If you’re planning to study in Australia as an international student, part of your requirements will be to get the type of visa that is suited to your specific purposes. It may be quite daunting or even downright confusing to select the right visa for you since Australia typically has more than a handful to choose from. This is because different visas serve specific purposes.
But since this article is meant for international students who wish to study and perhaps work in Australia, we’ll focus on the types of visas that are applicable to international students.
The three main visas an international student can choose from are:
Ø Visa (subclass 590)
Ø Visa (subclass 500)
Ø Temporary subclass 485 visa
If you’ve been aware of other types of international student visas such as subclass 570, 572, 573, and 574, please note that these are no longer applicable. Thus, you may narrow your choices down to the three above-listed visas only.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THESE VISAS?
Now, let’s talk about the rules and requirements, as well as the privileges that each type of visa holds.
Visa (Subclass 590):
§ The duration of this visa depends on the student visa holder’s stay and duration of their course of study.
§ It allows the applicant’s family member or guardian to stay with them in Australia to provide care and support.
§ The applicant should be under 18 years of age or older and should hold a student visa.
§ Maximum length of time that this visa will be applicable is 5 years.
§ Work Permit: You are eligible to work under this visa category for up to 40 hours a fortnight while your course is in session, and for unlimited hours during school breaks. Note that you cannot work until your course commences!
§ Students completing the Australian study requirement can apply for a Post-study Work Permit
§ Important Note: In case your visa expires before your graduation, you may apply for a visitor visa. You will have to provide a letter from your college/university stating the date of your graduation.
Visa (Subclass 500):
§ This visa allows the student to:
o Study in a chosen and eligible course
o Bring family members with them to Australia
o Apply for courses from or outside of Australia
§ Student may stay in Australia up to 5 years depending upon their enrolment.
§ Work Permit: You are eligible to work under this visa category for up to 40 hours a fortnight while your course is in session, and for unlimited hours during school breaks. Note that you cannot work until your course commences!
§ Students completing the Australian study requirement can apply for a Post-study Work Permit.
§ Important Note: In case your course duration doesn’t meet the Australian Study Requirement, you may undertake 2 or more programs. These will be added to your eligibility for a Post Study Work Permit.
Temporary Subclass 485 Visa:
§ This visa is for international students who have recently graduated and wish to live, study, and work in Australia
§ Duration of Stay in Australia:
o Graduate work stream: 18 months
o Post Study Work Stream: 2 – 4 years
o Second Post Study Work Stream: 1 – 2 years
o *Replacement Stream: 18 months – 5 years
§ Student is not eligible for a Post Study Work Permit under this visa subclass
§ Visa Expiry: 24 months to maximum of 4 years
§ Important Note: In case student was asked to take the English course as a requirement for their admission to a degree or diploma program, student needs to apply for a student visa that is eligible for the main course
Hopefully, this article helped you understand your choices for a Student Visa a little better. To learn more about Australian visa requirements for international students and/or to get the assistance of Australian education consultants for faster and easier processing of requirements to Australia, get in touch with Ezy Workforce and Education Partners (EWEP). We would be happy to answer your questions via phone or in-person scheduling or via our seminars and webinars.
Learn more about how to get started in the path of Education and Working Student Pathway in Australia today. Contact us.
Ezy Workforce and Education Partners
Phone: +63 977 785 8746
Email: info@ewep.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EZYworkforceeducationpartners