Help Centre - Student Visa - Edited

Help Center – Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Table of Contents
Section I – Glossary .......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Location ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Evidence of Enrolment .............................................................................................................................................................. 2
Family ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Section II – Overview ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Subclass 500 – Definition & Explanation ........................................................................................................................... 3
Seven educational sectors for study on a student visa (Subclass 500) ............................................................ 3
SSVF & Risk Model ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Country and Provider Risk Model.................................................................................................................................... 5
Immigration risk ratings are allocated to each education provider and country ........................................ 5
Section III – Criteria for a Student Visa ................................................................................................................................... 7
Location of applicant at the time of application ............................................................................................................. 7
Within Australia ........................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Pre-qualifying Visas ............................................................................................................................................................... 7
Re-Entry Bans (s48 and PIC).............................................................................................................................................. 8
Evidence of Enrolment ........................................................................................................................................................... 10
Definitions, Significance .................................................................................................................................................... 10
Exceptional Circumstances .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Family member definitions: ............................................................................................................................................ 13
GTE............................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
English Language Requirement ..................................................................................................................................... 18
Finance ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Overseas Student Health Insurance ............................................................................................................................. 29
Section IV – School Age Applicants ........................................................................................................................................ 31
Age Requirement ...................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Section V – Application Process .............................................................................................................................................. 32
Manner of lodgement .............................................................................................................................................................. 32
Forms Applicable ...................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Student Visa Fee ........................................................................................................................................................................ 34
Health Requirements .............................................................................................................................................................. 34
Section VI – Visa conditions ...................................................................................................................................................... 40
Working rights ........................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Section I – Glossary
Overview
 CRICOS: Common Wealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
 Criteria:
 Education provider:
 Packaged Course
Location
 Off-shore application
 On-shore application
 Non-qualifying
 Pre-qualifying visa
 Unlawful non-citizen
Evidence of Enrolment
 COE
 ELICOS
 Offer letter
Family
 De-facto partner
 Dependents
 Primary applicant
 Spouse
 Subsequent entrant (family member)
Section II – Overview
Subclass 500 – Definition & Explanation
Q. What is the required visa for study in Australia?

A. The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the required study visa for Australia. It allows the visa holder to
undertake full-time study in a recognised educational institution while in Australia. Recognised
education institutions are ones that offer CRICOS registered courses.
Q. What does full-time study mean?

A. Full-time study involves in-classroom study with a face-to-face mode of delivery.
Q. What is the minimum level of education an applicant can be enrolled in?

A. An applicant may be enrolled in any course falling between primary school level to doctoral degrees.
Student visa subclass 500 was designed to include 7 educational sectors as described in the table
below:
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Seven educational sectors for study on a student visa (Subclass 500)

No. Educational sectors Description
1. English Language Intensive Course for For students who wish learn English and undertake
Overseas Students (ELICOS) sector a course leading to a certificate or award for
English language
2. School sector For students who want to study in an Australian
school at the primary, junior secondary or senior
secondary level. Secondary school exchange
programs are also included under this sector
3. Vocational Education and Training (VET) For students wanting to enrol in a certificate,
sector vocational education and training diploma,
vocational education and training advanced
diploma, vocational graduate certificate or
vocational graduate diploma 
4. Higher Education sector For students who wish to study in a bachelor

degree, associate degree, higher education diploma,
higher education advanced diploma, graduate
certificate, graduate diploma or Masters by
coursework
5. Postgraduate research sector For students who who want to study a Master’s
degree by research or a Doctoral degree in
Australia
6. Non-award sector For students who want to study non award

foundation studies or other full time courses not
leading to an Australian award.  
7. Foreign affairs or Defence sector For students who are sponsored by Foreign Affairs
or Defense to study a full-time course of any type in
Australia.  
Q. Who is eligible to apply for a student visa?

A. An applicant eligible to apply for a student visa will:
 be at least 6 years of age
 be enrolled in full-time study in a recognised Australian educational institution
 have an Australian health insurance for the entire duration of their stay
Q. What are the main criteria for obtaining a student visa?

A. A student visa grant depends on the following criteria:
 Confirmation of Enrolment (COE)
 Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)
 English language competency
 Finance
 OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
 Health
Q. Who should apply for this visa?

A. Anyone who wishes to study a course with a duration of over three months should apply for a
student visa.
Q. What if the course duration is 3-4 months or less? Is there another visa for studying in
Australia?
A. Yes, the Visitor visa and Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Visa. An applicant can undertake studies for
up to three months on a visitor visa and up to four months on the WHM visa.
Q. How much does the visa cost?

A. The cost of the application of a student visa (subclass 500) is $575. This amount is non-refundable
and is not conditional upon the application outcome. Additionally, there are charges for each family
member (dependent) accompanying the applicant.
SSVF & Risk Model
Q. How does the DIBP assess a student visa outcome?

A. Student visa outcomes are based on the SSVF (Simplified Student Visa Framework), which was
established to reduce immigration risk in Australia. Under the combined country and provider risk
model, education providers and countries are given risk ratings by the department of home affairs
based on their level of immigration risk. This data is collected over years of analysing student migration
patterns and mainly used to pilot Finance and English evidentiary requirements for student visa
applicants.
Country and Provider Risk Model
The above table displays the Country and Provider Risk Model (Department of Immigration and Border
Protection). In it 1-3, three being the highest, indicates the level of risk of a country or the education
provider. Streamlined requirements are displayed in green and regular requirements are displayed in
yellow. As is evident, in order to be considered for Streamlined requirements, either of 3 conditions must
apply to the applicant:
 Their country is a Level 1 and their provider is Level 1, 2 or 3

 Their country is Level 2 BUT their provider is either Level 1 or 2
 Their country is Level 3 BUT their provider is a Level 1
Streamlined evidentiary requirements are available to all education providers. However, providers with
a high immigration risk rating will only have access to streamlined conditions for students from low risk
countries.
Q. What is the advantage of falling under Streamlined evidentiary requirements?

A. Applicants falling under streamlined evidentiary requirements do not have proven financial capacity.
A declaration of financial capacity in the application will generally suffice. They are also exempt from an
English language competency test. However, the department may seek additional evidence if deemed
necessary.
Unlike Streamlined applicants, those falling under regular evidentiary requirements will be required to
provide evidence for Finance as well as English Language competence.
Q. How is a risk rating calculated?

A. Immigration risk ratings (as given in table below) are based on the average of total international
students with a confirmation of enrolment (COE) for a principal course from an education provider. The
weightings and indicators applied to compute the immigration risk ratings of education providers and
countries under the SSVF are as follows:
 Visa cancellation rates (25%)
 Rate of refusals for offshore lodgement where refusal was based on fraudulent reasons (40%)
 Rate of refusals (not including fraud) for offshore lodgement (10%)
 Rate of applicants holding student visas and turning into unlawful non-citizens (15%)
 Rate of Subsequent Protection Visa applications (10%)
Immigration risk ratings are allocated to each education provider and country
Risk index (weighted average of all risk indicators) Immigration risk rating
Below 1.0 One
Between 1.0 and 2.7 Two
Above 2.7 Three
Q. What if there is insufficient data, such as in the case of smaller providers and
countries? How are the ratings calculated?
A. In case of insufficient data, education providers are given a default immigration risk rating of 2.
Similarly, countries with insufficient data are given a risk rating of 3. However, if a country meets
certain income criteria, the default rating of 1 is applicable.
Q. How can the applicant’s country and provider risk rating be determined?
A. Since ratings are not publicly available, you may use the Document Checklist Tool provided on our Commented [EK1]: Add hyperlink document checklist
system to determine evidentiary requirements based on the risk ratings. The checklist requires an tool in DIY
input of the applicant’s country of passport and the name/CRICOS code of the education provider. It will
then present the list of documents that the applicant will need to provide.
Q. Which provider’s risk rating is considered when an applicant undertakes a Packaged

Course?
A. If a student undertakes a packaged course that combines their initial course with the principal
course, the risk rating of the provider delivering the principal course will be considered. The principal
course is the one with the highest AQF level and final course that the applicant will complete.
Q. What if an applicant changes their course of study?

A. A provider’s Immigration risk ratings are based on student visas linked to the institution. Visa
outcomes are credited to the education provider indicated on the COE for the principal course when the
visa application was decided. In case a student transfers to another education provider on the same
student visa, without the grant of a new one, the student visa remains linked to the initial education
provider.
Q. What if an applicant has more than one country of citizenship?

A. While all countries of citizenship have to be declared, applicants with more than one country of
citizenship may choose the county with a lower immigration risk rating (based on the document
checklist tool). However, the department will take into consideration risk of all citizenships declared by
the applicant using internal risk systems.
Q. Are these Risk ratings published/available online?

A. No, they are not. Similarly, the department also discourages providers from sharing this data with
external parties such as agents. This is in order to decrease accidental impact on the market and
prevent non-genuine students from targeting certain education providers.
Q. How often are the provider and country immigration risk ratings reassessed and
updated by the DIBP?
A. Immigration risk ratings are updated every six months in roughly around March and September each
year. The revised immigration risk ratings for March are based on 12-month data from the preceding
calendar year and revised September ratings are based on 12-month data from the preceding
programme year. It is recommended that applicants/agents re-assess the Document Checklist tool
during these periods, to monitor changes in risk ratings.
Section III – Criteria for a Student Visa

Location of applicant at the time of application
Q. Where can the applicant be located while applying for a student visa?
A. An applicant can apply for a student visa from both inside and outside Australia. They are called on-
shore and off-shore applicants respectively.
Q. Is there a difference in the student visa application process for on-shore and off-shore
clients?
A. The application process in both these cases is the same. However, there are certain conditions that
may differ. For example, on-shore applicants will need a pre-qualifying visa in order to make a valid
student visa application. This particular condition does not apply to applicants off-shore.
Within Australia
Pre-qualifying Visas
Q. What are the pre-qualifying and non-qualifying visas that allow an applicant to apply
for a student visa when in Australia?
A. When an applicant makes an on-shore student visa application, they are most likely holding a
current visa. Such a visa must be a Substantive Temporary Visa held by on-shore applicants.
 A substantive visa is a visa other than.

 A bridging visa.
 A criminal justice visa.
 An enforcement visa.
Among these previously held substantive temporary visas, some do not qualify for an on-shore student
visa application whereas others do. When a client holds a non-qualifying substantive temporary visa, it
is recommended for them to make a student visa application from an off-shore location.
The table below lists the various non-qualifying visa for student visa applications.
Non-qualifying and Pre-Qualifying Visas
Non – Qualifying Visas Pre-Qualifying Visas
 Domestic Worker (Temporary) Diplomatic  A substantive temporary visa other than

and Consular visa (subclass 426) the ones listed in the Non-qualifying
 Temporary Work (International visas section
Relations) visa (subclass 403) in the
Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or consular)
stream
 Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass
995) - primary visa holder only. This
means a family member of a Diplomatic
(Temporary) visa (subclass 995) can
apply for a Student visa in Australia.
 Transit visa (subclass 771)
 Visitor visa (subclass 600) in the

Sponsored Family stream or in the
Approved Destination Status stream
Q. What if an on-shore applicant who held a student visa failed to apply for a visa
extension in a timely manner and does not understand their current visa status?
A. Such an applicant is at the risk of breaching visa conditions and falls under Schedule 3 criteria
(3001). According to this criterion, the student can apply for an extension/subsequent student visa
within 28 days of the substantive visa expiry date. The 28 days grace period provides a sort of escape
route for applicants who have overstayed their visa without becoming unlawful non-citizens. However,
this benefit can only be availed one time.
Case Study
Q. So, how can an individual make a valid student visa application if not currently
holding a pre-qualifying substantive visa in Australia?
A. If the applicant does not currently hold a pre-qualifying substantive temporary visa while in
Australia, the applicant’s previous visa was either cancelled or they are guilty of overstaying their visa.
This makes them an unlawful non-citizen. In order to make a valid student visa application in this case,
three conditions must apply:
The last substantive visa must have been a:
1. Student visa.
2. Special purpose visa.
3. Diplomatic (Temporary) (Class TF) visa which was granted on the basis of the person being a
spouse/de facto partner or a dependent relative of the diplomatic/consular representative.
 The applicant’s student visa expired within the last 28 days (grace period – Schedule 3
criteria 3001).
 The applicant is using the 28 days grace period for the first time (Schedule 3 criteria 3005).
 If visa was cancelled, the AAT Tribunal overturned this decision and applicant was notified
of this.
Q. What if an applicant holds another pre-qualifying visa (other than a student visa), has
overstayed and wishes to make a new student visa application?
A. In this case an applicant cannot make a valid student visa application. This is because they do not
satisfy the criterion of the previous substantive visa being a student visa and have breached their visa
condition by overstaying.
Re-Entry Bans (s48 and PIC)
Q. What if an applicant held a substantive visa previously but overstayed the 28 days
grace period?
A. A Re-entry ban under Public Interest Criteria (PIC) 4014 would apply to applicants in this case
because they would be considered as unlawful non-citizens. This would mean that the applicant would
not be allowed to enter Australia for a period of 3 years since the day of departure from Australia.
Q. Can a re-entry ban be removed?

A. No, a re-entry ban cannot be removed or reversed. If while making a visa application the applicant
has a re-entry ban, a request can be made to put it aside for that particular application only. Your
explanation for this request must prove a compelling/compassionate situation affecting an Australian
citizen, permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen. This request can be made before lodging
an application or after (only if decision has not been made yet). The Department must be convinced of a
strong reason to grant a visa and revoke a re-entry ban. If not, the visa application will be declined. If
the re-entry ban is revoked for that visa application, the applicant will still need to fulfil all the other
criteria for the visa, including health and character requirements.
Q. What if an applicant’s substantive visa was cancelled?

A. In case of a cancelled visa (effective due to a breach in conditions), Public Interest Criteria (PIC) 4013
applies. This means that the applicant cannot apply for a subsequent visa for a period of 3 years since
the cancellation; Evidently, they face the same consequences as a re-entry ban.
Q. What options are available to an applicant in case of visa cancellation or refusal?

A. The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) is available for applicants who wish to make an appeal
regarding a cancelled or refused visa. An appeal should be made within 7 days for cancelled visas and
21 days for refused visas. Alternatively, they may apply for a visa listed under section 48.
Q. What is section 48?

A. s48 of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) limits the application of visas from individuals whose visas have
previously been cancelled or refused. Such individuals can only apply for certain prescribed in the list
below:
(a) Partner (Temporary) (Class UK)
(b) Partner (Residence) (Class BS);
(c) protections visas;
(ca) Medical Treatment (Visitor) (Class UB);
(e) Territorial Asylum (Residence) (Class BE);
(f) Border (Temporary) (Class TA);
(g) Special Category (Temporary) (Class TY);
(h) Bridging A (Class WA);
(j) Bridging B (Class WB);
(k) Bridging C (Class WC);
(l) Bridging D (Class WD);
(m) Bridging E (Class WE);
(ma) Bridging F (Class WF);

(mb) Bridging R (Class WR);
(o) Resolution of Status (Class CD);
(p) Child (Residence) (Class BT)
Evidence of Enrolment
Definitions, Significance
Q. What is considered as evidence of enrolment in a course?

A. COE (Confirmation of Enrolment) issued by Education providers act as evidence of enrolment in a
course. Providers first deliver an Offer letter when a student has been accepted in a program. A student
chooses to go ahead with this offer and is required to pay the first semester fee. A COE is then issued to
the student, confirming their enrolment in the course. In the absence of a COE, only on-shore applicants
may use their offer letter to make a valid visa application. However, the visa will not be granted until a
COE is provided.
Q. Why is a COE important?

A. COEs are the primary evidence of enrolment required by the Department of Home Affairs when
making a student visa application. The course duration given in the COE, is one of the determining
factors for the length of the student visa grant. Essentially, it is also the only evidence of enrolment
accepted for off-shore applicants.
Q. How are COEs verified by the Department of Home Affairs?

A. The Department of Home Affairs and education providers have access to a system called PRISMS
(Provider Registration and International Student Management System). Education providers use
PRISMS to issue COEs as well as update the Department regarding changes to a student’s course
enrolment. It is used to supervise students’ compliance with conditions of their visa. The department
cross-checks a student’s COE number (as provided in the visa application) against the information in
the system.
Q. Where is the COE number located?

A. The COE number is located on the upper right hand-side corner of the document. An example is
provided in the image below. At some point during the application, the applicant will be required to
provide this number.
Locating the COE Number

Q. Can an Offer letter act as evidence of enrolment for a visa grant?

A. No. On-shore applicants may provide their offer letter as evidence of enrolment to make a valid
student visa application, in the absence of a COE. However, it is important to note that the visa will not
be granted until a valid COE is provided.
Q. What if a student is studying more than one course, such as Packaged Courses?
A. Applicants can study more than one course with the same student visa. Such courses which are
related and need a student to complete one course to progress to the next are called Packaged courses.
The ‘Principal course’ in the package will have the highest Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)
level and determines whether the applicant falls under streamlined or regular evidentiary
requirements. A COE must be provided for all courses a student intends to study. Examples of Packaged
courses are described below:
A Certificate IV Aged Care course followed by a Diploma of Nursing finally leading to a Bachelor’s in
Nursing. Completion of an ELICOS or Graduate Diploma before commencing a Master’s degree
Q. What are the conditions for acceptance in a course?

A. Education providers will commonly look at the academic progress of students or their English
language competency scores. For example, depending on the program they wish to study, a student may
have to achieve certain minimum scores in their previous Bachelor’s degree, to be accepted for the
Master’s degree. Similarly, a medical student may require higher points on an English test compared to
an accountancy student. A conditional COE may be provided if course pre-requisites are not met.
Q. What is a conditional COE?

A. Sometimes when students do not meet certain pre-requisites of a course, the education provider can
issue a Conditional COE. For e.g. If a student does not meet the required English language score, their
COE may be conditional upon completing an ELICOS to obtain the right level of competency in English.
Conditional COEs can be included in the student visa application as evidence of enrolment. An example
of a conditional COE is provided in the image below.
Conditional COE
Q. What if the visa is refused before course commencement?

A. A visa refusal does not change the validity of a COE. The applicant can use the same COE to lodge
another student visa application. However, this is not the case with a deferred COE.
Q. What is a deferral?
A. When a student is unable to commence a chosen course, their study may be postponed, and they will
receive a deferred COE. A deferred COE allows a student to commence their course in a later semester.
Q. Does an applicant receive a deferred COE if visa grant is late?

A. Not necessarily. If an applicant’s visa is not granted before course commencement, they can request
an extension letter from their Education provider. This letter allows them to commence their course 2
weeks later. If the visa is still not received, then the applicant may request a deferred COE in order to
start their course in the next semester.
Exceptional Circumstances
Q. What is an expired COE?

A. COE status on PRISMS is updated to ‘expired’ 60 days after course commencement when an off-shore
applicant’s visa is not granted.
Q. Can an expired COE be used for student visa purposes?

A. No. Sometimes an on-shore applicant may wish to commence their study in a previously enrolled
course. However, they may be holding an expired COE, which was issued while they were outside
Australia. In this case, the applicant may use their offer letter or obtain a new COE from their education
provider.
Q. Can a COE be cancelled?

A. A COE can be cancelled if the course is suspended or cancelled from CRICOS by the DET (Department
of Education and Training). On the other hand, COEs can also be cancelled when a student’s enrolment
has been terminated by the education provider. Cancelled COEs cannot be used for visa purposes.
Q. What is the right time to lodge an application for a student visa?

A. The recommended period for lodging a student visa is not more than 4 months before course
commencement. This is because the department prioritises applications closer to the course date.
Moreover, early applications will invite further scrutiny regarding their genuineness for a student visa
application.
Family
Q. Can family members join the student in Australia on their visa?

A. Yes. Certain family members are considered to be a part of the primary applicant’s family unit. They
can accompany the students as secondary applicants/dependents. These family members can be
combined with the student’s application or make a separate application at a later stage.
Q. Do all the applicants have to be in the same location for a combined application?
A. No. This is not necessary. In case of an online visa application, the primary applicant and the
dependents may in different locations inside or outside Australia.
Q. Who is considered as a member of a family unit?

A. For Australian visa purposes, a Family Unit includes your Spouse/De facto partner who is at least 18
years or older and any dependent children under 18 years old and unmarried. If the applicant is in a
relationship with someone but not living with them, they are considered single or “never married” for
visa purposes. Their partner in this case is NOT a member of the family unit. Parents are also not to be
considered as a part of a family unit in this case.
Family member definitions:
 Spouse
A person is the spouse of another person if the two people (same or different genders) are in a marriage
that is legally valid in Australia and:
 they have a mutual commitment to a shared life as a married couple to the exclusion of all
others
 the relationship between them is genuine and continuing
 they live together or do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis.
 De Facto Partner
The department of Home Affairs defines a de facto partner as a partner (with the same or different sex)
if:
 They are not in a married relationship
 They have a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others
 The relationship between them is genuine and continuing
 They live together or do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis
 they are not related by family
 Dependent Child
 The child or stepchild of yourself or your partner who has not turned 18 and is not married,
engaged to be married or in a de facto relationship.
Q. Do all family members have to be declared in the application?

A. Yes. Whether members of a family unit are accompanying or non-accompanying the applicant in
Australia, they have to be declared in the student visa application. This is important for assessing the
genuineness of the application.
Q. Who are Accompanying and Non-Accompanying Family members?

A. Accompanying family members will include those who need a visa and are included in your student
visa application as dependents. Non-accompanying members are the ones who do not require a visa for
Australia but are a part of your family unit. They might either be Australian citizens, on another visa or
may not be migrating with you as dependents.
Q. What if I fail to declare a member of my family unit?

A. If a family member is not declared on the student visa application initially, they may not be eligible to
be granted a dependent visa later. This does not apply to family members who may have become part of
the family unit of the primary applicant after the initial student visa grant. For e.g. by marriage and
before application of the dependent visa. It goes without saying that strong proofs of this must be
provided such as a marriage certificate.
Q. Is there another way to include a dependent at a later stage?

A. One way to do this is for the primary applicant to re-apply for a new student visa and include the
dependent’s details. However, cases such as these, where the primary applicant “forgot” to mention a
dependent earlier, are dealt with utmost caution to establish the genuineness of the relationship
between the applicants. A visa application by a family unit member will fail unless the Primary
applicant’s student visa is granted.
Q. What happens in case of marriage, before a visa is granted?

A. If an applicant gets married before visa grant, they MUST declare their spouse in the visa application
and make an update in their application accordingly. If not, the spouse may not be able to make a valid
subsequent application as a dependent.
Q. Can a family member who was not previously declared, make a subsequent visa
application as a dependent?
A. This is only possible in cases where an individual became a member of the applicant’s family unit
after the visa was granted. An example would be if the dependent got married after the grant and the
spouse makes a subsequent application as a dependent. Similarly, subsequent applications can also be
made for newborns.
Q. What happens in case of pregnancy after visa grant?

A. It is recommended that as soon as possible after delivery, the Department Pf Home Affairs must be
updated about a change in circumstance. This is done by submitting a Form 1022 along with the
newborn’s passport and birth certificate.
Q. What evidence/proof can be provided for a family relationship

A. To establish a genuine relationship between members of a family unit, the Department of Home
Affairs will require the following documents as evidence:
 identity credentials such as a certified copy of birth certificate, passport, national Identity card,
proof of their relationship to each family members such as official birth certificate or marriage
certificate
 a copy of the family members’ passports
GTE
Q. What is GTE and why is it important?

A. GTE stands for Genuine Temporary Entrant. According to the Department of Home Affairs, this is an
individual who wishes to remain in Australia on a temporary basis. Such an individual does so without
intending to stay in Australia for a longer period of time or on a permanent basis. An applicant who
fulfils the GTE criteria adheres to three requirements:
1) Intention to genuinely stay in Australia temporarily
2) Intention to comply with visa conditions
3) Any other relevant matter
Q. Which factors form the basis of DIBP’s assessment of the GTE criteria? (list GTE
factors from 4.2.1-5 + GTE document)
A. The factors taken into consideration for the assessment of the GTE criteria are described in the table
below.
Factors Red Flags

Circumstances in home country  Similar courses are available in the home
This factor examines the applicant’s reasons for not country
pursuing their education in the home country. Some  High unemployment in home country
of these include the country’s and the applicant’s  Income is much lower than the cost of living
economic situation, personal ties, military service. in Australia
 Military service commitments
 Political/geographical climates
 Minimal family ties back home
Potential circumstance in Australia  Family members with unfavourable
This factor examines the incentives of an applicant to immigration histories
remain in Australia.  Study history, incomplete courses, unrelated
study topics
 Staying outside Australia for long periods
 Insufficient knowledge about Australia and
the course
Value of the course to the applicant’s future  Courses unrelated to employment and
Examines whether current course is relevant to academic background
employment and education background as well as  If the course does not improve employment
potential career opportunities in Australia. prospects in home country
 Expected remuneration on course
completion
Immigration history  Previous visa refusal in Australia and trying
Examines anything in the applicant’s immigration to re-enter as a student visa dependent
history not supporting their intent to stay in  Non-compliance with visa conditions
Australia on a temporary basis previously
 Enrolling in short, inexpensive courses that
extend their stay in Australia
Other relevant matters
This includes any other relevant matter that the
Department of Home Affairs may consider while
reviewing an applicant’s genuineness to stay in
Australia temporarily
These factors and the supporting documents in the application are utilized to evaluate the GTE
requirement. Applicants may be requested to provide additional information in relation to the
above-mentioned factors.
Q. How are circumstances in the home country evaluated?

A. Example: Family/personal ties back home
A student wishes to make a visa application, however, their family members (parents, siblings) live in
countries other than the applicant’s home country.
Q. How is potential circumstance in Australia evaluated?

A. Example: Relevant knowledge about Australia, education provider and intended course of
study
A student intending to study a mining related course who indicates insufficient research about the mining
market in Australia, relevant previous qualifications or the cost of living in Australia; Basic research
expected from a potential student visa holder.
Q. How is the value of the course to the applicant’s future evaluated?

A. Example: Courses unrelated to employment and academic background
An applicant who has studied Business and Commerce previously and has worked in a similar role who
wants to acquire a student visa to pursue a course in Nursing.
Q. How is immigration history evaluated?

A. Example: Previous visa refusal and new application as a dependent
If the applicant, whose visa has been previously refused, is recently married and wishes to make a new
student visa application as a dependent.
What do other relevant matters include?
Q. How is all this information provided in the application form?

A. This information is included in the student’s application through a GTE document. Essentially, this is
a letter addressing all the important criteria relevant to the applicant’s background in relation to the
GTE criteria.
Q. What should the GTE document and its structure entail? (Image graphic)
A. The GTE document is essentially a letter addressed to the case officer. It must include the following
points based on thorough research and understanding of the applicant’s past as well as future:
 Personal information
 Family background
 Academic background (study timeline, courses, marks)
 Employment background
 Relevance of background to chosen course
 Value of course to career prospects in home country
 Statistics on: demand/value of the qualification, availability of positions, expected salary
 Availability of similar courses in the home country and its comparison with Australia (why the
applicant wishes to study Australia instead?)
Additionally, on-shore applicants must also provide explanations for:

 Gaps in study while in Australia on a previous student visa
 Change in study plans/courses
 Attach relevant documents with the same
Q. What are the areas of the application relevant to satisfying the GTE criteria? (list GTE
and employment, academic, stay, family, relationship status etc.)
A. The following areas are relevant to satisfying the GTE criteria:
 Employment
 Academic history
 Length of Stay in Australia
 Family/Social ties
 Relationship status
 Travel History
 Long term visas
 Visa Refusals
 School Age applicants
Q. How is employment history relevant to the GTE criteria?

A. An applicant’s work history must be relevant to the course they wish to undertake on a student visa.
Example: An applicant who worked in System testing after completing an undergrad degree who chooses
to study a Masters in IT in Australia.
Q. How is academic history relevant to the GTE criteria?

A. The consistency of an applicant’s course of choice to their previous academic background is relevant
to the GTE criteria.
Example: An on-shore student who completed a Bachelor’s in Psychology may wish to pursue a Master’s
degree in Human Resources. Both these courses have common areas relevant to each field.
Q. How is length of stay in Australia relevant to the GTE criteria?

A. This mainly applies to on-shore applicants who have been in Australia for a while.
Example: An on-shore applicant who first came to Australia on a student visa for a master’s course (2
years), continued to stay in the country on a graduate temporary visa (2 years) and now makes another
student visa application to continue studying/living in Australia.
Q. How are family/social ties relevant to the GTE criteria?

A. Strong family relations and social ties indicate strong motives for the applicant to return to their
home country after studying in Australia temporarily.
Example:
Q. How is relationship status relevant to the GTE criteria? (contrived relations

A. Case officers are cautious about applicant whose situations indicate contrived relationships.
Example: A couple alternates between being the primary and secondary applicant to prolong their stay in
Australia.
Q. How is travel history relevant to the GTE criteria?

A. An on-shore applicant’s travel history can be under scrutiny when they have not spent enough time
in their home country while in Australia. This indicates a lack of motive to return home. Moreover,
travel histories are also looked at if an applicant has toured other countries, to ensure visa compliance
during their travels.
Example: An on-shore applicant who has visited their home country for 20 days in a period of 4 years.
Q. How are long term visas relevant to GTE criteria?

A. In certain situations, it may appear as if an applicant has applied for a student visa while awaiting an
outcome of a long-term visa. Such cases may be looked at with more caution by the case officer.
Example: A applicant who has applied for a permanent residency applies for a student visa as well.
Q. How are visa refusals relevant to the GTE criteria?

A. If an applicant’s immigration history indicates previous visa refusals (for Australia or another
country) the genuineness of their intention to temporarily remain in Australia may be doubtful.
Example: An applicant whose previous student visa application to Australia was refused.
Q. How are school age applicants relevant to the GTE criteria?

A. If an applicant has school age dependents, they need to provide proof of funds for their school as
well. This needs to be addressed in the GTE document.
Example: If an applicant accompanied by an 8-year-old cannot (as a dependent) cannot show funds for
the child’s education in Australia, their visas will not be granted.
Q. Are the GTE criteria applicable to family members too?

A. Yes. Family members of the primary applicant are also assessed against the five GTE factors.
Members of the family unit need to prove that they are genuine applicants who will accompany the
primary applicant in Australia on a temporary basis.
English Language Requirement
Q. What does the English Language requirement entail?

A. The Department of Home Affairs requires certain applicants to provide proof of their English
language proficiency to make a student visa application. Such applicants need to complete a valid
English test/exam that provides a complete picture of their competence in the English language.
Q. What determines the validity of the test?

A. In order for the test to be valid, it must be taken no more than two years prior to lodging the
application or before a decision about your application is made.
Q. Do all applicants have to fulfil the English Language requirement?

A. No. Applicants who fall under the Streamlined evidentiary requirement (based on the SSVF
Framework) and those who fulfil the criteria for an Exemption, do not have to provide proof of an
English Language test. Additionally, applicants who fall under the Regular evidentiary requirements
BUT fulfil the exemption criteria also do not have to provide this proof.
Q. In what circumstances can Streamlined or exempted applicants be requested an

English test score?
A. In exceptional circumstances, applicants may be requested an English test score if:
 Specific intelligence exists which raises concerns about the student’s English language
proficiency 
 During an interview with the case officer, the student is not able to understand basic
questions or provide basic information in English 
 The applicant has indicated on their application form that they have English test results
lower than the specified levels
Q. What are the criteria for Exemption from an English language test?
A. An applicant is exempt from this requirement if they:
 are a citizen and hold a passport from UK, USA, Canada, NZ or Republic of Ireland
 are enrolled in full-time school studies as a principal course including a secondary exchange
programme, a postgraduate research course, a standalone English Language Intensive Course
for Overseas Students (ELICOS), and Foreign Affairs or Defence sponsored students
 have completed at least five years’ study in one or more of the following countries: Australia,
UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland
 In the two years before applying for the student visa, completed, in Australia and in the
English language, either the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or a substantial
component of a course leading to a qualification from the Australian Qualifications
Framework at the Certificate IV or higher level, while you held a student visa.
Q. How is a substantial component of a course calculated for this requirement?

A. To determine completion of a “substantial component”, case officers make a qualitative assessment
of the requirements of completion. This is NOT a fixed percentage. For e.g. Completion of 2 years within
a 4-year degree is not acceptable as a 50% completion. The duration of the course does not matter in
this case. What matters is the number of credits acquired towards completion of the degree. However, a
pass rate of 51% can be considered for this purpose only if units have been graded and shown on the
transcript.
For example:
 Completion of a Certificate III qualification that was packaged with a corresponding
Certificate IV qualification, and the Certificate III significantly contributes as credited learning
towards the completion of the Certificate IV 
 Or the first two years of a three-year course that contains most of the assessments that must
be completed before progressing to the final year, and the applicant has successfully
completed those assessments
 Nested qualifications
 Credits for previous study in Australia
An example for what is not considered would be:

 The applicant has completed the first two years of a three-year course, but the first two years
comprised mainly preparation for work experience in their final year, which is the only
component of the course that will be graded
Q. What are ‘Nested Qualifications’?

A. Some education providers may offer a study pathway wherein the completion of certain phases
within a course make a student eligible for an AQF qualification. Such qualifications are known as
Nested Qualifications. For example, a student undertaking a 2-year master’s program may be eligible
for a graduate diploma on successfully completing one year of study. In order for a Nested Qualification
to be considered to fulfil the “substantial component” requirement, students must provide evidence
from their education provider to support their claim as to the course structure and their eligibility for a
nested qualification.
Q. What are Credits for previous study?

A. If an applicant has previously completed a CRICOS registered course in Australia, in English, those
credits can be taken into account to determine the “substantial component” requirement.
Not adequate for this purpose are:
 courses undertaken outside Australia which are non-registered courses
 courses taught in a language other than English
Q. Is the duration of a course considered for the substantial component requirement?

A. Not necessarily. In order to fulfil the ‘substantial component’ requirement, successful completion
only includes subjects that have been passed. Likewise, a student who has taken longer than the normal
duration to complete a course, will also not be considered for this purpose.
Q. How can applicants prove than an exemption applies to them?

A. If the applicant is not a citizen of the aforementioned countries, but the other conditions of
exemption apply to them, it is important to note that although they are not required to provide
evidence of an English test, they will have to provide evidence of the reason for exemption. For e.g.,
Certificates/degree proving course completion etc.
Q. What are the tests/exams available to satisfy the English Language requirement?
A. The most commonly used tests are IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge English and OET. Each of these
tests have four bands in order to test English language skills; including Reading, Writing, Listening and
Speaking. Applicants may choose to undertake any test as long as they meet the minimum score
requirement for it.
Q. What are the minimum score requirements for each test?

A. The minimum score requirements for each test are provided in the table below:
*The TOEFL paper-based test is only accepted from limited countries.

** The Occupational English Test includes a mark between A and E. An A or B is considered a pass.
Additionally, this may also vary based on the course or your educational institution. For e.g. A medical
student may require a score of 7 in each band on an IELTS test. This information can be found in your
course details on the education provider’s website.
Q. What are the countries exempt from this requirement?

A.
 Australia
 UK
 USA
 Canada
 New Zealand
 South Africa
 Republic of Ireland
Q. Enrolment in which courses exempts an application from the English language

requirement?
A. If an applicant is enrolled in full-time school studies including a:
 secondary exchange programme,
 postgraduate research course,
 standalone English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), as a principal
course, they are exempt from this requirement.
Q. What if an applicant gave two tests?

A. If an applicant has attempted two tests, both of which are valid, it is recommended that they provide
the test with the highest score.
Q. What if an applicant is exempt but gave an English test as required by the provider?
A. If the applicant has attained the minimum score requirement for the test, it is recommended that
they include the proof in the application anyway.
Q. What is the consequence if this criterion is not satisfied?

A. In some cases, the officer MAY choose to come back and request the applicant to provide proof of a
valid English test.
Finance
Overview
Q. What is financial evidence?

A. The Department of Home Affairs requires that all genuine temporary entrants have access to
sufficient funds to cover their costs in Australia. Applicants provide evidence for this by declaring it in
the application and providing documental proof for the same.
Q. What is to be included in Financial evidence?

A. The following is to be demonstrated as financial evidence for the first 12 months of intended stay in
Australia:
 Tuition fee
 Living costs
 Travel fee
 School fee for school age dependents
Q. How to calculate 12 months tuition fee? (pre-paid tuition fee included)

A. The 12-month period begins as follows:
 Off-shore applicant: the day the applicant is expected to arrive in Australia
 On-shore applicant: the day student visa is expected to be granted
The 12-month period ends as follows:

 The day 12 months after the beginning of the period OR
 The applicant’s last day of proposed stay in Australia
Q. What if the course period is less than 12 months?

A. If intended stay is less than 12 months based on course duration, finance is calculated on a pro rata
basis for the entire duration of intended stay.
Q. What are living costs and how are they calculated?

A. The living cost is a general figure provided by the Department of Home Affairs, that an individual
staying in Australia on a temporary basis would require. The pre-determined amount for this purpose
is $20,290 for the primary applicant for a period of 12 months. Additionally, there is an additional cost
of $7,100 for each dependent (parent/spouse) and $3,040 for a child.
Q. What are school fees for school age dependents and how are they calculated?
A. In case of school age dependents, the pre-determined cost of 12 months of school fee is $8000 for
each school age dependent. However, if at the time of applicant, the child is not of school age (i.e. under
5 years old) but will be of school age in the first 12 months after grant, the amount should be calculated
on a pro-rata basis. This is calculated for the number of days out of 365 the child will be a school age
dependent.
For example:
Q. What are travel costs and how are they calculated?

A. Travel costs include an applicant’s Air tickets to and from Australia. This is a pre-determined amount
of $1000 for on-shore applicants and $2000 for off-shore applicants.
Off-shore applicants from East or South Africa must include $2,500 and from West Africa must include
$3000. On-shore applicants returning to Africa must include $1,500.
Q. Is demonstration of fee for school age dependents relevant to all applicants? (all
except PhD students’ kids)
A. No, a child dependent of a PhD student is not required to demonstrate ability to pay school fees
because they are exempt from it. However, they must provide evidence of enrolment in an Australian
government school.
Q. What is show money? How is this amount calculated?

A. Show money is the approximate amount an applicant should have access to and be able to provide
proof of. This amount is calculated by totalling the costs of living, course fee, school fees (if there are
school age dependents), and travel costs. The table below provides a general idea of funds to be shown.
Cost Areas Funds needed

12 months living costs Student: $ 20,290
Parent/spouse: $7,100
Child: $3,040
12 months course fee OR Example 1

Total course fee if course duration is less than Course fee for 3 years = $50,000
12 months. So, course fee for 12 months (1 year) is total
divided by no. of years. Therefore 50000/3 =
Pre-paid amounts can be deducted. $16,666.
Example 2
Course fee = $17,000 for 10 months and $6000 is
already paid.
Then, amount to be shown in $11,000.
Example 3
Course fee = $22,000 for 18 months.
Calculate fee per month multiplied by 12 months.
So, (22000/18) X 12 = $14,666
School age applicants $8000 per year, per child

However, annual school costs may vary in
different states and must be researched.
Travel Costs per applicant On-shore - $1000

Off-shore - $2000
Q. Whose expenses are to be included under financial evidence? (application

combinations + non-accompanying members)
A. There are 5 main combinations when it comes to showing funds:
1. Primary applicant only
2. Primary applicant + accompanying spouse/de facto partner
3. Primary applicant + accompanying spouse/de facto partner + accompanying child
(under 5 years of age)
4. Primary applicant + accompanying spouse/de facto partner + accompanying child
(more than 5 years of age)
5. Primary applicant + accompanying spouse/de-facto partner + accompanying child (age
4 turning 5 within the first 12 months)
Q. What are the acceptable funds? (annual income + funds stream)

A. There are two main categories of acceptable fund types:
1. Annual income stream which refers to yearly personal income earned during
employment and
2. Funds stream which includes money deposits and loans
Annual Income stream
Q. What is the amount of funds to be demonstrated in the annual income stream and
how is the evidence provided?
A. Under the annual income stream, the applicant will have to provide proof of access to at least AUD
60,000 as annual income. If there are family members accompanying the applicant, then the amount to
be shown is AUD 70,000. Both these amounts are before tax. The evidence is provided in the form of
Tax assessments or bank statements issued 12 months before the application is made.
Q. Who can provide evidence of annual income?

A. Besides the applicants themselves, the applicant’s spouse(non-accompanying) or parents may
provide evidence of annual income. However, parents in law cannot provide this evidence.
Q. Can a combined income of two sponsors be provided as evidence?
A. Yes, an applicant may choose to show a combined income earned by 2 sponsors. For example: the
applicant’s parents, if both parents are working OR a parent and non-accompanying spouse OR all
three.
Funds Stream
Q. What is the amount of funds to be demonstrated in the funds stream?

A. The amount of funds to be demonstrated depends on the application combination. For each
applicant, financial evidence should demonstrate the living costs, travel costs, course fee of the primary
applicant and school fee of a school age applicant.
For example, an off-shore primary applicant with a course fee of $50,000(duration 2 years) who is
accompanied by an 8-year-old dependent will show the following funds:
12 months living costs: $20,290 + $3,040 = $23,330

12 months course fee: $25,000
School fee: $8000
Travel costs: $2000 + $2000 = $4000
Total: $60,330
Q. What if a student has prepaid the education provider a boarding or homestay fee?
A. Such a fee can be deducted before while providing financial evidence to the Department of Home
Affairs. However, this evidence should be provided in the form of receipts or on the COE.
Q. How are exchange rates and conversions calculated?

A. Exchange rates are calculated on the basis of the rate applicable at the time of visa application.
However, the case officer may come back for additional evidence if there has been a variation of more
than 10% when the applicant’s visa file is opened.
Acceptable funds
Q. What are acceptable funds? (acceptable financial institutes)

A. Acceptable funds are those structured by acceptable financial institutions which are government
regulated. E.g. Central banks.
Q. What are the acceptable financial institutions? (Countries and listing)

A. The following list provides some examples of acceptable financial institutions:
 Australia -
AMP Bank Ltd
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited
Commonwealth Bank of Australia*
Macquarie Bank Limited
National Australia Bank Limited*
Westpac Banking Corporation*
 Bangladesh
AB Bank Limited
Bangladesh Commerce Bank Limited
Dhaka Bank Limited
NRB Commercial Bank Limited
Social Islami Bank Ltd.
The Farmers Bank Ltd
Woori Bank
 Bhutan
Bank of Bhutan
Bhutan National Bank
Druk Punjab
T Bank
Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan
Bhutan Insurance Limited
 India –
State Bank of India
Bank of Baroda
Bank of Maharashtra
Dena Bank
Punjab National Bank
Axis Bank Limited
ICICI Bank Limited
 Pakistan
State Bank of Pakistan
 Philippines
ANZ Banking Group LTD
Bank of the Philippine Islands
Development Bank of the Philippines
Korea Exchange Bank
Philippine National Bank
RCBC Savings Bank Inc.
Standard Chartered Bank
 Vietnam
State Bank of Vietnam
Q. What if funds are held in a non-acceptable financial institution?

A. Funds held in a non-acceptable financial institution can be provided as evidence if they are moved to
an acceptable institution. However, these funds should be accessible to the applicant. For example,
provident funds are not acceptable by themselves, but an applicant may borrow accessible funds
against it from an acceptable financial institution.
Q. What are the acceptable funds under the funds stream?

A. The following funds are acceptable under the funds stream:
 Money deposits – Savings and term deposits
 Loans – Educational, personal, loan against deposits and credit cards
Q. How can money deposits be show as financial evidence?

A. Bank statements can provide sufficient evidence of money deposits. Term deposits and fixed
deposits may also be used; however, the applicant must be able to prove accessibility to the funds.
Q. How can loans be shown as financial evidence?

A. Financial loans can be in the form of educational or personal loans. An unconditional personal loan
sanction letter along with details of collateral and disbursements will be necessary in this case. If an
applicant is off-shore, then full disbursement amount in the student’s account will be required as proof.
In case of on-shore applicant’s this amount must be shown in an Australian bank account under the
student’s name.
Q. Are credit cards acceptable as evidence of a loan?

A. Yes.
What if the financial institute only covers tuition/living expense?
Q. Are business accounts acceptable for evidence of financial capacity?

A. Yes they are. However, this loan must not have been taken by an individual who is employed in the
business; unless the individual is the main authority conducting/running the business.
Q. Can Public Provident Funds/Government Provident Funds, post office accounts and
national saving certificates be used as evidence of financial capacity?
A. Yes, these sources may be accepted as evidence for financial capacity. In order to be approved, the
applicant will have to arrange for these funds to be transferred into a bank account with an acceptable
financial institution, with unrestricted access to the applicant. Statements of such transactions must be
provided as evidence.
Genuine Access
Q. What does genuine access to funds mean?

A. Genuine access to funds simply means that the applicant has access to enough funds to support all
their costs in Australia, including those for any accompanying family members, for the intended period
of stay.
Some factors that the case officer will look at to determine genuine access are:
 Employment history of the applicant/person providing the funds.
 Income and assets of the applicant/person providing the funds.
 The source of the income, (e.g. Third party such as an uncle) and their relationship with the
applicant.
 Whether the same third-party source has funded another student visa applicant.
 If the applicant was previously granted a visa, any information the Department of Home Affairs
might have regarding their financial capacity during that time.
 Immigration patterns of other nationals from the applicant’s home country to investigate
further into genuineness of the student.
 Relevant intelligence and analysis reports on illegal immigration and malpractice.
Q. How to prove genuine access for annual incomes?

A. In this case, the access to funds is not usually scrutinised further as the source of income is already
restricted to a spouse/de facto partner or parents. However, it is necessary to provide strong evidence
of relationships, current employment/assets that are the source of the personal income. Cases are
scrutinised further when:
 age of the records is suspicious

 Officer has special intelligence about the applicant’s/their sponsor’s finances (due to personal
circumstances or economic downturn in their country)
 Amount of personal income demonstrated is equal to the amount needed to be shown as
evidence
Q. How to prove genuine access for money deposits?

A. Sometimes applicants might be funded by a range of family members holding various money
deposits under different names. This type of arrangement is considered as not easily accessible to the
applicant in Australia. In order to prove genuine access, applicants must arrange for all funds to
arranged under their own name. Example of an acceptable scenario would be one where an applicant is
living with a relative in Australia who is also funding part of their expenses, while course fee is taken
care of by the parents back home.
Factors considered in this case are:
 Whether account held is under applicant’s name
 Relationships between applicant and the third parties
 Lump sum amounts/ funds accumulated in savings accounts
 the amount of time the money has been in the account
 where the account is located (whether held in a country where large deposits cannot be
transferred internationally)
 whether money deposits outside Australia are in country with strict exchange control
regulations and permit discharge of funds for education purposes
 applicant’s age
 family’s personal circumstances
Q. How to prove genuine access for business accounts?

A.
 Financial support provided by the business and not persons within the business (unless
provided by the person with the authority to commit the business with documentation proof)
 Business should transfer the funds into an account (current, savings or term deposit) in the
applicant’s name or the person providing the financial support
Q. How to prove genuine access for funds transferred from non-acceptable to acceptable
financial institutions?
A.
 Evidence of transfers with further scrutiny if account of transfer from the other institution is not
reliable
 proof of the provident fund terms, withdrawal and amendment to fund account, when money
from such funds has been transferred to acceptable financial institutions with unrestricted
access to the applicant
 account transfer history, and if wage has been credited into unacceptable to acceptable account,
evidence of employment for the same
Q. How to prove genuine access for loans?

A. Genuine access to loans may come under scrutiny if it seems like the loan may have been taken for
reasons other than financial support for the student. Examples would include:
 loan amount is considerably more than required
 significant amount of time has passed between visa application and the date the loan was taken
 the loan was provided to support another student
 the loan was made by a business
Other important factors related to evidence of loan disbursements: paraphrase

 where the education loan relates to course fees that will be paid directly to the education
provider, disbursement according to the agreement with the education provider, financial
institution and student should be provided. For example, this may be for the first semester’s
course fees. Information about the terms of the loan, including any conditions around
disbursement, should also be attached to the application.
 if the education loan includes living expenses, agents should consider showing that the first 12
months of these funds have been disbursed. Alternatively, they could consider showing that the
student is relying on another source of funds to cover the first year of living costs
Financial sponsors
Q. What is a financial sponsor and who can be one?

A. A financial sponsor in any individual who provides financial support and evidence of the same for a
student visa applicant.
Q. Who can be a financial sponsor?

A. In most cases an applicant’s financial sponsor would be an immediate family member or a relative;
such as parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles/aunts. It is important to showcase enough evidence of
the relationship between the applicant and the family sponsor. In some situations, an applicant may
wish to be sponsored by a third party, such as friends, cousins or distant relatives. Although this is
acceptable, such cases invite closer scrutiny and the case officer may require more evidence. Corporate
sponsorship is another example of third party sponsorships, and the case officer will look at the
applicant’s employment history and job title.
Q. How many financial sponsors can an applicant have?

A. There is no restriction on the number of sponsors an applicant can have. However, proving genuine
access is difficult if there are too many sponsors. Moreover, it also comes across as suspicious, calling
for further investigations.
Q. What are the evidentiary documents required from the financial sponsor?
A.
 Proof of relationship with the applicant
 Identity proof
 Affidavit of name change if applicable
 Proof of on-going income
 Affidavit of financial support provided to the applicant by the sponsor
Q. Why is it necessary to show the on-going income of financial sponsors?

A. Under the regulations provided by the Department of Home Affairs, a financial sponsor must provide
proof of on-going income in order to ensure their sponsorship obligation to the applicant.
Q. How to show evidence of on-going income? (listed in answer based on various

countries)
A. Income proof documents such as:
 Salaried income: Income tax returns of Financial sponsors for last two years
 Agricultural income: J Form and Income certificate
 Business Income: ITR 2 years, Business bank statement and proof of registration
 Pension – Pension passbook or bank statements showing pension deposited
 Rental income: Rental deed and 3 rental slips
 Salary income: in case of no Income tax record’s, letter from employer and last 3 pay slips and
statement showing salary
Q. What are the applicable identification documents a financial sponsor can provide?
(examples of different countries)
Close scrutiny cases/scenarios
Q. Do streamlined applicants have to show financial capacity?

A. Streamlined applicants are exempt from providing evidence of financial capacity except in rare cases.
Case officers may ask for financial evidence if:
 There is special intelligence concerning the applicant’s financial capacity.
 If the applicant was on another visa in Australia previously, whether there is any unfavourable
information regarding applicant’s ability to meet financial requirements.
 In case an applicant has previously applied for a visa, any information the Department of Home
Affairs may have concerning applicant’s ability to provide for their living costs.
Q. Does the subsequent entrant of a primary streamlined applicant need to show

financial capacity?
A. Subsequent entrants of a streamlined applicant are exempt from providing evidence of financial
capacity except in rare cases. Case officers may ask for financial evidence if:
 A student, within 12 months of their visa grant, has changed their course of study and enrolled
with a provider that would normally require evidence of financial capacity.
 There is special intelligence concerning the financial capacity of the applicant, a specific family
member or the entire family unit.
 If an applicant has declared that they do not have sufficient funds for the duration of their stay
in their application.
 If the applicant was on another visa in Australia previously, whether there is any unfavourable
information regarding applicant’s ability to meet financial requirements.
 In case an applicant has previously applied for a visa, any information the Department of Home
Affairs may have concerning applicant’s ability to provide for their living costs.
Q. What if there are multiple funds shown as evidence for financial capacity?
A. Although there is no restriction on the number of sources of funds, if these funds are under various
sponsors (and not under the applicant’s name) it may invite further scrutiny under the ‘genuine access
to funds’ criteria. If, however the applicant does have multiple sources, it is recommended that the
funds be transferred in the applicant’s account in an acceptable financial institution.
How is financial capacity linked to GTE?

What if the financial evidence provided is not sufficient?
How to construct a financial matrix? (for agent)
Overseas Student Health Insurance
Q. What is an Overseas Student Health Cover?

A. An Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance that covers the applicant’s medical
expenses for the duration of their stay in Australia. Expenses such as ambulance, public and private
hospitals and some pharmaceuticals are covered under most OSHC providers.
Q. Who can provide a health cover in Australia and what are the policies available?
A. The following is a list of OSHC providers in Australia:
 Australian Health Management
 Peoplecare Health Limited (Allianz Global Assistance offers OSHC products and policies under
an arrangement with Peoplecare)
 BUPA Australia
 Medibank Private
 nib Health Funds Limited
Q. Do education providers incorporate OSHC premiums for students?

A. Some education providers may have tie-ups with certain OSHC providers an offer these premiums to
the students. Applicants that accept OSHC premiums from their education providers are generally
required to include the premium amount while paying the first semester fee. Evidence of this is found
on the student’s COE.
Q. Can students purchase their own OSHC?

A. Yes, students can purchase OSHC from a provider of their choice. We recommend comparing various
covers and conducting thorough research for this purpose.
Q. How is the validity of a health insurance assessed?

A. A valid health insurance must cover the applicant throughout their stay in Australia. In case of off-
shore applicants, this includes the time they first enter Australia. Hence the recommended start date for
OSHC cover is one week prior to course commencement. On-shore applicants, those who are not
currently on student visas, must obtain additional health cover that commences on or before the visa
grant date.
Q. What is the acceptable end date for an OSHC?

A. The maximum period an applicant is eligible for their visa grant is determined by the OSHC and the
course duration. Students undertaking a course with a duration of over 10 months and which ends
between November-December are granted a visa that expires on the 15th of March the following year.
Similarly, students whose courses end between January to October are granted a visa expiring 2 months
after expected course completion date. Hence OSHC must also be purchased accordingly. If a student
purchases OSHC ending on the course end date, the visa will also be granted for that period only, and
not the maximum period of eligibility.
Q. Do the primary applicant’s dependents also need a health cover? Is a family cover
mandatory in this case?
A. Yes, accompanying family members must be covered by an OSHC for the entire duration of their stay
in Australia. However, a family cover is not mandatory. Each member of the family unit may purchase a
single cover for themselves.
Q. What are the implications of not holding a valid OSHC while in Australia?
A. If a student in Australia is found to be without a valid OSHC, they will be in breach of their visa
condition 8501.
Q. Which countries do not require an OSHC?

A. Citizens of Belgium, Norway and Sweden are exempt from an OSHC due to respective alliances with
their Governments and Australia.
Section IV – School Age Applicants

Age Requirement
Q. What is the minimum age requirement for a student visa?

A. Student visa applicants must be at least 6 years old when making an application. In case of school age
applicants, they must be:
 less than 17 when commencing Year 9

Q. What is a welfare arrangement?

A. Primary applicants under the age of 18 are considered as minors and need to make arrangements
regarding their accommodation and general funding in Australia. This is known as a welfare
arrangement.
Q. What if a student turns 18 before their arrival in Australia or Before course

commencement?
A. An applicant who will turn 18 after lodging an application but before entering Australia
must submit Form 157N with questions 1-8 completed and signed by the parent or legal guardian. No
welfare arrangements are required for such an applicant. On the other hand, applicant who will turn 18
before their course commences are required to provide evidence of welfare using Form 157N.
Q. Who is responsible for providing welfare arrangements for minor applicants?

A. The responsibility for providing welfare arrangements for minor applicants lies with the following:
1. A parent or custodial guardian of the applicant
2. A relative of the applicant (over 21 years of age and with good character) nominated by the
parent or custodial guardian
3. The education provider who must also provide a signed statement confirming appropriate
welfare arrangements for the minimum course period that the minor is enrolled in (based on
the COE) plus an additional 7 days after the end of that period
Q. What evidence can be provided for welfare arrangements?

A. The following evidence can be provided for welfare arrangements:
 Parent, custodian or relative:
o Accurate completion and submission of Form 157N (Nomination of student
guardian).
o At the time of the decision, the visa held by the relative must stay in effect for the
entire duration of the student’s course or until the student turns 18.
 Education Provider:
o A CAAW (Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare) letter that
should have been uploaded in PRISMS.
Section V – Application Process

Manner of lodgement
Q. How to lodge a visa application?

A. Visa applications are lodged online using internet Form 157A (applicants over 18) This account is
used for visa applications, accessing My Health Declarations, resuming a saved application, updating
applications, checking the status of an application and more.
Q. How to create an Immi Account?

A. An Immi account can be created for individual use as well as organisational/agency use. The
following link can be used to create an Immi account: https://online.immi.gov.au The figure below
shows how you can begin the process.
The next step involves selecting the kind of account to be created. An individual and organisation
accounts both have access to the Immi account for all visa application purposes.
However, individuals can only make multiple applications such as for family members
(subsequent/dependent applicants), whereas organisation can make multiple applications for various
individuals for various visas.
Q. What is the procedure during technical difficulties?

A. A technical support enquiry form must be submitted to eService Support when faced with a system
error or technical difficulty. If the support officer authorises this enquiry, they will also send an
authorisation email to the applicant along with a copy of Form 157A/N (pdf). This email will also
include further instructions for the application.
The technical support form can be found on:
https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa/immi/immiaccount-technical-support-form
Q. Where can one find more information on technical support and system errors?
A.
1. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa/syst
2. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa/comm
Forms Applicable
Purpose Applicable Forms

Applicants under 18 Form 157N
Parent’s consent for under 18 applicants to Form 1229

study in Australia
Migration agents Advice - (registered/non-registered) Form
956
Appointment or withdrawal – 956A
Change in address or passport details Form 929
Changing/updating incorrect information Form 1023
Student Visa Fee
Q. What is the cost of a student visa application?

A. Currently, the cost for making a student visa application is $575 for off-shore applicants. On-shore
applicants have to pay and additional charge of $700 along with the visa application charge. Hence the
total charge for on-shore applicants is $1,275.
Q. What is the cost for dependents of the student?

A. For dependents who are 18 years or above, the visa application charge is $430. For dependents
under 18, the cost is $140. Subsequent temporary application charge of $700 applies for on-shore
dependents.
For more information on calculating the exact amount, check the visa pricing estimator on the
Department of Home Affairs website: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa-1/500-
?modal=pricing-estimator
Q. What are the acceptable methods of payment?

A. Payment can be made online via Immi account. The acceptable methods of payment are card, PayPal
or BPay. However, surcharges apply for Debit Visa/Debit MasterCard, American Express and JCB,
Diners Club, China Union Pay and PayPal.
Q. Is the visa charge refundable if the visa is not granted?

A. No, visa charges are not conditional upon the grant of the student visa.
Health Requirements
Q. What is a Health examination and what does it entail?

A. A health examination is a mandatory health check-up for individuals who wish to study and live in
Australia on a temporary basis.
Q. What are the health tests required for a student visa?

A.
Q. Which countries do not require a health examination?

A. The countries below, which are lower risk in terms of TB, do not generally need to complete
immigration health examinations for a temporary visa unless special significance applies:
Albania; American Samoa; Andorra; Antigua and Barbuda; Argentina; Aruba; Australia;
Austria; Bahamas; Bahrain; Barbados; Belgium; Belize; Bermuda; Bonaire; Bouvet Island;
Bulgaria; Canada; Cayman Islands; Chile; Christmas Island; Cocos (Keeling) Islands; Cook Islands; Costa
Rica; Croatia; Cuba; Curacao; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Dominica; Egypt; Estonia; Falkland
Islands; Faroe Islands; Finland; France; French Polynesia; FYR Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia); Germany; Gibraltar; Greece; Grenada; Guadeloupe; Heard and McDonald Islands;
Hungary; Iceland; Iran; Ireland; Israel; Italy; Jamaica; Japan; Jordan; Kosovo; Kuwait; Lebanon;
Lichtenstein; Luxembourg; Malta; Mauritius; Mexico; Monaco; Montenegro; Montserrat; Netherlands;
Netherlands Antilles; New Caledonia; New Zealand; Niue; Norfolk Island; Norway; Oman; Palestinian
Authority; Pitcairn Island; Poland; Portugal; Puerto Rico; Reunion Island; Saint Eustatius & Saba; Saint
Helena (Ascension and Tristan da Cunha); Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Martin (Dutch);
Samoa; San Marino; Saudi Arabia; Serbia; Seychelles; Slovakia; Slovenia; South Georgia and the South
Sandwich Islands; Spain; Svalbard & Jan Mayen; Sweden; Switzerland; Tokelau; Tonga; Trinidad and
Tobago; Tunisia; Turkey; Turks and Caicos Islands; United Arab Emirates; United Kingdom (British
citizen); United States of America; Uruguay; Vatican City; Virgin Islands (British); Virgin Islands
(US); Wallis and Futuna Islands.
All countries besides those listed above require a health examination for Australian temporary
visa purposes.
Q. What are the situations of special significance relevant to Health examinations?

A. The table below, as provided by the Department of Home Affairs lists the special significance
situations in relation to health examinations. Applicant’s to whom one or more of these apply, may be
required to undertake additional health examinations:
Q. How to complete a health examination before lodging a visa?

A. My Health Declarations (MHD) is available to applicants who are yet to lodge their visa. Health
examination and assessment processes can be lengthy and time consuming after visa lodgement. MHD
provides a platform to complete a health declaration before lodging a visa to avoid delays. MHD is
available for both on-shore and off-shore applicants.
Q. What to keep in mind before using MHD?

A.
 My Health Declarations should not be used if the visa application is already lodged as it will
slow down the visa process.
 it is designed for individuals who want to complete their health examinations electronically
before lodging their visa application.
 using My Health Declarations does not guarantee faster health processing or electronic
health processing.
 using My Health Declarations does not guarantee the applicant will be found to meet the
health requirement.
 if health examinations are required, click on the Organise your Health Examinations link to
logon to eMedical and obtain the applicant’s eMedical referral letter.
 The above online health process must be completed before booking an appointment.
 The applicant will not be advised of their results until after they have lodged a visa
application.
Q. How to use MHD and how does it work?

A. On completing the My Health Declarations electronic form, an MHD account is created. The
applicant’s personal details must then be entered, and answers of the health declaration must be
completed.
These details are then submitted to the Department of Home Affairs to determine what health
examinations the applicant will be required to complete for the student visa. The MHD homepage will
be updated accordingly, advising whether the applicant is required to complete a health examination.
Q. Can family members be included in MHD?

A. Yes, accompanying family members can be included in the applicant’s MHD form.
Q. How to organise a health examination using MHD?

A. A link, which will redirect the applicant to the eMedical Client log in will appear on My
Health Declarations homepage. This is used to organise health examinations for each person
who is required to complete health examinations, included in the My Health Declarations form.
Follow the instructions provided to complete the health examination before lodging the visa
application. These instructions apply to each person listed in the application.
On clicking the link to organise a health examination, the applicant will be asked to:
 record medical history information online before completing their examinations (if a
medical examination is required only)
 consent to having their health examinations recorded electronically in eMedical, the
Department’s health processing system, and
 download a referral letter which will contain a health identifier (HAP ID) for the
applicant and any family members listed in My Health Declarations.
The applicant’s referral letter will outline which health examinations they are required to
complete and enable them to complete these at an approved panel clinic outside Australia
or with the migration medical services provider in Australia. The current migration medical
services provider is Bupa Medical Visa Services.
Q. What is a HAP ID and how is it obtained?

A. The HAP ID is a unique identification number given to each applicant when they complete MHD or
their online health assessment using eMedical client. It is generated automatically on completing the
health assessment using eMedical. The HAP ID must be provided to the panel clinic or migration
medical services provider when making an appointment. On completing the online health assessment,
eMedical client generates a referral letter containing the applicant’s HAP ID and heath details. This
referral letter must be taken to the appointment. These details are used by the Department of Home
Affairs to track the applicant’s health assessment.
Q. How to identify an approved panel clinic outside Australia?

A. Although off-shore applicants can use MHD to complete their health declaration, their physical
examination needs to be completed by a doctor who is approved by the Australian Government. Such
doctors are also known as panel physicians. A list of panel physicians can be acquired from the
following link from the Department of Home Affairs’ webpage:
https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/busi/Pane/Pane-1
Q. What is the best time to apply for MHD?

A. Although there is no recommended time frame to use MHD, it should be used a few months before
visa lodgement and the visa is expected to be processed within the next 12 months.
Q. What is the cost of using MHD?

A. There is no cost involved for using My Health Declaration, however, there will be costs involved for
any health examination the applicant has to undertake.
Q. What is the process for completing a health examination after lodging a visa?
A. If the visa has already been lodged, the ‘View Health Assessment’ tab in the Immi account will
provide further instructions on whether a health examination needs to be completed. In some cases,
further instructions will be emailed or be provided by the case officer directly. If asked to complete a
health examination, the applicant must do so as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays.
Steps to follow after lodging the visa application:

1. The Department of Home Affairs will determine whether health examinations are required
(updated under “View Health Assessment in Immi account)
2. The applicant will then be provided a HAP ID and will be asked to undergo health examinations
3. eMedical Client is used to consent to eMedical processing and complete the medical history if
required
4. Download the eMedical Referral letter
5. The applicant then makes an appointment with an approved panel clinic or the migration
medical services provider and provides their HAP ID
6. They attend their appointment and bring the eMedical Referral letter with them
7. The clinic locates their case in eMedical using their HAP ID
8. Clinic staff record their health examination results in eMedical
9. Panel physician and/or radiologist grades and submits case to the Department of Home Affairs
10. If the applicant meets the health requirement, their visa record is updated, and processing can
continue.
Q. What if an applicant does/does not require a health examination?

A. In such a case, the applicant’s MHD homepage will be updated with the information that a health
examination is not required. For applicants who have already lodged their visa, this information will be
updated under “View Health Assessment” tab in the Immi account.
Q. What if an applicant experiences a change in circumstances after completing the

online assessment and before their health examination?
A. If an applicant experiences a change in circumstances before the health examination, they must
inform the panel clinic or the migration medical services provider when attending the appointment. If
circumstances change after lodging the visa application, the case officer must be notified immediately
by updating the health information using the Immi account.
Q. What is a referral letter?

A. The eMedical referral letter is generated on completion of the online health assessment using
eMedical client. This letter MUST be taken to the health examination on the day of the appointment.
Q. What if an applicant loses their referral letter?

A. The eMedical letter can be generated again by logging in to eMedical client.
Q. What is the validity of a health check result?

A. A health check is valid up to a period of 12 months. Therefore, in the case of on-shore applicants, if
12 months have gone by since the last health check, the applicant will be required to undertake another
health examination.
Q. What if an applicant’s health examination result is not satisfactory? (health

undertaking, Form 815)
A. The Medical Officer of the Common Wealth (MOC) is the final authority on determining whether an
applicant:
 meets the health requirement.
 meets the health requirement on the condition that they sign a health undertaking.
 does not meet the health requirement.
If an applicant’s result is not satisfactory, the MOC may require them to sign a health undertaking using
Form 815.
By signing a health undertaking the applicant agrees to:

 contact the Department’s migration medical services provided, Bupa Medical Visa Services
(BUPA) within 28 days of your arrival in Australia.
 attend an appointment with a state or territory health clinic in Australia (where required - this
information will be provided to the applicant by BUPA),
and.
 complete any further investigation or course of treatment required.
It is essential for the applicant to keep their completed form as it contains important
information which will assist them to complete the health undertaking process.
Can a health examination report be used for a new visa application? (if its within 12
months)
Q. What is the procedure for pregnant applicants?

A. Since pregnant applicant cannot complete an X-ray procedure under the health examination, they
will be required to sign a Pregnancy Health Undertaking Form 1392 and arrange their health
examinations as outlined in the Form.
Q. What is the procedure for a health examination for newborn dependents and
children?
A. Newborns up to children aged below 11 years are only required to undertake a general medical
examination. Children aged 11 and over will additionally undertake a chest x-ray as well.
Q. Is there a waiver for health examinations?

A. There is no health waiver available for Student Visa (Subclass 500).
Q. Which applicants are required to provide a polio vaccination certificate?

A. The ‘Where we work’ tab on the polioeradication.org website provides a list of Endemic and
Outbreak countries. The nationals of these countries are required to provide a valid certificate of
vaccination for polio. Please refer to the table below:
Endemic Countries Outbreak Countries
 Afghanistan  Democratic Republic of the Congo

 Nigeria  Syrian Arab Republic
 Pakistan  Somalia
 Kenya
 Papua New Guinea
Section VI – Visa conditions
Working rights
Q. What are the working rights of the student?

A. Visa condition applicable: 8105
Students are not allowed to engage in any work before the commencement of their course. On course
commencement, they are only allowed to work for a period of over 40 hours a fortnight. A fortnight for
this purpose is defined as 14 days starting on a Monday. This work condition applies to students while
the course is in session. This do not apply for students enrolled in research or doctoral degrees. All
students may work unlimited hours when course is not in session. These restrictions do not apply to
students who have to undertake work (e.g. Placements) as part of their degree.
Q. What are the working rights of the dependent?

Members of the family unit of the primary applicant may not engage in any work until the course
commences. On course commencement, they are only allowed to work for a period of over 40 hours a
fortnight. A fortnight for this purpose is defined as 14 days starting on a Monday. Members of a family
unit, where the primary applicant is enrolled in a masters or doctoral degree, may work more than 40
hours a fortnight while in Australia. Where the student has only commenced a preliminary course, such
as ELICOS, the dependent may only work up to 40 hours a fortnight until the masters or doctoral course
commences.
Q. What are the visa conditions related to course requirement?

This visa condition requires students to:
 be enrolled in a full time, CRICOS registered course
 achieve satisfactory course progression
 achieve satisfactory course attendance
 maintain enrolment in a course at the same level or higher AQF level for which they obtained
the visa:
 change from AQF 10 to 9 is permitted but change from an AQF course to a non-AQF course is
not
Q. What are the visa conditions related to health insurance?

Students and accompanying family members must maintain sufficient provisions for health insurance
throughout their period of intended stay in Australia. This condition is met by paying the OSHC fee.
Q. What are the visa conditions related to the criteria for visa grant?
This condition requires the student visa holder to continuously maintain the criteria that enabled visa
grant in the first place. This is in order to discourage students from intentionally changing their
arrangements after visa grant to avoid visa requirements.
Q. What are the visa conditions related to the criteria of school age dependents?
A. Visa conditions applicable: 8517 and 8518
Condition 8517 applies to all primary applicants. It states that student visa holders must maintain
mandatory schooling of all their school-age dependents who will be in Australia for a period of more
than 3 months. Condition 8518 applies to secondary applicants under the age of 18 who have been
granted the student visa. It states that adequate arrangements for the education of the holder must be
maintained while in Australia.
Q. What are the visa conditions related to the criteria of welfare arrangements?
This condition ensures that students under the age of 18 must stay in Australia with:
 a parent of the student or
 a person who has custody of the student or
 a relative of the student who (nominated by a parent, under 21 years of age and of good
character) or
 the arrangements provided by the education provider for the course the student has enrolled in.
It must include accommodation, support and general welfare. The student must also not enter
Australia before the welfare commencement date.
A student is in breach of this condition if:
 The student minor travels to Australia before the commencement of their welfare arrangement.
 The student minor stays in Australia with a person other than a parent/custodian.
 The arrangements for the student minor’s accommodation, support and general welfare
arranged by the education provider are no longer approved.
 The person with whom the student minor has to stay in Australia, has left Australia without
making appropriate accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements for the student
minor.
Q. What are the visa conditions related to changes in contact/residential information?

This condition requires students:
 To notify their education provider of their residential address in Australia within 7 days of
arrival.
 To notify the education provider of any change in residential address within 7 days after the
change.
 To notify their old education provider of a change in provider within 7 days of receiving a new
COE.
 if no COE is required to be sent or transmission failure prevents the provider from sending a
COE – evidence that the student has been enrolled by a new provider.

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Help Center – Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Q. What is the required visa for study in Australia?

Q. What does full-time study mean?

Q. What is the minimum level of education an applicant can be enrolled in?

Seven educational sectors for study on a student visa (Subclass 500)

4. Higher Education sector For students who wish to study in a bachelor

6. Non-award sector For students who want to study non award

Q. Who is eligible to apply for a student visa?

Q. What are the main criteria for obtaining a student visa?

Q. Who should apply for this visa?

Q. How much does the visa cost?

SSVF & Risk Model

Q. How does the DIBP assess a student visa outcome?

Country and Provider Risk Model

 Their country is a Level 1 and their provider is Level 1, 2 or 3

Q. What is the advantage of falling under Streamlined evidentiary requirements?

Q. How is a risk rating calculated?

Q. Which provider’s risk rating is considered when an applicant undertakes a Packaged

Q. What if an applicant changes their course of study?

Q. What if an applicant has more than one country of citizenship?

Q. Are these Risk ratings published/available online?

Section III – Criteria for a Student Visa

 A substantive visa is a visa other than.

Non-qualifying and Pre-Qualifying Visas

Non – Qualifying Visas Pre-Qualifying Visas

 Domestic Worker (Temporary) Diplomatic  A substantive temporary visa other than

 Visitor visa (subclass 600) in the

The last substantive visa must have been a:

Re-Entry Bans (s48 and PIC)

Q. Can a re-entry ban be removed?

Q. What if an applicant’s substantive visa was cancelled?

Q. What options are available to an applicant in case of visa cancellation or refusal?

Q. What is section 48?

(a) Partner (Temporary) (Class UK)

(b) Partner (Residence) (Class BS);

(c) protections visas;

(ca) Medical Treatment (Visitor) (Class UB);

(e) Territorial Asylum (Residence) (Class BE);

(f) Border (Temporary) (Class TA);

(g) Special Category (Temporary) (Class TY);

(h) Bridging A (Class WA);

(j) Bridging B (Class WB);

(k) Bridging C (Class WC);

(l) Bridging D (Class WD);

(m) Bridging E (Class WE);

(ma) Bridging F (Class WF);

(mb) Bridging R (Class WR);

(o) Resolution of Status (Class CD);

(p) Child (Residence) (Class BT)

Q. What is considered as evidence of enrolment in a course?

Q. Why is a COE important?

Q. How are COEs verified by the Department of Home Affairs?

Q. Where is the COE number located?

Locating the COE Number

Q. Can an Offer letter act as evidence of enrolment for a visa grant?

Q. What are the conditions for acceptance in a course?

Q. What is a conditional COE?

Q. What if the visa is refused before course commencement?

Q. Does an applicant receive a deferred COE if visa grant is late?

Q. What is an expired COE?

Q. Can an expired COE be used for student visa purposes?

Q. Can a COE be cancelled?

Q. What is the right time to lodge an application for a student visa?