Student - Subclass 500 Visa
The purpose of the subclass 500 - Student visa is to allow international students to undertake full-time education and training in Australia. This visa enables a student to stay in Australia for the duration of the relevant course. The student must enrol with (or in some cases have a letter of offer from) an Australian education provider before lodging a visa application.
STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS
Requirements may vary based on the level of risk assigned to your application (the ‘Immigration Risk’). This is determined by the education provider’ risk rating and your nationality.
As the visa applicant, the student must:
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enrol with an Australian education provider as a full-time student, and obtain written confirmation of this enrolment (predominantly online courses are not eligible)
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genuinely intend to complete the relevant period of study in Australia
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have the required level of English language proficiency (unless exempt)
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have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the period of your intended stay in Australia
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have access to sufficient funds to cover your return airfares, tuition fees and the cost of living in Australia, as well as costs required for any dependents included in your application
NOTE: The exact amount of funds a student requires is set by the Department of Home Affairs (the DOHA), and is determined by your chosen education provider, your course of study and other personal circumstances. Please contact us for further details.
APPLICATION PROCESS >
You must first be enrolled in a full-time course at an Australian education provider, and obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from that provider. We will then prepare and lodge your visa application with the DOHA. The main criterion is that you meet the requirements referred to above, the exact nature of which will depend upon your passport nationality and your education provider. You must also meet the relevant health and character requirements.
Once the DOHA has granted your visa, you may enter into (or remain in) Australia in order to undertake your course of study. You must work no more than 48 hours per fortnight whilst your course is in session. If this is your first visa, you may only start working once your course has commenced. These work restrictions also apply to any family members included in your application. Different limitations apply to applicants who are completing a master’s degree by research or a doctoral degree. Please contact us for further details if required.
PLEASE NOTE: We estimate that it may take several weeks to prepare and lodge your application, with the time taken largely dependent on how promptly you provide us with the necessary supporting information and documents.
The time that it takes the DOHA to process your application is dependent upon its processing time service standards, and may also vary due to a number of other factors, including the complexity of your case, perceived risk factors and processing priorities. Please contact us for current information regarding likely processing timeframes for this type of application.
This Fact Sheet contains general information only, and specific information relevant to your circumstances should be confirmed with us before taking any action.
Do you have additional questions regarding the subclass 500 - Student visa? Please feel free to contact us by email at admin@dojolegal.com.au, or by phone on ++61 02 9138 0688 to arrange a paid consultation.