Visa Subclass 500
Australia offers a diverse range of education options, including undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields such as business, engineering, science, and humanities, making the appeal for student visas in Perth high. Its universities are consistently ranked among the top in the world and are known for their high-quality research and teaching. Additionally, Australia is a multicultural and welcoming country, making it an ideal destination for international students.
The Subclass 500 Visa, also known as the Student Visa, is the most common type of visa for international students in Australia. The Perth Student Visa allows students to study full-time in an approved course at an Australian educational institution for the duration of their course. The Student Visa also allows students to work part-time while studying, and to stay in Australia for a period of up to five years, depending on the length of their course.
The international borders of Australia have been closed for almost two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it difficult for international students to enter the country. However, participating States and Territories in Australia re-opened their international borders to fully-vaccinated international students from December 2021, which means that international students may once again be able to start or resume their studies in Australia via Students Visas or the Subclass 500 Visa.
However, it is important to note that there may be other restrictions and requirements in place, such as quarantine measures and COVID-19 testing. It is recommended that international students check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information and requirements before planning to travel to Australia.
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Student Visas | Where can I apply for this visa?
The Student Visa in Perth 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, a dependent Diplomatic (temporary) visa or
- within 28 days of being notified by the Tribunal that your visa cancellation has been set aside.
It’s important to check the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website for the most up-to-date information and requirements for Student Visas in Perth, as well as any specific requirements for onshore or offshore applications. Additionally, it’s recommended to consult with a registered migration agent for guidance on the application process.
What’s the process? | Eligibility
To apply for a Student Visa in Perth, 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 Perth 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 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 Perth Student 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. Student Visa 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 Perth
The 500 Student Visa allows visa holders to participate in an eligible course of study in Australia. Under usual circumstances, the Perth student 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 Perth student visa holder can also work up to 40 hours per fortnight. A temporary relaxation of working hours for Student Visa holders in Perth 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 new Student visas. 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.
Interstaff | How we can help with Student Visas to Australia
During a consultation, Interstaff’s Registered Migration Agents can assist with any type of query you may have about obtaining a Student Visa in Perth, including help with the application process, document preparation, and ensuring that all required information is included. We can also advise on various pathways to staying in Australia after your studies, such as the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) which allows international students to live, work and study in Australia temporarily after they have completed their studies or the Skilled Graduate visa (subclass 485) which allows international students to live, work and study in Australia temporarily after they have completed their studies and allows them to apply for Permanent Residency after two years.
Interstaff specialises in Skilled Migration and has a deep understanding of the Australian immigration system. We can provide you with accurate and up-to-date information on the different visa options available, and help you choose the best path to suit your individual circumstances. We can also help you with the Permanent Skilled Visa pathways, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) which are based on the points-tested system and require a certain level of skills and qualifications.
It’s important to note that the process of obtaining a student visa, as well as staying in Australia after the completion of studies, can be complex and time-consuming. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to consult with a registered migration agent, like Interstaff’s, who has the expertise and knowledge to guide you through the process and increase your chances of success.
The first step would be to arrange a consultation so that we can assess your circumstances and provide advice on your eligibility. We encourage you to contact our Registered Migration Agents or call us on 08 9221 3388 or 1800 449 858.