NILESH NANDAN, ATTORNEY AT LAW

Immigration Lawyer for Australian Visas
Refusals, Cancellations and Appeals Expert

Tell me what has happened. I’ll tell you your options in a 10-minute video chat about your visa, refusal, cancellation or appeal. $97, with a 100% money-back guarantee.

32 years as a lawyer
27 years in immigration
BBus(Accy) LLB MBA
Nilesh Nandan — Student Visa and CoE Lawyer
URGENT
Visa refused or cancelled? Strict time limits apply — act immediately.
Book a 10-minute chat · $97
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

CoE and student visa — the essential facts

What is a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)?
A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is an electronic document issued by a CRICOS-registered education provider confirming that you have enrolled in a course. You must have a valid CoE before you can be granted a student visa (subclass 500). The CoE must be for the course you intend to study and must remain valid throughout your visa period.
CRICOS Registration Requirement
Only education providers registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) can issue CoEs to international students. Enrolling with a non-CRICOS provider will not support a student visa application. I advise on CRICOS provider selection and the implications of changing providers.
CoE Cancellation — Urgent Visa Risk
If your education provider cancels your CoE, this can directly affect your student visa. The Department of Home Affairs may cancel your visa if you no longer have a valid CoE. If your CoE has been cancelled, you must act immediately to either obtain a new CoE from another provider or seek urgent legal advice on your visa options.
Genuine Student Test (GST)
All student visa applicants must satisfy the Genuine Student Test (GST), demonstrating that their primary purpose in coming to Australia is to study. A compelling GST statement is critical for visa approval, particularly for applicants from high-risk countries or those with previous visa refusals. I prepare GST statements that address the Department's assessment criteria.
Changing Courses or Providers
Changing your course or education provider while on a student visa is subject to restrictions. You generally cannot transfer to a different provider within the first 6 months of your principal course without the agreement of your original provider or a compelling reason. I advise on the transfer restrictions and how to obtain a new CoE from a different provider.
Student Visa Conditions and CoE Compliance
Your student visa is subject to conditions that require you to maintain enrolment in your registered course and comply with your provider's attendance and academic progress requirements. Breaching these conditions can lead to visa cancellation. I advise on condition compliance and what to do if your provider reports a breach to the Department.
ABOUT NILESH NANDAN

27 years advising international students

I have been advising international students on CoE requirements and student visa matters for 27 years. Student visa issues — particularly CoE cancellations and Genuine Student Test failures — can have immediate and serious consequences. I provide clear, practical advice on your options and act quickly when urgent action is required.

CoE issues are often misunderstood. Many students do not realise that a CoE cancellation by their education provider can trigger visa cancellation proceedings. If your CoE has been cancelled, you need to act immediately — not wait to see what happens. I advise on all available options, including obtaining a new CoE, changing providers, or applying for a different visa subclass.

I am a solicitor admitted to the High Court of Australia, a Fellow of the Migration Institute of Australia (FMIA), and a member of the Law Council of Australia. I am a lawyer with full court rights and 32 years of legal experience. A registered migration agent is a different category of representative — registered rather than admitted as a lawyer. Read more about my practice →

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CoE and student visa questions answered

* The above information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law changes frequently. Please verify all information with the Department of Home Affairs or seek independent legal advice before acting.

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