Student Visa
The Australian government has provided a Simplified Student Visa framework (SSVF) whereby they have reduced the visa subclasses thus providing more efficient visa services to applicants. As per the new framework, all the study visas come under a subclass 500. Getting an Australian study visa is far easier as compared to countries like UK, USA etc.
Steps to apply for Australian Student Visa
Student visa applied under subclass 500 can be issued for up to 5 years, depending on various factors such as duration of the course, city where the university is based, etc. You will now receive the outcome via letter after which you can pay the fees for student visa. The Student Visa will be issued in a time frame of 2-4 months. Hence, we recommend our students to apply for student visa at least 6 months prior to departure. You will be required to create your ImmiAccount and apply online for your student visa. Here is the list of documents required to apply for student visa:
- Valid Passport
- Health examinations with panel doctor
- Proof of enrolment
- Statement of Purpose
- Academic documents (in English)
- Current or previous employment documents
- English language test score
- Proof of funds
- Proof of medical insurance
- Passport size photos
- Provide your biometrics and provide any additional information required
Work Part-Time while you study
As a student visa holder in Australia, you have the rights to work part-time while studying, which will help you support your expenses. You are allowed to work 20 hours per week or 40 hours per fortnight during semesters and full-time during semester break. Students can work for unlimited hours if they are studying in the field of postgraduate research. However, it is important to note that this is only allowed once the actual research work begins.
Post Study Work Visa
International students have the opportunity to stay longer in the country and work post the completion of their studies depending on their stream. The temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) allows the international students to stay for longer in Australia to either study or work upon completion of your studies. There are 2 visa streams: Graduate Work stream and Post-Study Workstream.
- Graduate Work Stream: International students with certain qualifications and skills can stay in Australia upto 18 months.
- Post-study Work Stream: If a student has bachelors degree, then he is allowed to stay up to 2 years. For masters degree holders, the limit stretches to 3 years. For doctorates, the visa rule is up to 4 years.
Since November 2019, International students are allowed to stay and work in Australia after completing their course under the temporary graduate visa subclass 485 for 4 years. This is valid for Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra Wollongong/Illawarra Geelong, Hobart and Sunshine Coast Canberra Newcastle/Lake Macquarie.