The Student visa (500) allows any individual to stay in Australia and study full time in an educational institution that is recognised by the national government.

The Student visa (subclass 500) allows a student to stay in Australia throughout their course. However, before applying for a student visa, you must already be a student enrolled at an Australian educational provider, or in some cases, possess an offer letter from the respective institution. With the Student visa (subclass 500) you will be able to participate in an eligible course of study in Australia, travel in and out of Australia as you please, and work up to 40 hours a fortnight once your course has commenced.

The Student Visa (500) also allows you to bring family members to Australia with you. With this visa, family members that you can attach to your application include your partner, your partner’s dependent child who is unmarried and is not 18 years or older (if your child has turned 18 by the time your visa is finalised, they will need to apply for their own visa). However, a criterion for eligibility is also necessary for family members that are attached to your application. This includes meeting requirements for health and character checks.

To maintain the health standards in Australia, most visa applicants must meet minimum health standards before they are granted a visa. This also applies to any family members you are choosing to add to your Student visa (subclass 500). For some visas, your family members may have to meet these health standards even if they are not planning to migrate to Australia with you. To pass the health requirements you must be free of any disease or condition that is a significant healthcare and community service cost to the Australian community, or any disease/condition that threatens public health.

Similarly, you and any family members that are attached to the Student visa application must be of good character to visit or live in Australia. This requires you to pass the character test and remain of good character throughout your stay in the country. To pass the character test, the Australian Government considers a range of circumstances such as the overall protection of the Australian community – especially children, the impact a visa refusal would have on your family in Australia, or any impact on Australian businesses and community interests.

Our Student Visa (subclass 500) immigration agents located in Brisbane will be able to discuss these requirements in further detail with you.

To apply for the Student visa (subclass 500), you must meet the following conditions:

• Have enrolled and been accepted to study at a recognised educational institution in Australia
• Have the intention of completing the relevant study over this period in Australia
• Have competent English skills (unless already exempt from this condition)
• Have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration that you intend to stay in Australia
• Have enough funds – both for yourself and your family/dependants

In some cases, you may need to provide proof of your funds. To do so, you can demonstrate this by providing evidence of funds you intend to cover travel to Australia with and the living arrangements you have scheduled for once you have arrived in the country. You can also provide evidence that you meet the annual income requirement for Australia.

With the Student Visa (Subclass 500) you are entitled to work up to 40 hours a fortnight in addition to your course of study. If you are a family member of the Student visa holder, you cannot work in Australia until they have commenced their studies. If the visa holder is studying a masters or doctorate degree, then you may work unrestricted hours once they have started their course, however, you will be asked to show evidence to your prospective employer of the relationship between you and the visa holder.

The following conditions may be attached to the Student Visa (subclass 500):

• Work restrictions to 40 hours a fortnight
• Not being able to study for more than 3 months
• Must meet course requirements
• Have limited study change options
• Have study limitations
• Must not be disruptive (this links back to the good character requirement)
• Maintain adequate health insurance
• Continue to satisfy the requirements for the grant of the Student visa
• Maintain satisfactory arrangements for the education of your children/dependants within the schooling age
• Maintain satisfactory arrangements for your education

E-Help consultancy in Brisbane can help you understand these terms and how they may impact your stay in Australia.

Up to 5 years or dependent on your enrolment status. With the student visa 500 in Australia, you can stay longer if you decide to continue studying, however, you must apply for a new Student visa once yours has expired. If your Student visa is set to expire before your graduation, you may be eligible to apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600), but you will require a letter from your education provider with the date of your graduation as evidence. Similarly, if you hold or held a Student visa and completed specific qualifications in Australia in the last 6 months that may be suitable for the Australian job market, then you might be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).