Extending your student visa in Australia is no walk in the park. It has a strong set of regulations that you must understand before you can even consider applying for an extension. It is important to note that there might be cases where your visa does not qualify for an extension.

This blog offers a friendly guide on who can apply for student visa extension in Australia, its possibilities, and how to do it. Let us get started!

Who can apply for Student Visa (subclass 500) Extension in Australia?

To extend your stay in Australia, it is important for you to submit an application for a new student visa. However, keep in mind that you must provide strong and compelling reasons to be considered eligible for a new visa. Here are some situations in which you would qualify:

• If your current visa is expiring before you can complete your study course.
• If you are starting on a new study program.
• If the length of your graduate research candidature has been expanded.
• If your graduate research thesis is yet to be assessed and your visa is on the verge of expiration.
• If your initial visa was cancelled by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

How to Extend Student Visa in Australia?

To extend your student visa in Australia, there are a few important steps you need to follow. Why? Understanding the process and requirements is important for a smooth and successful visa extension. So, let us break it down those requirements in detail:

Step 1: Check Your Visa Expiry Date

To ensure a smooth extension of your student visa, make it a priority to check the expiry date of your current visa. It is best to begin the extension process at least three months before your visa expires. Doing so will give you ample time to fill out the required paperwork and gather any necessary documents.

Step 2: Enrol in a New Course or Extend Your Current Course

To continue your stay with a student visa, you have two options: either enrol in a new course or extend your current course. It is essential to select a course provided by an institution registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

In order to help you with your visa extension application, you will need to collect certain documents. These usually include the following:

• A letter confirming your enrolment (CoE) from the institution you have selected.
• Evidence of financial capability to cover your living expenses, tuition fees, and additional costs.
• A valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
• Updated details in your passport.

Step 4: Apply Online

When you have all the required documents ready, you are good to go with applying for a visa extension online. All you need to do is, go to the ImmiAccount portal of the Department of Home Affairs. Make sure to provide accurate information and do not forget to pay the necessary visa fee. At last, ensure that you are not making any errors or missing details as they might slow down your visa application process, so double-check everything.

Step 5: Await Confirmation and Grant

Once you have submitted your application to extend your visa, we will send you a friendly confirmation email containing a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). It is important to keep this number easily accessible because you will need it for any future communication with the Department of Home Affairs. Please note that the processing time for visa extensions can vary, so we kindly ask for your patience while waiting for the outcome.

Key Points

Remember, extending your student visa for further education is an exciting step towards personal growth and a world of new possibilities. Are you in need of a visa extension or are you applying for student visa in Australia, Asia Pacific Group is here to assist you. The process of extension is not as overwhelming as it seems. Just stick to the steps mentioned in this guide, gather all the required documents and you are good to go.

You will be able to stretch your stay and keep focusing on your studies. Remember to plan, give ample time for visa processing, and make sure you are always following the visa rules. For more details and experts guidance, contact our registered agents at Asia Pacific Group today.