

Legislation au F2018L01095 Regulations In force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

Immigration (Education) Regulations 2018

made under the

Immigration (Education) Act 1971

Compilation No. 1

Compilation date: 19 April 2021

Includes amendments up to: F2021L00262

Registered: 10 May 2021

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Immigration (Education) Regulations 2018 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 19 April 2021 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Legislation Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Editorial changes

For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Selfrepealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

 

 

 

Contents

Part 1—Preliminary

1 Name

3 Authority

5 Definitions

Part 2—English courses

6 Requirements for application for extension of period for registration or commencement

7 Matters to which Secretary must have regard when deciding on extension of period for registration or commencement

8 Requirements for application for extension of time limit on tuition

9 Matters to which Secretary must have regard when deciding on extension of time limit on tuition

Part 3—Citizenship courses

10 Persons to whom citizenship courses may be provided

Part 4—Application, saving and transitional provisions

11 Applications made under the Immigration (Education) Regulations 1992

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

Part 1—Preliminary

 

1  Name

  This instrument is the Immigration (Education) Regulations 2018.

3  Authority

  This instrument is made under the Immigration (Education) Act 1971.

5  Definitions

Note: A number of expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:

(a) approved English course;

(b) Secretary;

(c) visa commencement day.

  In this instrument:

Act means the Immigration (Education) Act 1971.

illness includes a physical or mental illness.

injury includes a physical or mental injury.

nonparticipation period, in relation to an application under subsection 4C(3) or 4D(3) of the Act, means the period starting on the applicant’s visa commencement day and ending on the day on which the application is made.

Part 2—English courses

 

6  Requirements for application for extension of period for registration or commencement

  For the purposes of paragraph 4C(4)(a) of the Act, an application under subsection 4C(3) of the Act must be made:

 (a) through a provider of an approved English course, electronically in the form approved in writing by the Secretary; and

 (b) within 10 years after the applicant’s visa commencement day.

7  Matters to which Secretary must have regard when deciding on extension of period for registration or commencement

 (1) For the purposes of paragraph 4C(6)(a) of the Act, if the application is made by an applicant who is aged under 18 years on the applicant’s visa commencement day, the following matters are prescribed:

 (a) the applicant’s medical history during the nonparticipation period, including the nature and duration of any serious illness or injury suffered by the applicant during the nonparticipation period;

 (b) the applicant’s family and caring commitments during the nonparticipation period;

 (c) any other compelling or compassionate reasons that existed during the nonparticipation period for making a particular decision on the application.

 (2) For the purposes of paragraph 4C(6)(a) of the Act, if the application is made by an applicant who is aged 18 years or over on the applicant’s visa commencement day, the following matters are prescribed:

 (a) the applicant’s record in learning English during the nonparticipation period;

 (b) during the nonparticipation period, the applicant’s participation in, and suitability for, educational services generally available to members of the public;

 (c) the applicant’s employment record during the nonparticipation period;

 (d) the applicant’s medical history during the nonparticipation period, including the nature and duration of any serious illness or injury suffered by the applicant during the nonparticipation period;

 (e) the applicant’s family and caring commitments during the nonparticipation period;

 (f) whether the applicant was not in Australia at any time during the nonparticipation period;

 (g) any other compelling or compassionate reasons that existed during the nonparticipation period for making a particular decision on the application.

8  Requirements for application for extension of time limit on tuition

  For the purposes of paragraph 4D(4)(a) of the Act, an application under subsection 4D(3) of the Act must be made:

 (a) through a provider of an approved English course, electronically in the form approved in writing by the Secretary; and

 (b) within 10 years after the applicant’s visa commencement day.

9  Matters to which Secretary must have regard when deciding on extension of time limit on tuition

  For the purposes of paragraph 4D(6)(a) of the Act, the following matters are prescribed in relation to a decision under subsection 4D(5) of the Act on an application:

 (a) the applicant’s medical history during the nonparticipation period, including the nature and duration of any serious illness or injury suffered by the applicant during the nonparticipation period;

 (b) whether a family member of the applicant died during the nonparticipation period;

 (c) whether the applicant had a traumatic experience during the nonparticipation period;

 (d) any other compelling or compassionate reasons that existed during the nonparticipation period for making a particular decision on the application.

Part 3—Citizenship courses

 

10  Persons to whom citizenship courses may be provided

  For the purposes of section 4E of the Act, a person who has made an application under subsection 21(1) of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 on the basis that the person may be eligible to become an Australian citizen under subsection 21(2) of that Act is prescribed.

Part 4—Application, saving and transitional provisions

 

11  Applications made under the Immigration (Education) Regulations 1992

  Despite the repeal of the Immigration (Education) Regulations 1992, those regulations continue to apply, as if the repeal had not happened, in relation to an application made under subsection 4C(3) or 4D(3) of the Act before the commencement of this section.

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.

Editorial changes

The Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.

If the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.

Misdescribed amendments

A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe the amendment to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, the amendment is incorporated into the compiled law and the abbreviation “(md)” added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the abbreviation “(md not incorp)” is added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history.

 

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

ad = added or inserted

o = order(s)

am = amended

Ord = Ordinance

amdt = amendment

orig = original

c = clause(s)

par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)

C[x] = Compilation No. x

/subsubparagraph(s)

Ch = Chapter(s)

pres = present

def = definition(s)

prev = previous

Dict = Dictionary

(prev…) = previously

disallowed = disallowed by Parliament

Pt = Part(s)

Div = Division(s)

r = regulation(s)/rule(s)

ed = editorial change

reloc = relocated

exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have

renum = renumbered

effect

rep = repealed

F = Federal Register of Legislation

rs = repealed and substituted

gaz = gazette

s = section(s)/subsection(s)

LA = Legislation Act 2003

Sch = Schedule(s)

LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003

Sdiv = Subdivision(s)

(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given

SLI = Select Legislative Instrument

effect

SR = Statutory Rules

(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment

SubCh = SubChapter(s)

cannot be given effect

SubPt = Subpart(s)

mod = modified/modification

underlining = whole or part not

No. = Number(s)

commenced or to be commenced

 

Endnote 3—Legislation history

 

Name

Registration

Commencement

Application, saving and transitional provisions

Immigration (Education) Regulations 2018

6 Aug 2018 (F2018L01095)

1 Oct 2018 (s 2(1) item 1)

 

Migration Legislation Amendment (English Tuition) Regulations 2021

19 Mar 2021 (F2021L00262)

Sch 1 (item 1): 19 Apr 2021 (s 2(1) item 1)

 

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

Provision affected

How affected

Part 1

 

s 2.....................

rep LA s 48D

s 4.....................

rep LA s 48C

Part 2

 

s 9.....................

am F2021L00262

Schedule 1................

rep LA s 48C

 

 

Overview

The Immigration (Education) Regulations 2018 were enacted to provide a regulatory framework for the provision of approved English courses and citizenship courses under the Immigration (Education) Act 1971. These regulations were introduced to ensure that educational services are delivered effectively and efficiently within the context of immigration, particularly concerning English language proficiency and citizenship requirements. The regulations were made under the authority of the Australian Parliament and aim to streamline the process for visa holders to extend their registration or commencement periods for approved English courses and to address the eligibility and provision of citizenship courses. The regulations address a gap in the legislative framework by setting out detailed requirements for applications to extend the period for registration or commencement of approved English courses and the time limit on tuition. They also specify the factors the Secretary must consider when making decisions on such applications, including medical history, family commitments, and other compelling reasons. Furthermore, the regulations clarify the circumstances under which citizenship courses may be provided, particularly to applicants who have applied for Australian citizenship under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007.

Scope and Application

The Immigration (Education) Regulations 2018, made under the Immigration (Education) Act 1971, provide detailed rules regarding the application and administration of provisions related to English and citizenship courses for visa holders. These regulations apply to individuals who are seeking extensions for the period during which they can register for English courses or commence such courses, as well as those who wish to extend the time limit for completing tuition in approved English courses. These regulations are applicable to both current and prospective visa holders in Australia and are intended to ensure that applications for extensions are made in a timely and structured manner. The Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs must consider specific factors when deciding on applications for these extensions, such as the applicant's medical history, family commitments, and participation in educational services during the non-participation period. Additionally, these regulations outline the process for making applications electronically and the prescribed timeframes within which such applications must be submitted. Notably, the regulations continue to apply to applications made under the repealed Immigration (Education) Regulations 1992, ensuring a smooth transition for those who initiated their applications before the commencement of these new regulations.

Key Provisions

The Immigration (Education) Regulations 2018, made under the Immigration (Education) Act 1971, provide a framework for the extension of certain time limits related to approved English courses and the provision of citizenship courses. For applications to extend the period for registration or commencement of an approved English course, as outlined in section 6, the application must be made through an approved English course provider in an approved electronic format and within 10 years of the applicant’s visa commencement day. The Secretary must consider specific matters when deciding on these applications, such as the applicant's medical history, educational participation, and family commitments, as detailed in section 7. Similarly, applications for extending the time limit on tuition, as described in section 8, must follow the same procedural requirements and timeframes. The Secretary's considerations for these applications include the applicant's medical history, family circumstances, and any other compelling reasons, as set out in section 9. The Act imposes several obligations on applicants and course providers. Applicants must ensure their applications are made within the stipulated timeframes and through the correct channels. Course providers must adhere to the specified electronic formats and procedures for submitting applications on behalf of their students. Additionally, the Secretary is required to consider a comprehensive set of factors in making decisions on these applications, which include the applicant's personal and medical history, as well as any other compelling circumstances. These obligations are designed to ensure that decisions are fair and well-informed, taking into account the individual circumstances of each applicant. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the Regulations can lead to specific consequences. For instance, applications that do not adhere to the prescribed formats or are submitted outside the allowed timeframes may be rejected. Furthermore, any party that fails to meet their obligations under these Regulations could face administrative or legal repercussions. While the Regulations themselves do not explicitly outline penalties for non-compliance, breaches may result in the denial of applications or other administrative actions taken under the broader legislative framework of the Immigration (Education) Act 1971. The potential consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the stipulated procedures and deadlines.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law
Immigration & Refugee Law
Instrument
Legislative Instrument
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Reporting & Disclosure Obligations
Prohibited Conduct
Regulatory Standards

Interactions

Authorises

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.