Student Visa Extension In Australia: Step-By-Step Guide

Your academic journey can be significantly impacted by the process of extending your student visa in Australia. Understanding the steps involved in a student visa extension is important regardless of whether you are pursuing a degree or engaging in a research program. Step-by-step instructions will guide you through the application process, providing valuable insight into how to extend your study permit in Australia. A comprehensive resource that simplifies the complexities of study permit extension, from eligibility requirements to documentation and application procedures, enables you to continue your academic pursuits in Australia’s vibrant and diverse educational landscape.

Can I Extend an Australia Student Visa 500?

To stay longer in Australia, you will need to apply for a new student visa. But to qualify for a fresh visa, you need to have really strong reasons:

• Your existing visa is going to expire if you haven’t completed your course of study.
• You’re about to begin a new study schedule.
• Your candidature for graduate research has been extended.
• Your visa is set to expire, and your graduate research thesis hasn’t been marked yet after submission.
• Your Department of Foreign Affairs cancelled your initial visa.

Also Read: Understanding Australia Student Visa Subclass 500 Processing Time

How to Apply For a Visa Extension?

Before your current student visa expires, you must apply for a new one. Otherwise, you run the risk of deportation, which could negatively impact your future visa application. Follow the below steps for a student visa extension Australia:

Step 1: Make sure you are enrolled in the course of your choice and that you have Overseas Student Health Coverage.

The Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from your educational institution allows you to choose the best educational provider for your course with aid. It’s important to maintain your current Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as mandated by the Australian government, postpone until the new visa’s expiration date, and contact your insurance provider.

Step 2: Your student visa application requires the following documents

• Copy of birth certificate.
• Passport ID page and copy with Australian immigration stamp.
• National ID Card
• COE from your institute or university.
• If Applicable, a marriage certificate.
• Parental consent if you are under 18 years old.
• Migration agent form 956, if required.
• Personal statement
• OSHC policy number that matches the date of policy and visa.

Latest Post: How to Extend Visitor Visa 600 in Australia

Step 3: Apply for a student visa to Australia

Log into your ImmiAccount, submit your application, and attach supporting documentation. You will pay AU$ 620 for this.

Your Bridging Visa (if submitted onshore) and a letter of acceptance from the Home Office will be sent to you. If you want a speedy response time, check your email often for communications from the Home Affairs office and reply to any questions.

Remain calm if your visa is refused. A case officer may require more information at times. If so, you will get an email from them with an IMMI S56 Request for further details. If the visa has been rejected, you can use immigration specialists to appeal the judgment (for onshore visa applications only).

Step 4: Biometrics

After applying, candidates can be requested for biometrics immediately. A letter will be sent to you, and this request will also be shown in your ImmiAccount. It’s vital to act as soon as you receive the letter and instructions since you will be given 14 days to submit biometrics.

Must Read: Subsequent Entrant Visa 500 Processing Time: 2023 Guide

Step 5: Medical Examination

The Department of Home Affairs requires health checks and examinations to ensure perfect health. A HAP number and referral letter are provided for each check, and the medical service forwards the report to the Department of Home Affairs for further assessment. Regular health checks are essential for maintaining overall well-being.

Step 6: Valid Visa Required

A Bridging visa A (BVA) allows you to stay in Australia while your current visa expires. However, you lose the right to return if the visa is cancelled on departure. It’s crucial not to cancel your current visa, as doing so could result in an illegal stay in Australia and disqualification for the BVA.

Step 7: Make sure you apply before you travel

Make sure you can travel and that your existing visa is still valid. You will lose your Bridging visa A if you depart Australia. On the other hand, a Bridging visa B (BVB) would allow you to return to Australia while your application is being processed if you had a BVA and compelling travel reasons. To find out if you may travel with your existing visa, visit VEVO.

Step 8: Application Outcome

If your visa application is assigned to a case officer, that officer may ask you for further information or decide without contacting you. The Australian education provider must be informed, and the necessary arrangements must be made for your further accommodation in Australia if the visa is granted.

Must Read: Demystifying IELTS Band Requirements for Australia Student Visa

Recent Visa Updates for Student Visa

There isn’t currently an automatic student visa extension available in Australia. You will require a means of securing legal residency in the nation, yet if your visa is about to expire and you cannot return home or if your course has been extended. Stay up to date before you apply for a student visa extension to Australia.

Your actions are based on your circumstances, which could differ from those of others. Applying for a student visa makes sense if you want to continue your education. A visiting visa is sufficient if you have stopped your studies and want to go home as soon as possible, but you cannot work while using this type of visa.

Certain visa services might not work or be accessible during this time:

• The VEVO system has not been accessible without problems. Instead, you can use your ImmiAccount to access information.
• Delays in scheduling health examination visits.
• Test results for English and biometrics are not available right away.
• The Department of Home Affairs has taken note of the issues and extended the timeline to accommodate them.

You might need to apply for a bridging visa E if your current visa has already expired to continue being able to travel legally. This allows you time to prepare for your departure or handle any immigration-related matters.

Recent Post: 485 Temporary Graduate Visa Extension: 2024 Comprehensive Guide

Conclusion

Securing a student visa extension in Australia requires meticulous preparation, as outlined by the eight-step procedure. This guide emphasizes the importance of each step, from maintaining enrollment to meeting biometrics and medical requirements. It is important to stay on top of visa updates, acknowledge potential delays, and consider alternative visas. The option to seek onshore support from immigration agents in case of a visa refusal is crucial. Students can seamlessly continue their academic journey in Australia by being proactive and informed throughout the process for Australia’s extend student visa.