Australia is a great place to study, currently ranked second best country in the world to study by education.com, the country has gained attraction from students from all over the world.
To study in Australia as an international student, you need a student visa, your visa allows you to enter the country for a study purpose.
Once granted, your student visa will remain valid throughout your academic program.
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However, should unforeseen challenges arise during your studies, potentially leading to an extension of your stay, you need to take the necessary steps.
For instance, if you face difficulties such as failing a class and requiring additional time to complete your program, you will need to apply for an extension.
This extension is not only for your academic program but is also for your visa, you need a valid visa to complete the ended period of your program.
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Ensuring that both your program and visa remain valid is vital to your continued legal stay in Australia for educational purposes.
If you find yourself in this situation and wish to extend your student visa, this guide will walk you through the process.
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Australian student visas have a finite validity period, and failing to apply for an extension (new one) on time will result in unintended consequences.
If yours is about to expire or you need an extension, you need to start the application process at least four months before the current one expires.
How can I extend my student visa in Australia?
To extend your student visa, you need to apply for a new student visa, in Australia, a student visa cannot be extended rather, a new one will be issued which will last till the intended end of your program.
Is it easy to extend a student visa in Australia?
Yes, it is easy to extend your student visa in Australia, if you meet the necessary criteria and provide the required documentation promptly, the process is relatively straightforward.
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If you wish to extend your visa – get a new visa to complete your program, start by checking if you are eligible for a new visa.
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Check if you meet the eligibility criteria
The Department of Home Affairs has specific eligibility requirements that applicants must meet to be considered for a new student visa.
These criteria include maintaining enrollment in a registered course, meeting financial requirements, and having adequate health insurance.
What are the requirements for a student visa extension in Australia?
To enter your visa, you need the following.
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Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
Ensure that you remain enrolled in a registered course. A valid Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) is a prerequisite for a visa extension.
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If your course details change, you must inform your education provider to update your CoE.
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You must be financially capable
Aside from your Confirmation of Enrollment, you also need to demonstrate a level of financial stability.
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You need to present evidence of sufficient funds at your disposal to cover your living expenses, tuition fees, and any additional costs your extended stay will require.
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You also need to get health insurance
If you have an insurance plan that is also expiring, you need to get another one for the extended time you need to stay in Australia
Maintaining adequate health insurance coverage is mandatory for international students in Australia.
Make sure that your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is up to date and will remain valid throughout the extended period.
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Lodging your application
Once you have everything ready, you can go to the application portal and submit your application for a new student visa.
The Australian immigration system operates primarily through online platforms.
If you haven’t created an ImmiAccount, you need to create one, if you already have one – access your account – that is where you will submit your visa extension application.
Make sure you have all the required documents scanned and ready for upload before starting the application process.
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Document checklist
The Department of Home Affairs provides a comprehensive document checklist for student visa extensions.
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The documents you need include:
- Enrollment in a Recognized Course
- Attendance and Academic Progress
- Valid Health Insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover – OSHC)
- Financial Capacity
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
- Visa Application Form
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
- Health and Character Checks
- Timely Application
- Payment of Visa Fee
You should also include any additional documents relevant to your circumstances.
Carefully adhere to the checklist to avoid delays in processing your application.
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Submit your application and wait for a decision
Once you complete the application form and upload all required documents, you can submit your application.
The processing time for a new student visa varies depending on the number of applications received and how complete your application is.
You need to apply well in advance of your current visa’s expiry date to allow for any unforeseen delays.
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After the decision
Upon successful processing, you will receive a notification of the visa grant.
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Once you receive your visa, you need to carefully review the details to be aware of any visa conditions attached.
How much does it cost to renew a student visa in Australia?
To renew your student visa in Australia, you need AU$620. This fee is subject to change, so you should verify the current renewal fee on the official website of the Department of Home Affairs.
Conclusion
Generally, you cannot extend your student visa once it expires in Australia, however, you can get a new visa to cover your extended stay in the country.
If you need to get a new visa, you need to start the application process early enough.
Also read: Disadvantages of studying in Australia for international students
If you wait till your current visa expires, you will be considered an illegal resident and asked to leave the country.
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To extend your stay, check if you are eligible for a new visa, if you meet the eligibility, proceed to submit a complete application package and wait for a decision to be made on your application.
Once it’s processed and approved, you can continue your stay in the country till the end of your program.
