1. What type of visa do I need to study in Australia as an international student?
As an international student, you will need to apply for a Student visa (subclass 500) to study in Australia. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your studies and may also allow for some limited work rights.
2. How do I apply for a Student visa?
You can apply for a Student visa online through the Department of Home Affairs website or through an approved education agent. Before applying, you will need to have received a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian educational institution and have proof of sufficient funds to cover your study and living expenses.
3. What are the requirements for a Student visa application?
Requirements may differ depending on your country of citizenship and specific circumstances, but generally, you will need:
– A valid passport
– Proof of enrollment in an Australian educational institution
– Sufficient funds to cover your study and living expenses
– English language proficiency (e.g. through IELTS or TOEFL scores)
– Overseas student health cover
– Character and health requirements
– Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement (to prove your intention to return home after studying)
4. Can I work while studying on a Student visa?
Yes, a Student visa may allow for limited work rights of up to 40 hours per fortnight during term time, and full-time during breaks. However, you must first obtain permission from the Department of Home Affairs.
5. Can I bring my family with me on a Student visa?
Yes, you can include your spouse or de facto partner and children under 18 as dependents on your Student visa application. They will have the same work rights as you while in Australia.
6. Are there any age restrictions for obtaining a Student visa?
No, there are no age restrictions for obtaining a Student visa in Australia.
7. Is it possible to extend my stay after my studies are completed?
If you wish to continue your studies in Australia, you may be able to apply for a new Student visa or another type of visa. If you do not wish to continue studying, you can also apply for a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa, which allows you to work in Australia temporarily after completing your studies.
8. Can I apply for permanent residency while on a Student visa?
Yes, it is possible to apply for permanent residency through the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa or other employer-sponsored visas while on a Student visa. However, you will still need to meet all the requirements for these visas and undergo a separate application process.
2. How long does it take to process a student visa for Australia?
The processing time for a student visa for Australia can vary depending on your individual circumstances, but the average processing time is currently 10-14 days according to the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Factors such as completed application documents, health checks, and interview requirements can also affect the processing time. It is best to apply for your student visa well in advance to allow enough time for processing.
3. Can I work while studying in Australia on a student visa?
Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time while studying in Australia on a student visa. The standard work limit for most student visas is 40 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled course breaks. However, students can only begin working after their course has commenced. It is important to note that any income earned from part-time work should not be relied upon as the main source of funding for your study and living expenses in Australia. Additionally, working the maximum number of hours may impact your academic performance, so it’s important to balance your work and studies effectively.
4. Do I need to submit English language proficiency test scores for an Australian student visa?
Yes, English language proficiency test scores are required for most Australian student visas. The exception is for applicants who have completed at least five years of study in English-speaking countries, such as the UK, US, Canada, or New Zealand. In most other cases, you will need to provide proof of your proficiency in English with a score from an approved language test, such as IELTS or TOEFL.
5. Can I apply for permanent residency after studying in Australia?
Yes, you may be able to apply for permanent residency after studying in Australia if you meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements vary depending on your individual circumstances and the type of visa you hold. Generally, you will need to have completed an eligible course at an Australian institution, met the English language proficiency requirements, and have a minimum level of income or work experience in Australia. You can find more information about permanent residency options on the Department of Home Affairs website.
6. Are there any specific financial requirements for a student visa in Australia?
Yes, there are specific financial requirements for a student visa in Australia. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees, living expenses, and any additional costs associated with studying in Australia. The amount of funds required may vary depending on the length and type of course, location of study, and personal circumstances. As of 2021, the minimum amount of funds required for a student visa is AUD $21,041 per year for living costs (excluding tuition fees). Additional information on financial requirements can be found on the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.
7. Can I change my course or education provider on a student visa in Australia?
Yes, it is possible to change your course or education provider on a student visa in Australia. However, there are certain conditions and procedures that need to be followed.
If you wish to change your course or education provider, you will need to apply for a new Student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. You will also need to provide a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for the new course and a letter of release from your current education provider.
The new course or education provider must also meet all the requirements for international students, such as being registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
It is important to note that changing your course or education provider may have an impact on your current visa conditions, such as the length of your visa or work restrictions. It is recommended that you seek advice from an immigration lawyer or registered migration agent before making any changes to your student visa.
8. What are the requirements for obtaining a dependent visa in Australia?
The requirements for obtaining a dependent visa in Australia may vary depending on the particular visa category and your specific situation, but generally you will need to provide evidence that:
1. You have a family member who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
2. You are an immediate family member of this person, which includes spouses or de facto partners, children and stepchildren under 18 years old, and other dependents such as elderly parents.
3. Your sponsor (the family member you are dependent on) can provide adequate financial support for you during your stay in Australia.
4. You meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.
5. You have sufficient English language skills if required for your particular visa category.
6. Your sponsor has not sponsored someone else for a dependent visa within the last two years (unless there are exceptional circumstances).
7. If you are applying for a temporary dependent visa, such as a partner visa, you must be able to show evidence of your genuine and ongoing relationship with your sponsor.
8. Depending on your country of origin, you may also need to undergo health examinations and obtain police clearances from all countries where you have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
It is important to carefully review the specific requirements for the dependent visa category you are applying for to ensure that all necessary documents and evidence are provided with your application.
9. How long can my dependents stay with me on a student visa?
It depends on the type of student visa you have. For F and M visas, dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old) can stay as long as the student maintains their legal status. For J visas, dependents can stay as long as the principal exchange visitor maintains their status and program requirements are met. It is important to note that dependents cannot work while in the US on a student visa and may need to apply for their own separate visas if they plan to study or work in the US.
10. Is there a minimum age requirement for dependents on an Australian student visa?
No, there is no minimum age requirement for dependents on an Australian student visa. However, if the dependent is under 18 years old, they must have adequate arrangements for accommodation, support and general welfare while in Australia. This typically involves having a parent or legal guardian as their custodian in Australia, or obtaining approval from the Department of Home Affairs for an alternative arrangement.
11. Are there any restrictions on what type of courses my dependents can study on a dependent visa?
The type of courses your dependents can study on a dependent visa may vary depending on the country and the specific visa requirements. In general, dependent visas do not typically have restrictions on the types of courses or programs your dependents can pursue. However, they may be required to enroll in a full-time program and provide proof of their academic progress to maintain their dependent status. It is best to check with the immigration authorities in the country where you are pursuing your studies for more information on any potential limitations or requirements for dependents’ education.
12. Will my dependents have access to healthcare while in Australia on a dependent visa?
Yes, dependents on a dependent visa will have access to healthcare in Australia through the country’s public healthcare system. They may also be covered under the insurance policy of the primary visa holder. However, it is recommended for them to obtain their own private health insurance for additional coverage.
13. Can my spouse work while in Australia on a dependent visa?
Yes, your spouse can work while in Australia on a dependent visa. However, their ability to work will depend on the type of dependent visa they have and any conditions attached to it. For example, if they are on a student dependent visa, they may be limited to working a certain number of hours per week. It is important to check the specific conditions of your spouse’s visa before they begin working in Australia.
14. Can my children attend school in Australia on a dependent visa?
Yes, children of primary or secondary school age can attend school in Australia while on a dependent visa. However, they may be required to pay international student fees and will need to meet the same eligibility requirements as other international students, such as having appropriate health insurance and meeting certain academic standards. Children under the age of 6 can attend school for free on a dependent visa.15. What documents do I need to provide for my dependents’ application for an Australian dependent visa?
The specific documents required for dependent visa applications may vary depending on the individual circumstances, but in general, you will likely need to provide:1. Proof of relationship: This includes birth certificates or marriage certificates to demonstrate the relationship between you and your dependents.
2. Proof of financial support: You will need to provide evidence that you can financially support your dependents while they are in Australia. This may include bank statements, employment contracts, or proof of other sources of income.
3. Health insurance: Your dependents will need to have health insurance for their stay in Australia. You may need to provide proof of this coverage.
4. Character documents: Your dependents will need to undergo a character assessment by providing police clearance certificates from all countries they have lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
5. Medical examination: Your dependents may be required to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician.
6. Consent from non-accompanying parent or guardian: If one parent/guardian is not immigrating to Australia with the child, a written consent or legal documentation proving custody must be provided.
7. Nomination form: If your application is being sponsored by an employer, they will need to submit a completed nomination form and any supporting documents.
It’s important to check the specific requirements and forms for your dependent’s visa subclass and country of origin before starting the application process.
16. Is proof of relationship required for an Australian dependent visa application?
Yes, proof of relationship is typically required for an Australian dependent visa application. This includes evidence such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption papers to show the relationship between the applicant and the sponsoring family member in Australia. Additional documents may also be requested to further establish the nature and extent of the dependency relationship. Without sufficient evidence of a genuine dependent relationship, the application may be refused.
17. Will my spouse and children be allowed to travel outside of Australia while on a dependent visa?
Yes, they will be allowed to travel outside of Australia while on a dependent visa. However, they must ensure that their visa and any associated travel documents are valid for re-entry into Australia. It is also important for them to comply with the conditions of their visa, which may require them to remain in Australia for a certain period of time before traveling outside of the country again. It is recommended to consult with immigration authorities or a legal representative for specific guidelines and requirements.
18. Do I need to pay any additional fees for including dependents on my student visa application?
Most countries do not require any additional fees for including dependents on a student visa application. However, some countries may have separate application fees for each dependent. It is important to carefully check the requirements and fees for the specific country you are applying to in order to ensure all necessary costs are covered.
19. Can my parents be considered as dependents on an Australian student visa?
No, your parents cannot be considered as dependents on an Australian student visa. The only family members who can be included as dependent on an Australian student visa are your spouse or de facto partner and children under the age of 18. Parents are not eligible for this category. If your parents wish to accompany you to Australia, they would need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a visitor visa.