The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs has provided answers and important links related to your most frequently asked student visa questions.
Student visa holders can also temporarily work over their normal limit of 40 hours per fortnight during term time across all sectors of the economy. Students are able to work immediately upon arrival in Australia, and do not need to wait until their course commences. Further information is available on the Department of Home Affairs website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500/temporary-relaxation-of-working-hours-for-student-visa-holders.
If you cannot complete any of these in time, please contact the Department of Home Affairs and tell them what steps you have taken to get the information so far. You should attach evidence of this, such as a payment receipt or booking confirmation, via your ImmiAccount.
How long, before the potential commencement date, can I lodge a visa application?
There is no limit to when you can submit your student visa application. It is recommended that you lodge a complete application at least six weeks before your course commences.
My Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) has changed since I lodged my application. Do I need to let the Department of Home Affairs know?
Education providers can issue a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and enrol students to study online. If you hold a valid student visa, your education provider will provide the Department of Home Affairs with your new CoE. If you have an open student visa application, you can attach your new CoE to your application through ImmiAccount
What is the latest with onshore student visa cancellations?
With travel restrictions now easing, the Australian Government has recommenced reviews of student visas where the student visa holder no longer has a valid course enrolment.
Please note that the Australian Department of Home Affairs is taking into consideration circumstances where COVID-19 restrictions have disrupted studies.
For instance, where an education provider has approved a course deferral for a student or has delivered learning via online mode rather than face to face, a student visa holder will not be in breach of condition 8202 (i.e. ‘meet course requirements’).
What will happen to my visa if I don’t continue my study?
You can apply for another type of visa which is more aligned to your intentions.
This should occur as soon as possible, as a visa cancellation decision may impact your future Australian immigration options. Students can explore their visa options on the Department of Home Affair’s website.
What if I don’t want to continue studying for the time being but would like to stay in Australia?
If you do not intend to study, you can apply for another type of visa which is more aligned to your intentions.
This should occur as soon as possible, as a visa cancellation decision may impact your future Australian immigration options. Students can explore their visa options on the Department of Home Affair’s website.
What if I do not intend to continue studying nor do I wish to apply for a different type of visa?
You must depart Australia.
Many countries are opening up their borders, particularly to returning residents and outbound commercial flights are available from several major airports across Australia.
You may also wish to find out if there are any private or Government repatriation flights to your home country. If you would like further assistance to return home, please contact your embassy or consulate in Australia.
Who can I contact if I have any questions about my visa?
If you have any questions on any of the above information, you can contact the Department of Home Affairs via one of the options listed on their website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/contact-us/telephone
Or us 🙂
If I am re-applying for a visa, do I need to present updated supporting documents, including financial evidence?
You can use the Document Checklist Tool to determine if you are required to provide financial evidence with your application.
If you are required to supply it or if this information is requested of you by the Department of Home Affairs’ you must supply it.
What if I had a student visa but have been unable to complete my studies because of the impacts of COVID-19?
If you held a student visa holder on or after 1 February 2020, and were unable to complete your studies within the original visa validity due to COVID-19, you can lodge a further student visa application free of charge.
How many times can I re-apply and complete form 1545?
The Student visa fee waiver is a temporary measure and will continue for as long as necessary. There is no limit on the number of times you reapply using Form 1545 COVID-19 Impacted Students however, you will need to meet the requirements each time.
Do I need to purchase OSHC even though I am starting my studies online?
All student visa applicants must hold adequate health insurance at the time of their visa grant and maintain this during their stay in Australia. Any changes to health insurance arrangements post student visa grant and prior to arrival in Australia are a matter for the visa holder (or education provider) and health insurance provider.
Can I leave Australia and return to my home country for a holiday?
All visa holders can arrive back in Australia after a holiday without needing an approved travel exemption.
This means that temporary visa holders in Australia can plan to visit their home country, if border restrictions in that country allow, and return to Australia to continue their studies. If you would like further assistance to return home, you can contact your embassy or consulate in Australia.
Do I need to tell the Australian Government if I elect to return to my home country?
You don’t need to tell us if you return home. Your visa will remain valid until you submit another visa application, or your visa expires.
I will only be studying in Australia for a short period. What are my visa options?
Visitor Visa (Subclasses 600, 601, 651)
Read more about Visitor Visas on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 and 462)
Read more about Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) and Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Student Guardian (Subclass 590)Provides for certain persons to reside with a student in Australia, where the student requires a guardian, ie: the student is under 18 years of age.
Read more about Student Guardian visas on the Department of Home Affairs website.
If I’m looking at work-based training in Australia, what visa can I apply for?
The Training visa (Subclass 407) temporary visa allows you to take part in workplace-based occupational training activities to improve your skills for your job, area of tertiary study, field of expertise or in a professional development training program in Australia for up to 2 years.
Visa options and requirements are sometimes subject to change. In order to stay up to date, the best place to get accurate information is on the Department of Home Affairs website. The website provides comprehensive information on the types of visas available for different levels of study in Australia, including people considering bring family members with them (whether guardians, partners/spouses or children). You will also have access to help and advice about your specific visa requirements.
Another option is to contact an education agent, who can help with your visa application, course application, and answer any other questions.
Where do I go to find the latest information on COVID-19 and visas?
Regular updates are being made to the Latest Travel and Visa section on the Study Australia website.
The Department of Home Affairs website also has up-to-date information on Australia’s borders and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Where should I go if I want more information on my visa and travel restrictions?
If you are leaving, staying or coming to Australia and want information on your visa and travel restrictions:
If you still have questions, visit here for contact information if you are in Australia, or click here if calling from Americas, Europe, South Korea or Japan. You can also check the contact list of locations for other Home Affairs overseas offices