.png)
Australian Visa Guide For International Students
Visa Guide Australian
A visa is an official document that authorizes a person to enter a foreign country and stay there for a limited period of time. These are issued by the respective country's immigration authorities through a complex set of procedures and methods. If you aspire to complete your higher education abroad then you will need a student visa. Visa requirements differ substantially from country to country. But most students like you are not aware of all the visa requirements, procedures, and obligations. This detailed guide is an initiative to help all prospective international students with their visa inquiries. From filing the right visa forms to procuring a student visa after the interview, it covers it all. This guide is the ideal guide for students wishing to study at Australia's prestigious colleges and universities.
Every year countless students apply for student visas while few secure them. The reason is, many students are not confident and do not have complete knowledge of all the requirements to get an Australian student visa. This visa guide is the ideal source of help for all students who wish to study in the world's most prestigious locations and need comprehensive advice. All data and information in this guide are collected from the best and most trusted sources. It is based on the latest guidelines and requirements issued by each country.
This visa guide addresses every problem a student may face and provides the best solution for it. This guide follows a definite order and can be easily used by any student. It is separated in appropriate sections according to the country it represents and follows a systematic route to provide students with the best and concrete solutions.
Australian Visa
Australia has always been among the top three countries for higher education. More than thousands of international students fly to Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide every year to complete their studies and professional training courses. International students wishing to study at a prestigious Australian institution need to apply for a visa to the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship or DIAC. This office is under the direct control of the federal government of the country.
It operates an Overseas Student Program (OSP) through which non-Australian students can apply and find housing to study in the country. A visa will be granted only when the student is enrolled in a registered and full-time course. Registered courses can be learning or training courses offered by any Australian institution certified by the government. The entire Australian education system is divided into four levels, namely:
1. Primary
2. Secondary
3. Vocational education
4. Higher Education and Training
Anyone wishing to obtain an Australian visa must meet several general requirements before the visa application procedure begins. The main requirements are
1. The applicant must have good morals preferably without a criminal record from the past
2. Applicant must be in good health when applying for an Australian visa
3. The applicant must not have any debt in Australia
4. Applicant must obtain Foreign Student Health Coverage issued by a verified insurance provider. Meeting all of the above-mentioned criteria is mandatory before a student applicant proceeds with a visa application.
Type of Student Visa
The Australian Student visa regulations have separate sub-classes according to the course of study and the education sector. If you wish to study in Australia, then you will need to enroll in the appropriate visa subclass based on the main course of study.
Subclass 570 (Independent ELICOS)
International students taking the Intensive English Language Course for Foreign Students (ELICOS) in Australia are eligible for this form of visa. This is a self-contained course where students cannot pursue any other registered education program. Subclass 571 (School)
Students who apply to continue their education in Australian schools will be granted an Australian student visa with a subclass of 571. Applicants who wish to study the following programs are eligible for it:
1. elementary school
2. High school course or
3. Approved the high school exchange program.
Subclass 572 (VET)
The Australian Government also issues student visas for students applying for Vocational Education and Training (VET). They are eligible for Subclass 572 visas. Covers I, II, III, and IV Diplomas, Diplomas, and Advanced Diplomas. Subclass 573 (Higher Education Sector)
This is the most common form of student visa in which every year a large number of applications are processed. Subclass 573 grants visas to students who wish to complete their higher education in Australia. This includes:
1. Bachelor's degree
2. Associate Degree
3. Graduate certificate
4. Bachelor's degree
Subclass 574 (Master's Degree And Ph.D. Degree)
Many students around the world apply to complete their postgraduate courses at renowned Australian universities. They must complete their visa application with the subclass category 574. With this form of visa subclass, they can pursue Master's degrees, research programs, and doctoral degrees in a variety of subjects. Some graduate programs may fall under subclass 573. Students should consult with their respective authorities before completing their category.
Subclass 576 (AusAID Or Defense Sponsored Sector)
It is a form of special visa status granted to certain applicants by the Australian government for special courses on global problems and their solutions. This is a full-time course in which students must not have any other form of engagement. Generally, students from developing countries can apply for this program. It is fully sponsored by the federal government.
This is the main category of student visas granted by the Australian government to international students.
Rating Level
The relevant DIAC department reviews each visa application on the basis of individual merit. In a move to further simplify the process and to provide a fast and effective service, Australian authorities have set a Rating Level for each visa application. This will also make the process transparent as the applicant himself/herself will be aware of his/her position. Although there are five levels of assessment, applications from all prospective students are categorized into three levels, namely AL 1, AL 2, and AL 3. This rating level is determined based on the immigration risk of each application.
Applicants with AL 1 will have the lowest immigration risk whereas applications with maximum immigration risk are awarded AL 3. In some extreme circumstances, students may be assigned their Rating Level in categories AL 4 and AL 5. That means they have the highest immigration risk and face the maximum likelihood of rejection Visa. It is also referred to as a statistical indicator because students from each country are assigned a separate rating level based on certain factors and qualifications. The most important factors that determine an applicant's rating level are:
1. Country of residence and citizenship
2. Pursue a course
3. Education sector
Students who have the lowest immigrant risk, i.e. those assigned to AL 1, must submit a minimum of evidence and documents. Applicants with an AL 3 must submit the highest level of evidence to support their claim to study in Australia. The relevant authorities always carry out a comprehensive risk assessment from time to time. Therefore, the Rating Level for students is subject to change. Students can visit the government's website for up-to-date information on student visa processing assessment rates. If a parent, spouse, or family member accompanies a student to Australia, they are entitled to the same level of assessment awarded to the student.
However, sometimes an applicant can obtain an Australian visa without being assigned a rating level.
Efficient Student Visa Processing
Under this simplified student visa processing, prospective students are not ranked but are considered to have the least immigration risk and the process continues. Not every applicant is eligible for simplified visa processing. Prospective students must meet the following requirements:
1. Applications must come through a participating education provider
2. At the time of applying for a visa in Australia, students must have a Confirmation of Enrollment
3. Students have applied for registered courses from participating universities
4. The applicant may not combine a university exchange program that is not provided with an introductory course.
Students sponsored by various Australian government departments are not eligible for simplified visa processing and they must go through the usual procedural methods.
Application process
When students have decided on the course modules and institutions, it is time to enroll in a college or university. Students can apply in two ways.
1. Direct to the education provider - They can download the application form from the respective education provider and submit it with all the required details and information.
2. Through native Australian education agencies - All Australian institutions have a number of agents. Students can also send their applications to them directly with the documents they need.
If the application is accepted by the respective institution then they will receive an official Letter of Offer. A letter is a formal contract between the student and the institution which includes all the registration requirements, the amount to be paid, details about the course, etc. When applicants pay the amount, they receive an Electronic Confirmation of Enrollment (ECOE). Since most Australian visa applications are processed through online lodging facilities, they will require this ECOE. After confirming their acceptance to their respective colleges or universities, they can start the visa application process procedure.
1. They have to log in through their personal profile on the website. If the applicant does not have one, they can create their own account.
2. For temporary student visa applications, they will be required to complete Form 157A. They can fill out Form 157P if they need permission to cooperate with their studies.
3. All applicants should add as much information as is available to them. Forms with missing data about applicants take longer to fill out and they also face the possibility of rejection.
4. To complete the application process, students must attach supporting documents with a form.
5. Applicants with a level 1 assessment must submit at least documents.
Tracking Apps
Upon successful submission of the form, applicants must track the online application. Through online media, applicants can not only check the progress of their application but also give them the opportunity to manage profiles. They can update passport details, attach complementary documents, save applications or change their email id for further communication.
Upon submission, all applications are assigned a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). With this TRN, students check visa entitlements and know when to communicate with authorities for a visa interview.
Original Temporary Participant
Since 2011, the Australian federal government has introduced a special measure known as the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. This is known as an integrity measure that ensures that only genuine candidates and applicants receive an Australian visa. This step is effective in preventing all applicants who intend to visit the country with other motives than to get quality education and knowledge. This test is generally evaluated in a visa interview by the respective consular officer. They mainly look at the following.
1. Student applicants have a genuine desire and intention to study in Australia and do not aim to permanently reside in the country
2. Applicant's immigration history
3. Current state of his family and country
4. If the applicant is under 18 years old, then the intentions of the respective parents will be assessed and evaluated
5. Other relevant matters are decided by the consular officer.
According to this GTE result, the application is processed. This is only part of the total visa interview procedure and does not comprehensively determine the fate of the visa interview.
Visa Interview
The visa interview is the final part of the extensive visa application procedure. According to the scheduled day and time, the applicant must reach the visa interview venue. Generally, interviews take place at the Australian embassy, ​​high commission, or consulate. In the interview, applicants need to provide various supporting evidence, documents according to their requirements and level of assessment. Students must meet the following requirements:
Visa Extension In Australia
The Australian federal government only issues temporary visas that allow the applicant to stay in the country for a certain period of time. The duration of the visa is given according to the duration of the course the applicant wishes to take at an Australian institution. However, for various reasons, students may need to extend the validity of their visas. Students must apply for an extension before the expiration of the current visa term. They may receive an extension for the following reasons:
1. Further study
2. Did not complete the ongoing course
3. Vacation or tourism and
4. Work
Students will get their visa extension by applying online, by post, or by appointment. The application must be accompanied by a letter from the relevant agency ratifying the extension requirements. Therefore, students also need to increase their health insurance coverage and complete the relevant visa extension forms. After payment of the required amount, students will receive confirmation of their visa extension.
However, students are not eligible to extend their visas if they have a 'further limited stay' clause in their current student visas. They will also be denied visa extensions if students apply after their current study period ends. On the basis of such seriousness, applicants may also lose the opportunity to visit Australia again.