Skip to content

How to Apply for a Student Visa Onshore in Australia?

So you are in Australia and want to apply for a student visa? You are at the right place then! An onshore application may sound difficult for a student visa. However, it is not so hard when you know the right steps.

Here we will provide you a format through which you can prepare for the whole process. This will simply help you to concentrate on your studies and enjoy life in Australia instead of worrying.

Reasons for Applying for a Student Visa Onshore in Australia

1. To Stay Legally in Australia

Applying onshore for a student visa means your application is going to be processed while you remain legally in Australia. It saves you the pain of needing to leave the country and think of returning home just to apply.

2. Easy Transition Between Visas

Applying for an onshore visa can help you avoid gaps in your visa status like switching from another visa (like a visitor or working holiday visa). Once you have lodged your visa application, you’ll likely receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This will give you a free stay in Australia until the decision is made on your student visa application. You are thus able to stay the whole time uninterrupted in the country.

3. Access to Local Resources and Support

While you are applying onshore, you can access support from your school or university. As you know, many institutions in Australia have student services that guide visa applications, paperwork, and legal requirements for the students. So, they can assist you in making the process much more seamless.

4. Save Time and Avoid Travel Hassles 

It is more time-consuming as well as expensive to travel to your home country to apply for a visa. So, you save on your travel costs and avoid long queues by applying onshore. By the time you can continue enjoying your life in Australia without disruptions.

5. Effective Communication with Immigration Authorities

For example, let’s say they want more documents or more information. This can be done easily when the applicant is in Australia. Because everything can be done quickly as compared to being outside Australia.

6. Continue Your Work and Studies

By applying for a student visa onshore, you may continue as if nothing is happening and you are already attending classes or doing part-time work in Australia. So you will not have valuable study time lost and will not lose your job waiting for your visa to.

7. Less Stress, More Focus on Your Goals 

The thing is that it is a simple task submitting onshore visas but will not be free from moments of pressure. You are already familiar with the area and have local resources for help when necessary. This reduces stress and allows you to focus on your studies and plans.

How to Apply for a Student Visa Onshore in Australia?

One could say that applying for a student visa onshore in Australia allows one to keep studying in Australia without going anywhere. This means that now you’re not even moving back home and applying from there. It also ensures that you can stay in Australia legally while waiting for your new visa. 

So, this step-by-step guide will help you in every step of your Visa journey whenever you’re renewing your student visa or switching to one.

Step 1: Understand the Visa Requirements

Understanding the visa requirements is the most important for a smooth journey. Familiarize yourself with the necessary documentation and regulations to ensure a smooth application process on time.

Knowing what you need to qualify for a Student Visa (subclass 500) is important before you begin any further process. Some of the basic requirements needed are:

Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE): You need to have COE from an educational institution in Australia or the particular university where you want to apply.

Financial Evidence: You need to prove that you can support yourself (and your family, if applicable) while you will be there.

English Language Skills: You shall have to prove the English proficiency test scores through tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL unless exempted.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): You should have a health insurance policy that is valid during your stay. 

Current Visa Status: Your current visa must still be valid when you apply for the onshore visa.

Step 2: Collect Your Documents

So, you understand the comprehensive student visa onshore requirements. Now it’s time to move onto the next step. Collect all the necessary documents that you will need to apply for your onshore Australian visa. Ready for action because now you have to prepare your documents to ensure that you’re well-prepared for the next step. Here’s a checklist to make it simple: 

Passport (your passport must be valid for the whole duration of your stay) 

CoE from your educational institution.

Financial documents like bank statements, scholarships, or proof of income.

All results of your English test (if applicable).

Details on your health insurance (OSHC).

Any previous visa documentation.

Double-check everything to make sure that there are no mistakes because missing or incorrect documents can delay your application.

Step 3: Complete Your Visa Application Online.

Once your documents are ready, the next step is to submit an application through the Australian government immigration portal – ImmiAccount. Here’s how:

Create or log in to your ImmiAccount.

Choose the student visa (subclass 500) application.

Fill in the online form carefully by entering accurate information about your education, finances and travel history.

Upload all the required documents.

Pay the application fee (check the latest fee on the Department of Home Affairs website).

Finally, submit the application form with all those details.

After submission, you will get a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). This is something you will need to keep safe. It will help you to keep track of your application.

Step 4: Medical Exams and Biometrics 

After completing the visa application online, you can go for your health evaluations and biometrics depending on your situation. This is one of the most important processes for identifying your entire health status and most importantly for accurate record. Follow the below steps for this step: 

Health Exams: Book an appointment with a panel-approved doctor for your medical checks. Bring your HAP ID which is related to your application. 

Biometrics: You might be asked to provide fingerprints and a photo at a biometrics collection center. 

These are very important steps. You should try to complete them as soon as possible in order to avoid any delays.

Step 5: Wait for Your Visa Decision

When all the required applications for the onshore student visa are completed and mandatory additional requirements fulfilled, it is now your turn to show some patience. You have to wait since processing times often have various standards. Here are some things to be done while waiting:

Regularly check ImmiAccount for updates.

Make no travel arrangements until the visa is granted.

Stick to the conditions of your current visa to avoid further complications.

Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for Student Visa Onshore in Australia

Nothing can make applying for a student visa onshore in Australia stressful. Below are some mistakes not to repeat:

Submitting Incomplete Applications: Always check your applications before submitting them. If you submit the incomplete application there may be a chance of getting rejected.

Waiting Until the Last Minute: Do not wait until it is the last minute to submit your application especially if your current visa status is about to expire. Start your application process early.

Not Meeting Health or Character Requirements: Make sure you do not have other unresolved issues that may affect the decision on your student visa.

Conclusion: Stay Prepared and Confident

One thing you have to do is to remain ready and self-assured. In short, a student applying for the onshore visa in Australia can find the entire process straightforward if they can follow these steps. Always remember to stay organized, start early and double-check everything in advance before submitting any of your documents. 

In case you are confused, do not hesitate to contact your school at the student support service, or Global Skills Connect, your migration agent, for advice and assistance for your onshore student visa.

Now, take a deep breath and get to work on your application. Study well and enjoy your stay in Australia! 

If you find this content helpful, share it with those friends of yours who may also be in the process of applying for their student visa!

FAQs

Can I work while my visa is processing?

Yes, you may continue to work on your current visa while your new visa is in process, if your current visa permits you to do so.

What happens if my current visa expires during processing?

Bridging Visa A (BVA) will be issued to you for staying legally in Australia until a decision is made on your application.

Can I bring family members?

Yes, eligible members may be included in the application. Also, check the particular requirements for dependents.

1 thought on “How to Apply for a Student Visa Onshore in Australia?”

  1. Pingback: Learn About Sponsorship Visa in Australia – Global Skill Connect

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *