Navigate the Australian Student Visa Journey

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows you to study in a qualifying course in Australia for up to five years, depending on your enrollment. The type of course you select will determine the duration of your stay in Australia. Continue reading to discover more about the Subclass 500 visa. 

In response to workforce shortages, Australia has temporarily increased the allowable work hours for international students holding the Subclass 500 visa. Previously, students were restricted to working no more than 40 hours every two weeks while enrolled in a course. Under the new temporary measure, students can now work more than 40 hours per fortnight in any industry during their studies.

This extension will remain in effect until Australia issues further updates. Without this extension, the 40-hour limit per fortnight would continue to apply. For the latest government announcements, you can search for "500 visa work restrictions" on Google.

If you’re considering applying for the Student Visa (Subclass 500), it’s crucial to ensure you meet the following eligibility requirements. Keep this checklist handy to track your progress as you fulfill each criterion.

• Age Requirements:
  To apply for this visa, you must be at least 6 years old unless you're participating in a high school student exchange program. Specific age limits apply based on your school year:
  • Under 17 years old for Year 9
  • Under 18 years old for Year 10
  • Under 19 years old for Year 11
  • Under 20 years old for Year 12

• Enrollment in an Australian Course:
  You must be enrolled in a full-time course registered on CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). Proof of enrollment, such as an offer letter or Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE), is required unless you fall under specific circumstances, in which case you may need to provide one of the following:
  • A support letter if sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Defence.
  • An Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Student form if you're a high school exchange student.
  • A support letter if you're training in a course approved by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade or enrolled full-time.
  • A letter from your institution if you're a postgraduate research student whose thesis is being marked.

• Welfare Arrangements:
  If you’re under 18 when applying, you must have adequate welfare arrangements in place while in Australia. If you’ll turn 18 upon arrival in Australia, some requirements may not apply.

• English Language Proficiency:
  You may need to demonstrate sufficient English skills to qualify for this visa. The Department of Home Affairs provides a tool to guide you on what’s needed. If required, you must show either a specific score from an approved English test taken within two years before applying or qualify for an exemption. Visit the Department of Home Affairs’ website for a detailed list of exemptions.

• Health Insurance:
  You must have adequate health insurance coverage throughout your stay in Australia, unless exempted. This typically means holding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an eligible insurer. Check with the Department of Home Affairs for further details on health insurance requirements.

• Valid Visa Status:
  You must hold a qualifying visa (excluding bridging, enforcement, or criminal justice visas) or apply within 28 days of having one of the following:
  • A dependent diplomatic (temporary) visa, student visa, or special purpose visa
  • A reversal notice from the Administrative Appeals Tribunal regarding a visa cancellation If you do not hold a qualifying substantive visa and have ever been unlawful in Australia, you may not be eligible to apply. Other visa types may also disqualify you—refer to the Department of Home Affairs’ website for specifics.

• Financial Stability:
  You need to prove you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Australia.

• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement:
  You must intend to stay in Australia temporarily and return home after completing your studies.

• Character Requirements:
  You must meet Australia’s character requirements. For more information, consult the Department of Home Affairs to understand the specific criteria.

• Health Requirements:
  You must meet Australia’s health standards, which may involve undergoing a health assessment. These requirements ensure the country maintains its public health standards.

• Commitment to Australian Laws and Values:
  You must sign a statement confirming your commitment to respecting Australian laws and values.

• No Outstanding Debts to the Government:
  Ensure you have no outstanding debts to the Australian government at the time of your application.

• Previous Visa History:
  The government may refuse to grant you this visa if you’ve previously had a visa application refused or cancelled while in Australia.

• Best Interests of Minors:
  If you are under 18, the government will consider whether granting you the visa is in your best interest.

The processing time for a Student Visa 500 can vary significantly based on several factors. Depending on the course you’re applying for and other considerations, the visa application could be processed in just a few days or take up to a year. The completeness and accuracy of your application and supporting documents also impact how long it will take. For example, if the required fees are not paid, Australia may delay processing your visa and notify you of the issue. 

If you are required to pay the fee for the Student Visa (Subclass 500), the primary applicant will need to pay $630. Additionally, there will be fees for each family member applying with you. Students who are unable to complete their Australian course before their initial visa expires due to COVID-19 may be eligible for a visa fee waiver when applying for a new student visa.

You should also be prepared for additional costs related to biometrics, health checks, and police certificates. To estimate the total cost, you can use the Department of Home Affairs' Visa Pricing Estimator, though keep in mind that it does not account for these extra expenses.

Your family members can also apply for a Student Visa (Subsequent Entrant) (Subclass 500) through ImmiAccount. Just like the primary applicant, they must meet Australia’s character and health requirements. 

Depending on the parent visa’s subclass, the visa holder may be entitled to:

• Live in Australia as a temporary resident for up to 2 years, or
• Reside in Australia as a permanent resident.

The Australian Student Visa allows eligible international students to enter Australia for study purposes. It can be valid for up to five years, depending on the course enrolled.

With this visa, holders can:

• Participate in an eligible course of study
• Bring family members to Australia
• Travel in and out of the country
• Work for up to 40 hours per fortnight after the course begins

Do I Need to Declare My Family Members in My Student Visa Application Even if They Don’t Plan to Travel to Australia with Me?

Yes, you must declare all your family members in your application, even if they do not intend to travel with you to Australia.

Yes, you can include your family members, but they must meet specific criteria:

• Your spouse, or
• Your or your spouse's dependent child, who is unmarried and under 18 years old at the time of application.

If your relative is 18 or older at the time the visa is being processed, Australia may not grant them a student visa. In such cases, they would need to apply for a different visa.