Please note that the information we provide in this article on documents checklist is current as of the date of publication, and the DHA regularly updates rules and regulations. Kindly ensure that you check the official updates before making any decisions, or speak with an immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date information, as laws and conditions are subject to change.
If you’re planning to study in Australia soon, this student visa documents checklist might help you begin the application process.
Australia proudly stands as a global leader in higher education, boasting a network of esteemed universities and institutions recognised for their academic rigour and innovation. Renowned for their commitment to research and teaching excellence, these institutions provide students with a stimulating learning environment.
Learning in a new environment is exciting because you’ll be meeting new friends and mentors who will help you achieve your career goals in the future. Use this key documents checklist for your visa application as a head-start!
Overview of the Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The student visa is a temporary visa that will allow you to do the following:
- participate in an eligible course of study in Australia
- travel in and out of Australia
- work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study or training is in session (students studying masters by research or doctoral degree, and their families, have no work limit).
- study in Australia up to five (5) years
- if the student is in primary school, the maximum period that may be granted is three (3) years only
The length of your chosen course will determine the validity period of the visa. If you wish to continue studying in the country, you must apply for a new student visa.
However, if you want to continue your stay in Australia for a legitimate purpose, you may be eligible for the following visas:
- Visitor visa (subclass 600) – If the expiration of your visa comes before your graduation.
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – If you hold or held a student visa and completed specific qualifications in Australia in the last six months
- Skilled Recognition Graduate visa (subclass 476) – If you are a recent engineering graduate of a recognised institution
- A visa that suits your circumstances – If you want to stay longer for other reasons
Student Visa Documents Checklist
Visa requirements can change from time to time, so it is important to have a checklist that is up-to-date. This can help you avoid surprises and ensure that you are submitting all of the required documents.
By having a checklist, you can avoid having to spend time searching for documents or trying to remember what you need to submit. This can free up your time to focus on other aspects of your visa application.
1. Identity Documents Checklist
- Current passport showing your photo, personal details, and passport issue and expiry dates
- National identity card, if you have one.
- Proof of change of name, if applicable.
- marriage or divorce certificate
- change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, or the relevant overseas authority
- documents that show other names you have been known by
2. School Documents Checklist
- If applying outside Australia – Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for all intended courses
- If applying inside Australia – CoE or letter of offer for all intended courses. You must provide the CoEs before the visa can be granted.
- If Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or Australian Department of Defence sponsored:
- Letter of support
- Evidence of sufficient funds (if your letter of support does not say it will meet the living costs and expenses of each secondary applicant)
- If secondary exchange student – Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Student form
- Postgraduate research student – a letter from your education provider (if required to remain in Australia for marking of your thesis)
- If working student – Curriculum vitae or resume which clearly states personal details, educational qualifications, and work experience.
3. Financial Documents Checklist
- Deposits of money from a financial institution
- Government loans or loans from a financial institution
- Scholarships or similar financial support
- Annual income of either your parents or partner:
- Evidence that your parents or your partner had a personal income of at least AUD72,465 in the 12 months immediately before you apply.
- If you bring family members, you must show your parents’ or partner’s income is at least AUD84,543.
- Evidence of your parents’ or partner’s income in the form of official government documents such as tax assessments less than 12 months old.
- Consider the following expenses you need for this visa:
- Travel expenses
- Living costs
- Course fees
- Schooling costs
- Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Students (AASES) form – if you’re a Secondary exchange student
- Letter of Support from DFAT – for Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) students
- Letter of Support from DOD – for Department of Defence students
4. Immigration Documents Checklist
- Proof of paid adequate health insurance – Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- If your education provider arranged your OSHC – include the name of your health insurance provider and the dates your policy starts and finishes in your application.
- If you are from Norway, Sweden or Belgium – OSHC not required
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) documents
- Student visa English language requirement
- Welfare arrangements for students under 18
5. Partner Documents Checklist
Prepare your partner’s documents:
- identity documents
- character documents
- documents about other family members, if applicable
- if you are married – marriage certificate or other evidence that your marriage is valid in Australia.
- if you are a de facto partner – proof of your de facto relationship.
6. General Documents Checklist
- Have all non-English documents translated into English.
- Translators in Australia must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.
- Scan or photograph all documents (English and non-English) in colour.
- The scans and photos must be legible.
- If a document is more than 1 page, save it all as 1 file.
- Keep a copy of your completed application.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has a documents checklist tool that requires you to enter your country of passport and your education provider. The tool provides a more personalised documents checklist depending on the information you entered.
These articles may also help you in your application:
Because Australia’s immigration rules change from time to time, here are recent updates as of 19 November 2023:
- The Australian Government has announced that from 1 October 2023, the amount of funds student visa applicants will need to meet the financial capacity requirement will increase.
- From 1 July 2023, student visa holders can work no more than 48 hours a fortnight while studying. For more information see work restrictions for student visa holders.
- Student visa holders already working in the aged care sector on 9 May 2023 can continue to work unrestricted hours in the aged care sector until 31 December 2023.
Hire a Migration Lawyer
Need any help with your student visa application? With a Subclass 500 Student Visa and the support of a knowledgeable migration lawyer, you can confidently embark on this transformative educational journey. Don’t miss out on your Australian dream.
Contact a reputable migration lawyer today and take the first step towards achieving your Australian study aspirations. JB Solicitors’ migration lawyers have the expertise and their guidance will pave the way for a successful visa application, allowing you to focus on embracing the enriching experiences that await you in this extraordinary country.
