Student Visa ( Subclass 500 )

1. Validity: The visa remains valid for the duration of the enrolled course, with additional time included for travel and study preparation.
2. Travel Flexibility: Visa holders can travel in and out of Australia during the visa’s validity period.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet several criteria to qualify for the Subclass 500 Visa:

1. Enrollment in a Course: The applicant must be enrolled in a full-time registered course of study. Exceptions include students awaiting the marking of a postgraduate thesis or participants in specific exchange or training programs approved by the Foreign or Defence Minister.
2. Genuine Student (GS): The applicant must demonstrate genuine intentions to stay in Australia temporarily for study purposes, considering their circumstances, immigration history, and compliance intentions.
3. English Language Proficiency: Evidence of English language skills is required unless exempt (e.g., students from certain countries or enrolled in specific courses).
4. Financial Capacity: Applicants must show they have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses for themselves and any dependents.
5. Health Insurance: Adequate health insurance, typically through Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), must be arranged for the duration of the stay.
6. Age Restrictions for School Students: Applicants proposing to undertake primary or secondary education must meet specific age requirements (e.g., less than 17 years old for Year 9, 18 for Year 10, etc.).
7. Public Interest and Character: Applicants must meet Australia’s health, character, and public interest criteria.
8. Special Return Criteria: Satisfy criteria regarding prior compliance with Australian visa conditions.

Including Family Members

1. Who Can Be Included:
   • Spouse or de facto partner.
   • Dependent children under 18 years of age.
2. Eligibility of Family Members:
   • Family members must meet health, character, and financial requirements.
   • Dependents of school age intending to stay more than three months must demonstrate arrangements for education in Australia.
3. Secondary Applicants:
   • o Dependents joining the primary applicant must demonstrate financial capacity, health insurance coverage, and compliance intentions.

Application Process

1. Step 1: Check Eligibility
   • Verify course enrollment in a CRICOS-registered program.
   • Ensure compliance with GS, financial, and health insurance requirements.
2. Step 2: Gather Documents
   • Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from an Australian educational institution.
   • Valid passport, proof of English proficiency, financial statements, and OSHC evidence.
   • Additional documents for dependents (e.g., birth certificates, proof of relationship).
3. Step 3: Submit Application
   • Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal.
   • Pay the required visa application fee.
4. Step 3: Submit Application
   • Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal.
   • Pay the required visa application fee.
5. Step 4: Provide Biometrics
   • Submit biometrics if requested.
6. Step 5: Await Decision
   • Processing times vary based on individual circumstances and application completeness.
7. Step 6: Visa Grant
   • If approved, the visa details will be provided, including validity and conditions.

Visa Conditions and Obligations

1. Study Obligations:
   • Maintain enrollment in a registered course.
   • Attend at least 80% of classes and achieve satisfactory academic progress.
2. Work Restrictions: Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
3. Health Insurance:Maintain OSHC for the duration of the visa.
4. Address Notification:Notify the educational institution and the Department of Home Affairs of any change in address within seven days.
5. Family Member Obligations:Dependents must adhere to specific conditions, such as work restrictions (up to 40 hours per fortnight for spouses) and enrollment in school for children over six years.

Validity

The Subclass 500 Visa is typically granted for the duration of the enrolled course, with additional time for travel and study preparation. The visa allows:

• Travel in and out of Australia while valid.
• A temporary stay with the requirement to comply with all visa conditions.