Online study is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. More and more international students have returned to Australia — or need to return — and living, studying, and working here requires a valid visa.

15 March is the most common visa expiry date for students in Australia.

Please take note.Within the three months before your student visa expires, you can begin preparing to renew or lodge your next visa application.

That said, 15 March is only a general guide — not every student’s visa expires on that exact date. Some expire earlier, some later.Make sure you confirm your exact expiry date(we explain how to check this below)

Bookmark this article — it could come in very handy.

Situation 1:

Due to COVID-19, I deferred my studies, failed subjects, or changed my course — and cannot finish before my current visa expires. What should I do?

This situation is actually quite common.Students can apply to renew their student visa onshore.

The student visa application fee is AUD 650 (this may change for second or subsequent onshore renewals).

Key requirements:

The most important document is a new CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) issued by your institution — you cannot lodge your visa without it.

If you deferred due to COVID-19,you may apply using Form 1545. If your institution signs and provides this form, the Department’s visa fee is waived — great news!

If you have transferred institutions or changed your course,and you can graduate within the completion date shown on your CoE, you can use that CoE to renew your visa.

For example, at the University of Sydney: apply for a new CoE through Sydney Student — go to My Studies, then click Course Detail to submit your CoE request. Students at other universities can apply through their institution’s website or student portal.

Benefits of lodging onshore

Lodging onshore gives you a Bridging Visa and appeal rights

If you lodge a new visa application onshore before your current visa expires, you will generally receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This means that if your current visa expires before your new application is decided, the BVA takes effect and you can remain in Australia lawfully while you wait for the outcome.

In most cases, a Bridging Visa A is granted automatically once you lodge your application — no separate application needed. In unusual circumstances, you may apply to the Department of Home Affairs.

Note that while holding a BVA you cannot leave Australia. If you need to travel, you must first apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB), which allows you to depart and return within its validity period.

Onshore renewal also generally carries appeal rights — an important safeguard.If your new application is refused, you can appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), where you can highlight errors or unreasonable findings by the visa officer and submit additional supporting documents.

Under current policy (temporary), most students renewing their student visa onshore are not required to undergo a medical examination.

Situation 2

I have now graduated and would like to work in Australia. What visa should I apply for?

This depends on your study history, but most graduates are eligible to apply for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa.

The Subclass 485 visa fee is AUD 1,730 — higher than many other temporary visas.However, it grants you 2 or more years of lawful work rights in Australia.

The Subclass 485 visa has two main streams:

One is the Graduate Work Stream (commonly known as the “old TR”). This grants 2 years of work rights.

This stream is for students who have completed a 2+ year diploma qualification in Australia and obtained a skills assessment (preliminary assessment is acceptable) on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). For applications lodged before 30 June 2023, a skills assessment could temporarily be waived.

The other is the Post-Study Work Stream (commonly known as PSW). This grants 2–4 years of work rights.

This stream is for students who have completed at least 2 years of higher education study in Australia. No skills assessment is required.

Work visa duration:Under current policy: 2 years for undergraduate graduates, 3 years for postgraduate graduates, and 4 years for doctoral graduates.

Most students currently apply under the PSW stream, so we will focus on that:

Key requirements for the Subclass 485 PSW Stream

1. Australian study requirement:

A minimum of 2 years of CRICOS-registered study, with actual study time exceeding 16 months. Online study periods during which you held a student visa may count towards this requirement.

2. English language requirement:

IELTS overall 6 with no band below 5; or PTE overall 50 with no component below 36. If you need a Subclass 485 visa, prioritise your English test preparation.

3. Before lodging your Subclass 485 application, you must obtain an Australian police clearance.

4. If applying for the Subclass 485 onshore, you must have held a student visa within the 6 months prior to lodgement.

5. You must lodge the Subclass 485 within6 months of the completion date shown on your certificate of completion (see your completion notice for the exact date).

If you would like us to assess your eligibility for a work visa, please get in touch.

Situation 3

I have graduated and plan to travel around Australia for a while before my parents want me to return home. What visa should I apply for?

In this case,we recommend applying for a visitor visa. Onshore applications can cover 3–6 months, giving you time to attend your graduation ceremony, travel, and prepare for your return home.

Compared to the Subclass 485 fee of AUD 1,730,a visitor visa costs only AUD 380 (fees may increase for a second or subsequent onshore renewal).

No English test is required. You will need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover 6 months of living expenses, plus proof of course completion.

If you change your mind later, you may still be able to apply for a work visa within 6 months of your completion date.

Situation 4

I currently have a job but do not qualify for a work visa. I still want to remain and work in Australia. What are my options?

In this situation, we recommend applying for the Subclass 408 (COVID-19 Pandemic Event) visa.

The Subclass 408 is a Temporary Activity visa with multiple streams; the most well-known is the COVID-19 Pandemic Event stream.

The biggest advantage of this visa is that there is no application fee.

Applications must currently be lodged onshore.

Your visa must expire within 90 days of lodgement, or have expired but by no more than 28 days — both are eligible to apply.

You must have current employment (any job) or a job offer (which means your current visa must include work rights).

Approvals are currently being granted for 1 year.

The Subclass 408 COVID-19 stream is a temporary measure. With Australia now firmly in the post-pandemic era, this stream may eventually be discontinued.However, this is unlikely to happen in the near future,and the Department of Home Affairs has indicated it is aware of how many employers and employees rely on this stream. Any changes will be subject to broad consultation before taking effect,so there is no need to worry about a sudden cancellation.

I have forgotten when my visa expires. How do I check?

My visa has already expired. What should I do?

Everyone can check their visa status in real time through the VEVO website. You are also welcome to contact us and we can check it for you.

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions/check-conditions-online

An expired visa — commonly called an overstay — is something we hope none of you will experience. But if it does happen, do not panic.

If your previous visa was a student visa and it expired no more than 28 days ago,and you have not yet graduated, you may apply for a Subclass 500 Student Visa.This option is available only once. After lodging successfully, you will receive a Bridging Visa C, allowing you to remain in Australia while you await the outcome.

If you have work and your visa expired no more than 28 days ago, you can lodge a Subclass 408 COVID-19 visa.

If your visa expired more than 28 days ago, we strongly recommend contacting us immediately. We can help you plan the best course of action.

2023