Not ready to leave Australia? We don’t blame you!
How to extend your stay in Australia?
If your visa is about to expire or has already expired, and you want to stay longer, you’ve got some things to consider.
First off, let’s talk about your current visa. Check the expiration date and any conditions it may have. You can do this through the VEVO website, the myVEVO app, or your visa grant letter.
If you’re here on an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), make sure you know when it’s going to expire and what rules apply to it. If your visa has a condition saying you can’t stay longer, you’ll need to leave before it expires.
Now, if your visa is still valid and doesn’t have any “no further stay” conditions, you’re in a better spot. You can explore new visa options and even apply for a different one.
Check if your current visa opens the door to another one you can apply for. There’s a list of all visas available for you to look through. It’s essential to explore the different visa options to find the one that suits your plans and see if you meet the criteria for applying – here we recommend talking to us – based on your individual circumstances we will be able to advise you which visa is most suitable for you!
When you apply for a new visa before your current one expires, you’ll usually get a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This keeps you on the right side of the law while you wait for a decision on your new visa application.
But here’s the catch: if you leave Australia while on a BVA, it’ll expire, and you won’t be allowed back in. If you need to travel, you’ll need to apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) after you’ve got the BVA.
Now, if your visa has already expired, your options for a new visa are a bit more limited. But it’s crucial to explore what’s available and sort things out. Staying in Australia without a valid visa is not a good idea. You’re expected to leave, and if you need help getting back home or have some financial hurdles, reach out to your home country’s embassy or the International Organization for Migration (IOM). They might be able to assist you through the Homeward Return Program.
Keep in mind, if you stick around in Australia without a valid visa, you could face some serious consequences, like being detained. So, it’s best to deal with your visa situation sooner rather than later to avoid getting into hot water.
What are the general options for extending your stay?
You can extend your stay by applying for Visitor Visa subclass 600.
This visa will let you remain in Australia for up to 12 months
Best for:
Those wishing to travel through Australia and remain in the country without working rights.
Cost:
AUD365
Length of time:
Up to 12 months without working rights
The student visa allows applicants to study and work in Australia for the duration of their course.
This visa allows for a long duration of stay and offers students the opportunity to graduate with qualifications from world-renowned institutions.
Best for:
Those wishing to enhance their skills through education and remain in Australia with working rights in any industry including those who are self-employed. Study can range from primary school level, English courses, Vocational courses (Including Certificates and Diplomas) and Higher Education (From Bachelors all the way through to PhD level).
Currently, student visa holders working in critical sectors such as hospitality, tourism, aged care and disability care may work unrestricted hours during term time as well as during term breaks. These are temporary measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, and will be reviewed by the Government. Continue to check the Immi website for updates on these arrangements.
Cost:
$620 plus course fees and OSHC
Length of time:
Stay from 6 months up to 5 years or more!
This visa allows multiple entries into and out of Australia.
Restrictions:
During term time, you can work up to 40 hours every 2-week period once your course starts, and unrestricted hours during term breaks.
To support the supply of certain services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Home Affairs and Australian Border Force will take a flexible approach to student visa holders, including those working beyond their usual work limitations, but only in the sectors below.
This visa is for international students who recently graduated from an Australian education institution.
Temporary graduate visa holders may use the time given on this visa to build up skills and requirements necessary to meet the criteria to apply for a permanent visa in Australia.
Best for:
Those wishing to live, study and work in Australia temporarily after you have finished your studies.
Cost:
AUD1,650
Length of time:
Graduate Work stream – 18 months
Post-Study Work stream – two to four years
More information here
Other options include: Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, Skilled Migration visas and more!
We are providing FREE services and we can help find the best pathway for you.
Contact us!
info@educationagency.com.au