Recent policy updates have expanded work opportunities for subclass 500 visa holders, increasing permitted working hours from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions. This enhancement provides students greater financial flexibility while contributing to Australia's workforce across various industries. Students maintain full study rights while balancing part-time employment during their educational programs.
1 Core Eligibility Requirements
Age Requirements: Primary applicants must be at least six years old. Secondary school students must meet specific age criteria: under 17 when commencing Year 9, under 18 for Year 10, under 19 for Year 11, and under 20 when beginning Year 12.
Course Enrollment: Applicants require enrollment confirmation in full-time courses registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Provide offer letters or Confirmation of Enrollment documentation unless alternative evidence applies for specific circumstances such as government sponsorship or exchange programs.
English Proficiency: Demonstrate English language competency through approved tests taken within two years preceding application submission, or qualify for available exemptions. The Department of Home Affairs provides assessment tools determining required documentation, though additional evidence may be requested during processing.
Financial Capacity: Prove adequate funds supporting your stay in Australia, including tuition fees, living expenses, and dependent costs if applicable. Financial evidence requirements vary based on assessment levels and individual circumstances.
Genuine Temporary Entrant: Demonstrate genuine intentions to study in Australia temporarily and return to your home country upon course completion. This assessment considers your personal circumstances, immigration history, course relevance to future plans, and potential circumstances encouraging your departure from Australia.
2 Health Insurance and Welfare Requirements
Health Cover: Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from approved Australian providers throughout your visa duration unless exempted. This insurance covers medical treatments and hospital care during your Australian stay.
Welfare Arrangements for Minors: Applicants under 18 years require appropriate welfare arrangements demonstrating care and accommodation provisions. Educational institutions or nominated relatives must provide welfare letters confirming suitable living arrangements. Students turning 18 during their course may have reduced welfare documentation requirements.
Health Assessments: Meet Australia's health standards through required health examinations. Specific assessments depend on your country of origin, course duration, and planned activities in Australia.
Character Requirements: Satisfy character criteria through police certificates and statutory declarations. Previous visa refusals, cancellations, or immigration breaches may affect current applications. Applicants must declare any debts owed to the Australian government and resolve outstanding obligations before visa grant.
3 Application Process and Processing Times
Eligible Visa Requirements: Hold an eligible substantive visa different from bridging, enforcement, or criminal justice visas. Applications may be lodged 28 days after receiving dependent diplomatic, student, or special purpose visas. Students whose visa cancellations were reversed by Administrative Appeals Tribunal decisions may reapply.
Processing Timeframes: Student visa processing varies considerably, ranging from several days to approximately twelve months depending on multiple factors. Course selection affects processing duration, as certain programs require additional verification checks. Complete, accurate applications with all required documentation and paid fees process most efficiently.
Application Fees: Main applicants pay AUD $1,600 visa application charges unless eligible for exemptions. Additional fees apply for each family member included in applications. Students unable to complete courses before initial visa expiry due to coronavirus disruptions may qualify for visa fee waivers when applying for subsequent student visas.
Australian Values Statement: Sign declarations affirming respect for Australian laws and lifestyle as part of visa conditions. This commitment forms part of your visa grant conditions and obligations throughout your stay.
4 Work Rights and Family Inclusion
Work Opportunities: Once courses commence, visa holders may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during session periods. This provides students financial support while gaining valuable Australian work experience complementing their studies. Work rights activate after course commencement and continue throughout visa validity periods.
Family Members: Include eligible family members—spouses, partners, and dependent children—in applications regardless of whether they intend to travel immediately. Dependent children must be unmarried and under 18 years at application lodgement. Children turning 18 during processing become ineligible for student dependent visas and require alternative visa categories.
Subsequent Entrant Applications: Family members unable to join initial applications may lodge subsequent entrant student visa applications through ImmiAccount. These family members must satisfy identical health and character requirements as primary applicants.
Travel Flexibility: The visa permits multiple entries to Australia throughout validity periods, enabling international travel during study breaks and family visits without jeopardizing student status. Maintain valid visas and health insurance coverage when traveling.
Your Success Partner
AI Global provides comprehensive support for Student visa subclass 500 applicants, assisting with course selection, institution enrollment, documentation preparation, and application lodgement. Our experienced education counselors guide you through eligibility assessment, GTE statement development, financial documentation, and health insurance arrangement, maximizing your prospects for successful visa approval.
Contact us today to explore your options for the Student visa subclass 500 and begin your journey toward quality education and career development in Australia.