Australian Visa Application Process
Understanding Australian Student Visa
Among the numerous types of visas that exist to enter Australia, there is one that is the most recommended for those seeking to study and work in Australia: the student visa, also known as Student Visa and Subclass 500. This visa allows you to live and work legally for a period of three months to five years, but this depends on how long the course you want to do is going to last.
With this visa, you can:
Study a course or program in Australia.
Travel throughout Australia and leave the territory.
Legally work a half-day of 40 hours weekly, once your course has started.
It means that you are practically going to be able to live in Australia, save and, why not, take a jump to New Zealand or a getaway to Southeast Asia.
Requirements to process the Australia student visa
The most important part and the one that many have asked us: the requirements to process your student visa. We are going to explain what documents you must gather and have them ready to start the process. It is important to remember that you have to do everything in advance and the application for a student visa for Australia must be done at least 6 weeks before the commencement of your course.
Valid passport: For this and any other immigration procedure it is necessary that you check that your passport has not expired or is not close to expiring.
Enrollment confirmation (CoE): When you enroll in an English school or an approved study center in Australia, you get a code that helps you certify that you are officially enrolled. It means that before processing your student visa for Australia, you must have chosen your course, your city, your school, and have registered.
Provide Proof of Funds That Will Cater For Your Stay: Depending on your country, you may be asked for proof of funds that will be able to cover your costs when entering Australia. You should note that the living cost in Australia can vary and this is dependent on the city you choose. You must be able to show that you have enough money to cover your trip, the duration of your course, and basic living expenses.
Get an International Medical Insurance: Another necessary requirement to apply for the student visa for Australia is proof of payment of an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), that is, the international medical insurance that will cover you in the event of an illness or accident. The term of the contract must be equal to the duration of your visa.
Write a GTE letter: You will be required to write a Genuine Temporary Entrant letter where you explain the reasons why you want to study in Australia. Along with it, it is advisable to attach the documents that prove what you include in your writing: previous studies, certificates, awards, etc.
Pay the student visa fee for Australia: The cost of the student visa for Australia is AU$ 620 unless you are exempt from the VAC (Visa Application Charge). This is the case for example of a scholarship sponsored by the Commonwealth Government of Australia or relatives of students who are in a postgraduate course in research. However, if you go with your partner, the cost of the procedure is AU $1080.