Student Visas | Subclass 500 Visa

Australia has a world-class education system, it’s no wonder why so many students from all corners of the world choose to pursue their studies in Australia through Student Visas or the 500 Visa.

Thankfully, after almost two years of requiring international students to be granted Critical Work Travel Exemptions to enter the country, participating States and Territories in Australia re-opened their international borders to fully-vaccinated international students from December 2021. These relaxed restrictions mean international students may once again be able to start or resume their studies in Australia via Students Visas or the Subclass 500 Visa.

Student Visas | Where can I apply for this visa from?

While this visa can be applied from onshore or offshore, before applying. Different health insurance requirements may apply depending on whether a person is making an offshore or onshore application.

The DHA website says you must hold an eligible substantive visa, or apply:

• within 28 days of holding a Student visa, a Special Purpose visa, or a dependent Diplomatic (temporary) visa or
• within 28 days of being notified by the Tribunal that your visa cancellation has been set aside.

What’s the process? | Eligibility

To apply for a Student Visa, you’ll usually need to provide evidence to the Australian Government showing your financial capacity to support yourself as a student. You’ll also need to be enrolled in an eligible full-time course of study in Australia. Not all courses are approved for study on a Student Visa, so it’s worth getting advice before making a visa application. You’ll also need to meet certain English language requirements and secure a confirmed placement in an approved course of study.

There are also age limits for this visa. Only school students aged 6 or older can apply. Maximum age limits also apply for secondary school students – for example, you must be less than 20 years old when you begin Year 12. Any subclass 500 visa holders who are under 18 years of age must also have adequate financial support arrangements in place while staying in Australia. If the Department of Home Affairs believes that the visa is not in the best interest of an applicant under 18, the application may be refused.

Like for many other visas, the Department requires the main applicant and any dependent family members that are added to the visa application to meet specific health and character requirements. The applicants may need to have health examinations to prove they meet the health requirements. To assess that the applicants have good character, the Department may also request documents such as police certificates.

The visa applicant will also need to pay any debts to the Australian Government if is money owed. All applicants who are 18 years or older must read and sign the Australian Values Statement. Applicants who had a visa cancelled or refused while they were in Australia may be ineligible for this visa and may wish to seek professional advice.

Can I include family on a 500 Visa application?

Yes – you may be able to include your spouse and/or dependent children, who are younger than 18 years of age, and not engaged, married, or in a de facto relationship. You will have to provide financial support for the family members that go to schools in Australia and provide evidence to the Department of Home affairs that you have enough funds to support the stay of you and your family.

What can you do on a 500 Visa? | Features and Benefits of Student Visas

The 500 Student Visa allows visa holders to participate in an eligible course of study in Australia. Under usual circumstances, the visa holders can travel in and out of Australia as many times as they like, however, travel restrictions may apply during the pandemic. Once the course starts, the visa holder can also work up to 40 hours per fortnight. A temporary relaxation of working hours for Student Visa holders who work in certain sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic may apply.

As the visa is linked to the course, the length of stay may depend on the type of course and its duration. To continue studying in Australia after the visa expires, you must apply for a new Student visa. Our migration agents can advise on your available visa options if you are reaching the end of your studies – for example, we can assess your eligibility for various visa options to stay in Australia after graduation. It may also be possible to apply for a pathway to Permanent Residence through skilled visa options after studying in Australia – we encourage you to enquire with our migration agents for a consultation to discuss your long-term pathways for Permanent Residence.

It’s important to note visa conditions and obligations may apply to this visa – for example, the main applicant of this visa must remain enrolled in a registered course and maintain satisfactory attendance in the course and in their academic progress as required by the education provider. If any school-age dependants are included in the visa application and they stay in Australia for more than 3 months as a dependant on your visa, you must also maintain adequate education arrangements for the dependent children. Any non-compliance could result in visa cancellation.