How to Convert an Australian Tourist Visa to a Student Visa
Australia is a dream destination for many, with its adventure and natural beauty. It has top universities, attracting 250,000 international students each year. If you’re a tourist and want to study, you may need a student visa. Can you switch from a visitor visa to a student visa?
Yes, you can change a visitor visa to a student visa without leaving Australia. Most tourist visas allow stays up to 3 months. If your visa doesn’t have a ‘No Further Stay’ condition, you can apply for a student visa.
Visitor visa holders can study for up to 3 months. But, if you have a bad record, you can’t change your visa.
The Australian Visa 600 lets you visit family, travel for business, or take a short trip. It also allows short courses under three months. This visa can last three, six, or twelve months and is good if you need a short extension for study.
Eligibility Criterion
Here are the eligibility criteria in simple points to convert an Australian tourist visa to a student visa:
- Obtain an offer or confirmation of enrollment in a registered course at an Australian educational institution.
- Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying in Australia.
- Meet the health and character standards as required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
- Ensure your current tourist visa does not have condition 8503, which prohibits visa holders from applying for another visa while in Australia.
- Show that you genuinely intend to study in Australia temporarily and will return home after completing your studies.
- Provide evidence of English language proficiency if required for your chosen course of study.
- Apply for the student visa before your tourist visa expires, allowing ample time for processing and avoiding visa overstay issues.
How to apply
1. Visit the Australian immigration website and create an ImmiAccount.
2. Fill in all required information and submit the necessary documents.
3. Pay the fees when you submit your application. Make sure to provide all required information to avoid delays in processing.
4. You may need to visit a local processing center to provide biometrics for your travel document.
Remember, providing all required information and documents promptly will help avoid delays in processing your visa application.
Location at the time of Application
When applying to convert an Australian tourist visa (subclass 600) to a student visa (subclass 500), you can be located either inside or outside of Australia.
Inside Australia: If you apply from within Australia on a valid tourist visa, you must ensure your tourist visa does not have Condition 8503 (No Further Stay). Applying from within Australia allows you to stay in the country while your student visa application is processed.
Outside Australia: If you apply from outside Australia, you can do so after receiving your Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from an Australian educational institution. Applying from outside Australia may have different processing times and requirements compared to applying from within the country.
Fee Structure and processing time
It will take 3 to 4 months to convert a visitor visa into a student visa,, depending on the student visa processing time. The student visa fee starts at AUD 710.
FAQs
Can I convert my tourist visa to a student visa in Australia?
Yes, you can apply to convert your tourist visa (subclass 600) to a student visa (subclass 500) while you are in Australia, provided your tourist visa does not have Condition 8503 (No Further Stay).
What do I need to apply for a student visa from a tourist visa?
You need an offer or confirmation of enrollment in a registered course at an Australian educational institution, sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses, health and character clearances, and proof of genuine temporary intent to study in Australia. Oracle immigration Consultants can help you secure confirmation of enrollment.
Can I apply for a student visa outside of Australia?
You can apply for a student visa outside Australia after receiving your Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from an Australian educational institution.
Do I need English language proficiency for a student visa?
Depending on the course you are applying for, you may need to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
Can I work on a student visa in Australia?
Yes, a student visa allows you to work part-time (up to 48 hours per fortnight) during the academic year and full-time during scheduled course breaks.
What happens if my tourist visa expires before my student visa is granted?
Applying for a student visa before your tourist visa expires is crucial to avoid being unlawful in Australia. If your tourist visa expires, you may need to leave Australia and apply for a student visa from outside the country.
How long does it take to process a student visa application?
Processing times vary depending on various factors, including your individual circumstances and the time of year. Generally, it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your course start date.
Can I include family members in my student visa application?
Yes, you can include eligible family members (spouse and dependent children) in your student visa application. They will have the same visa conditions as you.
Disclaimer: The above information is not tailored to personal circumstances.
For information relevant to personal circumstances, please book an
appointment with Oracle Immigration Consultant’s expert migration agents in
Australia.
For any inquiries, please contact us at +61 430812158. We are premier Immigration agency and consultancy in Melbourne (Bundoora and Geelong).
