Student Visa Subclass 500 Extension

In Australia, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection issues student visas (DIBP). They cover both full-time and part-time study at an Australian institution, whether you are enrolled in a full- or part-time program. To renew your student visa in Australia, each visa has its own rules and demands. Continue reading if you want to know how to renew your student visa.

Student Visa Subclass 500 Extension

You should be aware of certain critical information when renewing your student visa if you are an international student studying in Australia. Assume you have lived in Australia for one or two years and are from the United States, Canada, or Europe. In such an instance, if your study is anticipated to continue an additional year, you may apply for an extension of your Australian student visa from within the nation. If you're unclear how long your existing passport will survive, verifying with the relevant authorities is essential. These facts might change based on the student visa you presently hold.

Describe a visa

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection, unrelated to the Australian Border Force, is responsible for issuing visas for entry into Australia. Key management for visitors, immigrants, and workers in Australia is the responsibility of the Department. When deciding whether to issue you a visa, they consider several factors, such as your health, criminal history, intended length of stay, intended location in Australia, and the residence of any other family members.

A student visa: what is it?

You'll get a student visa if you travel to Australia to study. It allows the bearer to remain in the nation when they are enrolled as full-time students. Depending on their course length, this can be anything from three months to five years. Except for informal employment during semester breaks, holidays, and Christmas/New Year, a student visa allows you to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week.

Methods for Obtaining a Student Visa

You must apply for a student visa if you plan to pursue your studies abroad. When requesting this visa, there are a few crucial details you must be aware of.
Let's start by supposing you don't meet the age criteria for admission to the university or institution in issue or have finished your secondary school (or its equivalent). In that scenario, you could not be eligible for this visa. Therefore you should first get in touch with the admissions office of the preferred institution. The amount of money needed varies based on factors such as tuition costs, the number of family members studying simultaneously, etc.; the second need is to show that you have enough money to pay for tuition and living expenses. Thirdly, without express authorization from Immigration New Zealand, you are not permitted to work or enroll in school while you wait for the result of your application. Finally, it could probably take up to 12 weeks for your application to be approved.

How long does processing take?

The processing period for a full-time course in higher education is around 6 to 8 weeks. These are the maximum times, but as conditions might change, there are no assurances that it will take this long.
It's important to remember that if you are ineligible for the post-study work migration program after completing your degree, you can apply for another visa. You can apply for a 457 temporary skilled worker visa or permanent residency under the Employer Nomination Scheme if your class concludes before July 1st, 2020. If you have enough money or find an employer ready to sponsor your talents so they can bring you back, you can leave Australia and come back on a tourist visa.

What are the costs involved?

Typically the cost for a 1-year extension on a student visa is about $11,000AUD (roughly $8,800USD). However, this is not set in stone as the fees change depending on your course and if you are studying full-time or part-time. Students can also apply for an 11-month extension requiring them to pay $8500AUD. Again, these costs depend on whether they learn full-time or part-time. When it comes to extensions, they should be applied at least two months before the end of their visa so that they have plenty of time to complete all the paperwork and plan their trip back home if need be.

Can I Extend an Australia Student Visa 500?

You must apply for a new student visa to extend your time in Australia. However, you must have very compelling reasons to be eligible for a new visa:

  • Your current visa is about to expire without finishing your study course.
  • You are starting a new study program.
  • Your graduate research candidature was lengthened.
  • Your graduate research thesis hasn’t been marked yet after submission, and your visa is about to expire.
  • The Department of Foreign Affairs canceled your first visa.

How Do I Extend an Australia Student Visa?

For a student visa extension, be sure to keep in mind these steps:

  1. Check your visa conditions.
  2. Apply for a waiver of the visa condition.
  3. Apply for an extension of your CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment).
  4. Extend your health insurance OSHC.
  5. Prepare your documents.
  6. Apply for the visa online.

Check Your Visa Conditions

If your student visa is subjected to a no further stay condition, then you won’t be able to apply for another visa unless you use to waive the requirement. For student visas, there are two types of no further stay conditions:

No other stay condition 8534

Your case officer will decide whether to include condition 8534 on your student visa. If this condition is imposed on your student visa, then you won’t be able to apply for another Australia visa unless you are applying for:

  • A temporary graduate visa subclass 485.
  • A student guardian visa-subclass 590.
  • A protection visa.

You can apply for a temporary graduate visa using a paper application form, and you won’t be required to apply for a waiver of the visa condition.

You don’t have to apply for a waiver on this visa condition if you’ve completed the initial course of study and you want to apply for one of these visas:

  •     General skilled migration visa- subclass 189 or subclass 190.
  •     Business talent visa- subclass 132.
  •     Employee nomination scheme visa- subclass 186.
  •     Regional sponsored migration scheme visa- subclass 187.
  •     Business innovation and investment (provisional) visa- subclass 188.

    Temporary Skill Shortage visa-subclass 482.

No further stay condition 8535

This condition is mandatory for student visa holders supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or the Department of Defence. You won’t be able to apply for another visa with this condition other than:

    A temporary student visa (class TU). If the Commonwealth or a foreign government sponsors you.
    A protection visa.

If you want to apply for any other visa in Australia, you must apply for a waiver of condition 8535.
Apply for Waiver of the Visa Condition

You must have compelling reasons for needing a condition waiver for your visa. You must submit a request for a way release by filling in the waiver form online or on paper and submitting it to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Attach a copy of your passport bio page and evidence of why you need a waiver (medical condition, personal problems, unable to finish the study program, etc.) application. If the Department grants your waiver request, then you can apply for another visa. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will be given a new visa.
Apply For an Extension of Your Coe (Confirmation of Enrolment)

Your confirmation letter of enrolment expires, and you must have a valid CoE if you want to apply for a new student visa. Your education provider issues your CoE, and you must apply for a new CoE as soon as possible, as most institutions won’t be able to issue a new letter on the spot.
Extend Your Health Insurance OSHC

You must apply for your health insurance extension separately before applying for your visa. If your insurance is still valid, you don’t have to apply for an extension on your policy.

Apply for the Visa Online

Once you have all the documents, you can apply for a new visa through your ImmiAccount. Remember that you are still required to pay a visa application fee.
When Should I Apply For a Student Visa Extension?

You should apply for your new student visa at least eight weeks before your current visa expires. After you submit your application, you will most likely receive a bridging visa. The bridging visa allows you to stay legally in Australia while your new student visa is processed.

The Department of Foreign Affairs will most likely issue a bridging visa A (BVA); if you want to travel, then you have to switch to a bridging visa B (BVB) because if you leave Australia under a BVA, your bridging visa won’t be valid anymore and you can’t re-enter the country.
How Long Can I Stay in Australia After My Student Visa Expires?

You can’t stay in Australia after your student visa expires; you must have a valid visa to stay legally.
Australia Student Visa Extension Fee

Your visa extension fee costs AUD 630. This is the same amount as when you applied for your initial student visa. Even for an extension, the visa charges change if you have dependents.

Australia Student Visa Extension Fee Waiver

You won’t have to pay a student visa extension fee if you hold a visa before or after February 1, 2020. This waiver applies to students who weren’t able to finish their studies due to Covid-19:

  •     Students who had to pause their course due to travel restrictions.
  •     Students had to switch to part-time study because their educational provider couldn’t provide core subjects.
  •     Students who weren’t able to finish their workplace-based training.

Your education provider must complete this form on your behalf, and then you can submit the form to the Department of Foreign Affairs. You must attach document 1545 to your completed visa application- only online applications are accepted in this case.

Extension of Student Visa for Australia upon Submission of Thesis

Thesis completion for research grads is required before their visa expiration date. A student visa is often only good for the duration of their educational program. You have 28 days to depart Australia or arrange for another type of visa if you are unable to turn in your thesis after your study program.

How does accommodation fit in?

A common query from overseas students is one regarding accommodations. Since you'll be studying where English isn't the native tongue, you should choose a place where you feel at home. Here are a few things to think about when looking for lodging. Is there Wi-Fi? Are there any nearby cafés? Is it secure? How far is it from campus??

Do I qualify for discounted lodging?

With the aid of colleges, international students might get savings on their lodging. If you are a full-time student at a university that participates in the Sponsored Student Housing Scheme, such as UTS, or if you are enrolled in a one-year International Baccalaureate program at UTS, you may be eligible for assistance.
What standards apply to my English language proficiency?

You must demonstrate English proficiency to apply for a renewal or replacement. It is essential to ensure that the certificate is from a recognized institution like TOEFL (or Test Of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS since the government may choose not to accept a certificate from one organization over another. The organizations will assess your capacity for speaking, writing, reading, and understanding English. The examinations might be between two and three hours long, depending on your striving proficiency. Your score must be at least 7 to be deemed adept at the highest level; if it is less than this number, there is a danger that your application won't be approved.

Where can I get help with my application?

You must apply to the Regional Processing Center through their website for a study visa to work in the country. If you are outside of Australia when your current student visa expires, you should apply for a new one from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. With the Department providing vital support during this process, it's best to contact them directly with any questions about how to go about getting a study permit.

Final Thought

Obtaining an Australian student visa might be overwhelming, with all the necessary paperwork and application papers. Understanding the terms you must follow while on the ticket is crucial, in addition to taking care of the paperwork. Before applying, remember to go through them to understand precisely what is required of you. Happy traveling! One could feel overburdened when first learning about obtaining an Australian student visa due to all the requirements. Fortunately, many guides are available to make this procedure go quickly.