Student Visa Extension Australia 2024
If your studies are not yet complete and your student visa is approaching its expiration, you can apply for an extension of your student visa.
Extending a Student Visa in Australia (Subclass 500)
If you are studying in Australia under a Student Visa (Subclass 500) and your current visa is about to expire before you complete your studies, you will need to apply for a visa extension. While there is no automatic extension for student visas, the process for lodging a new application follows a similar pathway as applying for your original student visa, though some of the requirements and documentation may vary depending on your circumstances.
It is crucial to apply for your extension before your current visa expires to avoid becoming unlawful in Australia. Below is a detailed guide on how to extend your student visa, the associated fees, and frequently asked questions.
Steps to Extend Your Student Visa
- Apply Before Your Current Visa Expires You must lodge a new visa application before your existing visa expires. Failure to do so will result in becoming an unlawful non-citizen in Australia, which could lead to detention, deportation, and a permanent ban on returning to Australia. Upon lodging your new application, you will typically be granted a Bridging Visa. This visa allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while your new student visa application is being processed.
- Reasons for Extending Your Visa There are several reasons why you may need to extend your student visa, such as:
- Course Delays: The institution may have delayed your course completion date.
- Reduced Study Load: You may have taken fewer units in a term due to personal or academic reasons.
- Failed Units: You might need extra time to retake failed units. Regardless of the reason, you must provide sufficient evidence of your ongoing course requirements and the need for an extended visa period.
- How to Lodge Your Extension Application The process for applying for an extension is essentially the same as submitting an application for a new student visa:
- You will need to lodge the application online through the Department of Home Affairs.
- Ensure you include all required documentation (see below).
- Once your application is submitted, a Bridging Visa will be granted, which will remain valid until a decision is made on your new student visa.
- Bridging Visa Explained A Bridging Visa is granted once you lodge your student visa extension application, allowing you to remain lawfully in Australia while your application is processed. It is important to understand that you must submit your visa application before the expiry date of your current visa; otherwise, you will become an unlawful non-citizen, subject to potential removal from Australia.
Student Visa Extension Fees
- Primary Applicant: A$1,600.
- Secondary Applicants (Dependents):
- A$1,190 for applicants over 18 years of age.
- A$390 for applicants under 18 years of age.
- Subsequent Temporary Application Charge: If this is your second or more temporary visa application while being onshore in Australia, an additional A$700 will be added to the base application charge for each applicant.
Required Documentation for Student Visa Extension
When applying for a student visa extension, the required documentation may vary depending on your individual circumstances, such as your academic progress and visa history. Below is a checklist of common documents you will need to submit:
- Identity Documents:
- Valid passport and passport-size photographs.
- Proof of any name change (e.g., marriage or divorce certificates).
- Academic Documents:
- Current Confirmation of Enrollment (COE) reflecting the extended study period.
- Transcripts and academic records showing completed units and remaining coursework.
- A letter from your educational institution outlining the need for extended study time and units enrolled.
- Health Cover:
- Proof of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your extended stay.
- Additional Documents:
- English language test results (if applicable) or evidence of completing a substantial component of an Australian qualification at Certificate IV level or higher.
- Employment reference letters (if applicable).
- Updated CV/Resume showing your full educational and employment history for the past 10 years.
- Professional registrations or licenses (if applicable).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I extend my Australian Student Visa? Yes, you can extend your student visa by applying for a new student visa if you have not completed your studies by the time your current visa is due to expire.
- How do I extend my student visa in Australia? You will need to lodge a new student visa application through the Department of Home Affairs. The process is similar to your initial visa application and requires supporting documents, such as a Confirmation of Enrollment (COE) and proof of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- How much does it cost to extend a student visa in Australia? The base application fee for a primary applicant is A$1,600. Secondary applicants will pay A$1,190 if they are over 18 years of age and A$390 if under 18. Additional charges apply if it is a subsequent visa application.
- Do I need to submit IELTS or PTE results for a student visa extension? Generally, you will not need to submit new IELTS or PTE results if you have already met the English language requirements in your initial application. However, if your academic progress is in question, English test results may be required.
- What is a Bridging Visa, and how does it work? A Bridging Visa allows you to stay in Australia legally while your new student visa application is processed. It is granted automatically upon lodging your student visa extension application.
- What happens if I don’t apply for a student visa extension before my current visa expires? If you do not apply before your visa expires, you will become an unlawful non-citizen in Australia, which could lead to detention, deportation, and additional legal issues. It is crucial to submit your application before the expiry date.
- Can I continue studying while waiting for my visa extension decision? Yes, you can continue your studies while on a Bridging Visa, as long as your visa application has been lodged before your current visa expires.
- Is the student visa extension fee refundable? No, the visa application fees are generally non-refundable. Exceptions may apply in rare circumstances, such as an invalid application submission.
- How long does it take to process a student visa extension? Processing times vary based on individual circumstances and the complexity of the case. However, it is recommended to apply at least three months before your current visa expires to ensure adequate processing time.
- Can I work while on a Bridging Visa? The conditions of your Bridging Visa will generally reflect the conditions of your previous student visa, allowing you to work under the same conditions. Ensure that you adhere to the work limits set for student visa holders.
By following the correct procedures and submitting the necessary documentation on time, you can ensure a smooth process for extending your student visa in Australia. For tailored advice based on your unique situation, it is recommended to consult with a registered migration agent or immigration consultant.