Student Visa Subclass 500

Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) Overview

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to study in Australia temporarily. This visa applies to various educational programs, such as ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), vocational education, higher education, or research programs.

Key Details of Subclass 500 Visa

Work Conditions for Subclass 500 Visa

  • During the course: Up to 48 hours per fortnight (two consecutive weeks) once your course starts.
  • During term breaks: You can work full-time.
  • For dependents: If the primary visa holder is studying a Master’s or higher program, the dependent spouse or partner can work full-time; otherwise, they can only work part-time.

Subsequent Entrant Visa for Family Members

  • Dependents, such as a spouse/partner or children, can be included in the visa application or apply separately for a subsequent entrant visa.
  • For students under 18, a parent or guardian may accompany them to Australia on a Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590).

Renewing or Extending the Student Visa

  • There is no automatic extension for the Subclass 500 visa. If the course duration is extended or a thesis is delayed, students need to apply for an extension before the visa expires. For more details, refer to the Student Visa Extension process.

Student Visa Fees

  • Base Application Charge: A$1600
  • Additional applicant (18+ years): A$1190
  • Additional applicant (under 18): A$390
  • Subsequent Temporary Application Charge: A$700 (applies if it’s your second onshore student visa application)

Processing Times

  • Vocational Study: 75% of applications processed in 6 months.
  • Higher Education Study: 75% of applications processed in 1-3 months.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 500 Visa

CRICOS-Registered Program

Students must be enrolled in a full-time course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate that their stay in Australia is temporary and provide evidence of returning home after completing their studies. However, the GTE requirement does not prevent students from seeking skilled migration pathways after their studies.

Financial Evidence

Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds to support themselves during the first year of their stay.

English Language Requirements

  • Applicants may need to meet English language requirements unless exempt (e.g., holding a valid passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland).
  • The level of English required depends on the course. For example:
    • IELTS: Overall band score of 5.5 (lower for packaged ELICOS courses).
    • TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 46.

Health Insurance (OSHC)

Students and their family members must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of their stay.

Conditions on Subclass 500 Visa

  • Condition 8104: Work restriction of 48 hours per fortnight for dependent visa holders.
  • Condition 8105: Students cannot work before their course begins.
  • Condition 8202: Maintain full-time enrollment in a registered course.
  • Condition 8501: Maintain adequate health insurance.
  • Condition 8533: Inform your education provider of your residential address or any changes within 7 days of arriving in Australia.

Pathways to Permanent Residency (PR)

International students on Subclass 500 visas have pathways to permanent residency through visas such as Subclass 189, 186, and 191. Additionally, state and territory governments often favor students for nominations under Subclass 190 or 491 skilled migration visas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Student Visa (Subclass 500)

1. Can I bring my parents to Australia on a student visa?

  • If you are under 18, your parent or guardian can accompany you to Australia to take care of you while you study. They would need to apply for a Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590).

2. How can I check my student visa application status for Australia?

  • You or your representative can check the status of your application through the ImmiAccount used to lodge your Subclass 500 student visa.

3. Is a student visa a substantive visa?

  • Yes, a student visa is classified as a substantive visa.

4. What is the age limit for an Australian student visa?

  • There is no upper or lower age limit for applying for a student visa.

5. Is an Australian student visa easy to get?

  • Yes, an Australian student visa is relatively easy to get for genuine students who meet the visa requirements.

6. Can I stay in Australia after my student visa expires?

  • Yes, but you need to lodge another visa application before your current student visa expires. If your visa expires without applying for a new one, you must depart Australia immediately.

7. Can I apply for another student visa while in Australia?

  • Yes, you can apply for another Subclass 500 visa while in Australia if you meet the visa requirements and your previous visa has not expired.

8. Can I work on a student visa in Australia?

  • Yes, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during your study term and full-time during holidays.

9. Can I switch courses or institutions after being granted a student visa?

  • Yes, you can change courses at the same or higher qualification level without restrictions after completing six months of your principal course. If you wish to transfer to a lower-level course, you will need to apply for a new Subclass 500 visa to avoid breaching your visa conditions.

10. What are the financial requirements for a student visa?

  • You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses for the first year of your stay in Australia. For more details, refer to the financial requirements page.

11. Do I need to meet English language requirements?

  • In most cases, yes. The English language requirements vary based on your country of citizenship and the course you are enrolling in. Some exemptions exist for students from countries like the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland. Check specific English language requirements.

12. How do I maintain my student visa status?

  • To maintain your student visa status, you must:
    • Be enrolled in a full-time CRICOS-registered course.
    • Maintain adequate health insurance (OSHC) for the entire duration of your stay.
    • Follow the conditions set by the Department of Home Affairs, including not exceeding work limits and notifying changes in your residential address.

13. Can I apply for permanent residency after my studies?

  • Yes, international students may qualify for permanent residency through several pathways, including Subclass 189, 186, or 191 visas, or state/territory nominations under Subclass 190 or 491.

14. What happens if I complete my course early?

  • If you complete your course earlier than expected, you must maintain enrollment in another CRICOS-registered program. If you plan to remain in Australia for more than two months without being enrolled in a registered course, you will need to apply for another student visa or a different visa.

15. Can I extend my student visa if I need more time to complete my course?

  • Yes, but you will need to apply for an extension of your Subclass 500 visa before it expires. There is no automatic extension.

Disclaimer

Aussie Migration Services Pty Ltd and its associates are independent consulting entities not associated with the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DOHA). The information provided on this website does not constitute personal migration advice. For tailored advice based on your individual circumstances, please contact one of our Immigration Consultants or register your interest with our associates.