The length of the visa duration depends on the length of the course. If your course is less than 10 months long, you get an extra month after graduation, whereas if your course is longer than 10 months, you get two extra months. In case your course ends in December, you get an additional three months. Students pursuing courses associated with CRICOS (Commonwealth Registration of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) can apply for a student visa as many times as they want.

Subclass 500 Visa

This student visa enables applicants to stay in Australia for the duration of their study program. You can also undertake two or more courses under the subclass 500 visa as long as there is a clear progression for one course to the next. This is called Course Packaging. The final course you wish to study will determine your minimum financial and English language proficiency requirements for your visa application.

Visa requirements

• Enroll for a full-time course with an Australian education provider and obtain a written Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
• Intend to stay in Australia for the entirety of the course
• Have the required level of proficiency in English Language
• Have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay
• Have sufficient funds to pay for your tuition fees, return airfare and living costs

You can work full-time in Australia with a subclass 500 visa only under the following conditions:

• When your chosen course is ‘out of session’ during scheduled breaks
• If you are studying a master research program or a research doctorate program, you can work unlimited hours
• If your course has been deferred
• If you have already enrolled for a nursing course
• If you are employed by select supermarkets

485 Post-Study Work Stream Visa

This visa allows the following students to live, study and work in Australia for a duration between 18 months and 4 years:

• International students who have graduated with skill sets and qualifications relevant to the need of Australian occupations
• International students who graduated with a degree from an Australian institution Applicants must have graduated from a CRICOS registered course, be under 50 years of age and have an eligible visa.

Documents required for proof of GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant):

• Statement of purpose
• Proof of your/your family’s financial situation in the form bank accounts
• Ties to your home country (evidence of assets to prove return to the home country on completion of the course)
• Documentation of past academic qualifications
• Evidence of work experience in the form of letters or certificates

Under the Australian law, it is not possible to extend student visas. You must apply for a student visa again in case they cannot return to their home country and need to extend their stay or if they need more time in Australia to complete their course. Applications for a new visa should be made at least 6 weeks prior to the date of expiry.