Hey there! If you’re reading this, chances are your current student visa is ticking closer to its expiry date, and you’re wondering what to do next. Don’t stress, Migration Agent Perth is here to make your student visa extension hassle-free. So, no matter what you are looking to finish your current course, start a new one, or even switch institutions, this post explains well how you can extend your student visa and covers some bonus tips to get the process done smoothly. Hence, let’s dive further and get you an extended student visa.
What Is The Student Visa Subclass 500?
To apply for your student visa extension, it is better first that you understand what it is. Student Visa subclass 500 allows international students to stay in Australia to study full-time at a recognized educational institution. It also lets you work part-time (up to 48 hours per fortnight), which helps a lot with living expenses.
Now, when this visa nears its expiry, you’ll need to apply for an extension technically, it means for a new subclass 500 visa while you’re still in Australia.
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How To Extend a Student Visa In Australia?
First tip? Don’t wait until the last minute. Ideally, start preparing your student visa extension Australia application at least 3 months before your current visa expires. This gives you enough time to gather documents, deal with any hiccups, and avoid legal complications.
Reasons You Might Need A Student Visa Extension
You should consider an extension if:
- You’ve failed a subject and need extra time to finish your course.
- You’re enrolling in a new course or program
- Your research or internship is taking longer than expected.
- Your current visa is expiring before your graduation.
It’s super important that your new visa covers the full period of your studies, plus some extra weeks for safety.
Document You’ll Need For Your Student Visa Extension
Getting your paperwork right is half the battle. Here’s the basic checklist:
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): From your current or new institution.
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement: This explains why you’re in Australia and confirms that your stay is temporary.
- OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover): Make sure it’s valid for the entire duration of your new visa.
- Financial Documents: Show that you can support yourself (and any dependents) during your stay.
- Academic transcripts and progress reports.
It is a good idea to triple-check these with your education provider before applying.
Read Also: How To Get PR In Australia With a Student Visa 500?
Step-By-Step Guide on How To Extend a Student Visa in Australia
Let’s break it down in a few simple steps:
1] Get Your New CoE
Contact your school or university and request a new confirmation of enrolment if you’re continuing the same course or enrolling in a new one.
2] Update Your OSHC
Make sure your health insurance covers the entire period of your student visa 500 extension. You’ll need the updated certificate to apply.
3] Be Prepared With Your Documents
Refer to the list above and start organizing everything. Keep scanned copies ready for online upload.
4] Apply Online via ImmiAccount
Head to the official Australian Home Affairs website and log in to your ImmiAccount. Select the Student Visa Subclass 500 application and start filling in the details.
5] Pay the Visa Fee
The current application fee is around AUD 710, but double-check the latest amount on the official site before you pay.
6] Attend Health Check (if required)
Sometimes, you may be asked to go for a medical check-up. You’ll be notified through your ImmiAccount.
7] Wait for the Decision
Once submitted, you’ll get a Bridging Visa that lets you stay in Australia legally while waiting for the outcome.
Read Also: All You Need to Know About Student Visa Subclass 500
Top Tips To Get Your Student Visa 500 Extended Smoothly
Here are some amazing tips you can use to avoid common mistakes:
- Be honest in your GTE Statement: Keep it simple and truthful. Explain why you need to stay longer and what your academic goals are.
- Double-check your CoE Dates: Make sure that the end dates match your course duration exactly.
- Keep copies of everything: Email yourself scanned documents and save them in the cloud. Trust me, it helps.
- Apply before your visa expires: This avoids visa cancellation or even being barred from returning to Australia.
- Seek Help if Needed: Don’t hesitate to ask your school’s international office, or ask if they’ve done this a hundred times before.
What Happens If Your Visa Is Refused?
Let’s hope it doesn’t come to this, but if your student visa extension is refused, you’ll get a written reason. You can appeal the decision through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) if you believe the refusal was unfair. But the best way to avoid this? Make sure your application is clean, complete, and timely.
Can You Travel While Your Visa Extension Is Processing?
Technically, you can, but it’s risky. If you travel while your visa subclass 500 application is being processed and you don’t have the right bridging visa, you might be refused re-entry. So, unless it’s urgent, stay put until the visa is granted.
Read Also: What Are The Working Rules For a Student Visa 500 Australia?
Final Thoughts
Extending your student visa 500 doesn’t have to be a nightmare. As long as you stay organized, follow the rules, and apply on time and you’re already halfway there to get a subclass 500 visa. If you don’t want to deal with stress alone, the registered migration agent Perth is here to help you. Book your free consultation today and let our migration experts make your Australia extended student visa process smooth and hassle-free.
