International student visa information
Student Visa Information
To obtain a student visa (Subclass 500 Student Visa), international students need to follow the following steps:
1. Enrol in a CRICOS – registered course. Upon being accepted, the institution will provide you with Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) which is required for your visa application.
2. Gather required documents including:
- Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS provider
- A valid passport
- Genuine Student (GS) statement, which outlines your intention to stay in Australia temporarily for study purposes.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay.
- Proof of sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition and living costs
- English language proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
- Health and character certificate, as you may need to undergo a medical examination or provide a police clearance.
- Welfare arrangement if you are under 18 years of age.
3. Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website to manage your visa application.
4. Complete the online application:
- Fill in the Visa Subclass 500 application form.
- Upload your supporting documents such as your CoE, passport, GS statement, and financial documents
- Pay the visa application fee
- Attend a biometric appointment if required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo).
- You may need to undergo a medical examination from an approved panel doctor. The imiAccount will notify if this is required.
- Submit the application via ImmiAccount. You will receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN) which you can use to track your application status.
- The student visa application is processed within 4-6 weeks. You may be contacted for additional information or documents during this period.
- If your application is successful, you will receive a visa grant notification with details such as your visa grant number, visa conditions, and the visa start date. In case of refusal, the reasons will be explained and you may have the right to appeal the decision depending on your circumstances.
Note: Please ensure you allow enough time for your visa application to be processed so you can arrive at SGSCC International in time to attend orientation. You must be present for the full duration of the orientation program. Refer to your Overseas Student Letter of Offer and Written Student Agreement for specific dates.
Visa Entry Requirements:
Upon arrival, you will need to pass through customs and immigration at the airport:
- Present Passport and Visa: You must present your passport with the student visa (Subclass 500) along with your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the border.
- Customs Declaration: Declare any goods that require it and ensure you adhere to Australia's strict customs and biosecurity laws.
Post entry requirements:
Attend Orientation: SGSCC offers an orientation program that will help you get acquainted with your campus and Australian life.
Compliance with Visa Conditions: As a student visa holder, you must:
- Maintain full-time enrolment in your registered course.
- Ensure you meet attendance and academic progress requirements.
- Maintain health insurance (OSHC) during your stay.
- Notify your education provider of any change of address.
- Work only within the permitted hours (usually up to 48 hours per fortnight during the course, with full-time work allowed during holidays).
Traveling In and Out of Australia
While holding a student visa, you can travel freely in and out of Australia as long as your visa remains valid and you continue to meet its conditions. Ensure that:
- Your visa remains valid during your entire period of study and travel.
- You do not violate any visa conditions, such as maintaining full-time study and valid health insurance.
By following these steps, you'll be able to travel and study in Australia under a student visa while ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.