Applying for a Student visa (subclass 500) can be overwhelming, and even minor mistakes can cause delays or lead to a visa refusal. Ensuring your application is decision-ready will help you get a faster outcome.
At Heenan & Browne Visa and Migration Services, we help students navigate the complexities of the application process, ensuring all requirements are met.
Top Tips for a Successful Student Visa Application
✅ Apply For Your Student Visa On Time.
It is recommended that you apply for your Subclass 500 Student visa at least 8-12 weeks before your course start date to allow enough time for processing. However, visa processing times can vary, so it’s best to check the current processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website.
When Should You Apply for a Student Visa?
📌 Offshore applicants (outside Australia):
📌 Onshore applicants (already in Australia):
💡 Important: Applying More Than 7 Months Before Course Start
Applications made more than 7 months before course commencement receive a warning in Immi Account. The Department may delay processing or scrutinise the application under Genuine Student (GTE) requirements.
✅ Provide Accurate Personal Details
Ensure your name is spelled correctly, matching your passport details. If you have only one name, enter it in the “Family Name” field.
✅ Address Genuine Student Requirement
You must provide strong evidence that you are a genuine student. This includes a Statement of Purpose (Genuine Student Letter) and proof of enrolment in your intended course(s) in Australia such as
Evidence of Enrolment Required for Applicants Outside Australia
Applicants outside Australia must provide:
📌 Important: A Letter of Offer is NOT accepted for offshore applicants.
Evidence of Enrolment for Commonwealth-Funded Students
Students under Commonwealth scholarships (e.g., Research Training Program) must provide a CoE as evidence of enrolment.
Evidence of Enrolment for Foreign Affairs/Defence Students
These students do not need a CoE. Instead, they must provide a letter of support from DFAT or Defence confirming their course details.
Evidence of Enrolment for Secondary Exchange Students
Students participating in a formal secondary exchange program must submit an AASES form issued by their state/territory authority. Informal exchange students do not qualify for a Student visa and may need to apply for a Visitor visa.
✅ Provide Essential Supporting Documents
You need to submit the required paperwork, such as:
At Heenan & Browne Visa and Migration Services we will provide you with the detailed checklist of the required evidence. The list will be personalised and prepared to reflect your personal circumstances.
✅ Provide Translated Documents
If any documents are not in English, ensure they are translated by a NAATI-accredited translator (if in Australia) or provide the qualified translator’s full details if done overseas.
✅ Pay Correct Visa Application Charge
To submit a valid Subclass 500 Student visa application, you must pay the required Visa Application Charge (VAC) unless you qualify for an exemption. Your application will not be processed until the fee is paid.
Who Needs to Pay?
Subsequent Entrant Applicants
Who is Exempt from Paying the VAC?
The following applicants may be exempt from the visa application charge:
📌 Foreign Affairs or Defence-sponsored students (with a letter from DFAT or Defence)
📌 Commonwealth-funded scholarship students (e.g., Research Training Program (RTP) recipients)
📌 Secondary exchange students (with an AASES form)
📌 Students affected by education provider default (if their course was cancelled due to provider issues)
📌 Family members of postgraduate research students (if applying together)
📌 Applicants impacted by COVID-19 (who were unable to complete their studies due to travel restrictions or other disruptions)
💡 Important: If you claim an exemption, you must provide supporting evidence (e.g., scholarship proof, enrolment letters). If you apply for a VAC exemption without sufficient evidence, you will have to pay the fee or submit a new visa application.
Education Provider Default & Nil VAC Eligibility
If your education provider stops offering your course, you may qualify for a ‘nil’ VAC when applying for a new Student visa. To be eligible, you must:
✔️ Have been enrolled in the course on the provider’s default day
✔️ Hold or have held a valid Subclass 500 visa
✔️ Apply for a new Student visa within 12 months of the provider default date
COVID-19 Impacted Applicants
If you were unable to complete your studies due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, you may be exempt from the VAC. This includes:
❗This does NOT apply if you need a new visa due to personal reasons (e.g., failing a subject, voluntary study break).
Invalid Applications Due to Payment Issues
If a credit card payment is reversed (chargeback), your visa application becomes invalid. In some cases, immigration officers may contact the applicant for rectification before invalidating the application.
✅ Stay Updated on Your Application
Applying for a Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)?
If you are accompanying a student under 18 years old, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial capacityto support both of you. Additional documents, such as a bank statement or other evidence of access to funds, will be required.
Student Visa Processing Times
Processing times vary, so it’s essential to apply well in advance of your course start date.
Need Help With Your Student Visa?
At Heenan & Browne Visa and Migration Services, we ensure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted correctly. With expert guidance from our migration agent, you can avoid common pitfalls and improve your chances of success.
📅 Book a visa consultation with our migration agents in Canberra, Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne today and let us help you achieve your study goals in Australia!
