1. What options do I have where my course was completed on 30 November and my visa expires in March next year?
The following table details what your options are.
|
Scenario |
Response |
|
Do I have to leave Australia within 28 days of my course completion? |
No. You may remain in Australia until your visa expires or is cancelled; however, you must depart Australia or make a further visa application before your visa expires.
Information about options,
such as attending your graduation ceremony or applying for permanent
residence can be found on our website. If you have completed your course at least one semester early and you plan to remain in Australia you must apply for another course, another visa, or depart Australia after your graduation. |
|
I want to travel overseas. When should I make my further student visa application? |
You need to make your application for a further student visa before your current visa expires and ensure that you comply with all your visa conditions. As a valid student visa allows you multiple travel you can apply either before your departure or when you return to Australia. If your visa is expiring shortly, you may be asked by airport staff on your arrival to Australia to demonstrate your intention to continue studying in Australia. Your confirmation of enrolment or letter of offer or graduation from your education provider should be used to demonstrate this intention. |
|
Can I return to Australia after visiting family members overseas and apply for General Skilled Migration? |
Yes, but you must ensure that you comply with all your visa conditions. As you will not be returning to Australia to study you risk being denied entry at the airport if you attempt to return on your student visa.
You should consider making
an application for a General Skilled Migration visa (subclasses 880, 881,
882 and 495), which can be granted whilst you are in Australia, before you
depart. You will also need to apply for a Bridging Visa B to enable you to
travel whilst your General Skilled Migration visa application is being
processed. |
More information on
applying for a student visa can be found in the Studying in Australia area of
this website.
See:
Applying for a student visa
2. My passport is expiring soon. How do I transfer my valid student visa to my new passport?
Your student visa is linked to your passport. When you get a new passport, you should visit your nearest immigration office. They will then update your information and re-evidence your visa in your new passport.
If you are unable to attend an Immigration office to change your student visa information, you may travel to Australia using both passports: the new one which is valid and the old one with your student visa affixed in it (as your student visa is still valid whether the passport has expired or not).
You can find details of
our offices on this website.
See:
Office and contact details in Australia
Office and contact details outside Australia
Note:
If you are outside Australia and you hold an electronic student visa and you are
required to obtain a new passport, then you should contact the eVisa student
help desk.
Email:
eVisa student helpdesk
They will inform you of the required details to update your records. When the information is updated, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to you.
3. I cannot get an appointment to sit an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, but my education provider is satisfied with my level of English. Can I get a visa?
No. Where an IELTS test
is required (for Assessment Level 3-5 applicants), then you must sit the test
before you make your visa application. This is a legislative requirement that
cannot be waived.
See:
Student visa requirements, English language requirements
4. When can I work full-time?
Once you have commenced your study, and after you have been granted permission to work, you may only work full-time when your semester is not in session, e.g. between semester one and semester two and between the end of the current academic year and the beginning of the next academic year.
Family members of
Masters and PhD students may apply for unrestricted work rights once the primary
student has commenced his or her Masters or PhD course. This also applies to
AusAid dependants of Masters and PhD students.
See:
Working while studying
5. When can I travel to Australia and do I need a return ticket?
Your student visa can
be granted a maximum of 12 weeks (2 months and 3 weeks) before your course
commencement date. You may travel to Australia on a one-way ticket if you hold a
student visa.
See:
Applying for a student visa - How to apply if you are outside Australia
6. I am resident outside my country of citizenship. Should I apply in my country of residence or in my country of citizenship?
You must apply at the
office responsible for processing student visas in your country of residence.
See:
Office and Contact Details Outside Australia