Student visa extension in Australia is not as easy as you think, and we have the reason why.
Extending your student visa has many benefits, such as completing courses that are one step towards the finish line.
Here at education ONE, we help international students like you successfully extend student visas so you can remain in Australia to finish your studies. Read this article for a complete guide to extending your Australian student visa.
What is Student Visa Extension in Australia?
Well, technically “student visa extension” is not extending the same student visa by adding its duration, it’s a term applied if someone holds a student visa and the validity period has reached the end to obtain a new student visa with a new application.
Securing a student visa extension is an important issue for many international students in Australia, due to the direct impact on their ability to continue their education without interruption.
After the new rules come out, onshore student visa applicants will experience difficulties in getting visas again due to Genuine Student (GS) rules, restrictions on international students, and stopping switching between visas.
Situations for extending your student visa
Several circumstances usually become the reason for international students to extend their Australian student visa when any of the following scenarios apply to you:
- failed subjects, needing to repeat units, or reduced study load.
- postgraduate research students may need more time to complete their thesis or research project
- enrol in a new course after completing their initial course of study
- personal reasons, such as health issues or family emergencies
- current visa might expire during a holiday period
- administrative processes or delays (including graduation)
Note: Your student visa is not automatically extended while studying in Australia, check your visa expiry regularly because you’ll require a new application to get one.
Applying student visa extension onshore vs offshore
You must be onshore if you need to extend your visa to continue with the ongoing course. If you are offshore, you won’t be able to study because you have to leave and wait for the next visa to be granted before entering AU.
Although technically an SV can be submitted offshore, but case by case whether it can be done or not depends on your conditions.
Do the latest regulation changes impact the extension process?
Luckily the latest news in June regarding the new migration system didn’t bring student visa extension with them, but you’ll have to remember that rules in May did, with all the new Genuine Student (GS) requirements which will explore intention towards your extension application.
Even so, onshore visa application is risky with all the newly released rules.
Note that timely application for a student visa extension is important, our recommendation is three months before the current visa expires.
Don’t risk delays or denials – contact education ONE today for expert guidance on appealing your student visa extension.
Who is Eligible to Extend an Australian Student Visa?
Actually, to say who is “eligible” to extend their student visa in Australia is everyone who is currently a student visa holder and has the need to continue their studies as mentioned in the scenario section.
A person can also be said to be eligible if they specifically fulfil the following requirements:
- Have good academic grades
- Able to meet Genuine Student (GS) requirements
- Registered at one of the CRICOS-listed institutions
- Able to demonstrate financial capability
- Able to demonstrate English language skills
- Have an OSHC that covers the remaining duration of the study
- Meets character and health requirements
- Does not violate the conditions of the visa
Check if you have “No Further Stay” condition
As stated in point 8, you cannot violate the visa conditions, one of which is “No Further Stay,” more easily called NFS. See if visa conditions restrict you from extending your current or switching to a graduate visa.
Of course, the condition in question is “No Further Stay,” and it is not impossible for the following condition to appear on a student visa, not just a visitor visa.
Please note that if you have an NFS condition, you can request a waiver.
Next Steps We Can Recommend to Prepare for Student Visa Extension in Australia
The first thing we would advise is to check your student visa expiry date. It’s crucial not to overstay and to lodge your visa at the right time to remain a legal temporary citizen in Australia.
Checking the expiry date regularly can also give you time to think and plan your visa extension better.
Once you know the expiry date of your student visa, here’s what we recommend you do:
- Get a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from your institution to show that you really need additional time in Australia to complete your studies.
- Extend your OSHC validity period so that it can still cover your stay in Australia. Also remember that the duration is “length of stay” not “length of study”.
- Also make sure you maintain good academic grades so that you are considered a genuine student.
Thinking about extending your stay to complete your studies? We can help ensure a smooth process. Book a free consultation with us today.
Required Documents for Extending Student Visa
These documents are the ones most commonly required to extend an Australian student visa, but the specific documents required will vary depending on each person’s individual situation.
Check out our list of documents required to extend a student visa in Australia:
- A copy of your current passport.
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered course.
- Valid OSHC for the length of your stay in Australia.
- Genuine Student Statement.
- Transcripts and certificates from your current and previous studies.
- Proof showing you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents during your stay.
- Proof of your English language skills.
- Information about your current visa.
- A statement detailing why you need to extend your visa.
- Your dependents’ documents (if any).
- Proof that you have complied with the conditions of your current student visa.
How is the Application Process of Extending an Australian Student Visa?
As you already know, extending a student visa is the same as getting a new student visa. So, there is no big difference in how it is applied.
There may be slight differences in documents and institutional involvement, but it is not something to worry about. Here’s how to apply for an Australian student visa extension:
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Prepare all required documents.
- Log in to your ImmiAccount and start the application.
- Scan and upload all required documents.
- Pay the visa application fee, currently sitting at AU$ 710.
- Submit the application after you are sure all information is correct.
- Wait for the decision, usually take 4 to 12 weeks if referring to the Department of Home Affairs website. You’ll be notified if additional documents are required.
- Receive a visa grant notification to understand the condition of your visa.
- Inform your educational institution and provide required documentation.
Student Visa Extensions in Australia Are Easier to Grant This Way
Getting a student visa extension in Australia is similar to your first student visa application, but note that if you are enrolling in your current course and get refused the way to get it right is through appealing to AAT which will cost you more.
Here we have a summary of the article to refresh your memory:
- Extending a student visa in Australia is actually applying for a new student visa because the validity period of the existing visa cannot be extended.
- Common reasons for extension include needing more time to complete studies, enrolling in a new course, or personal circumstances.
- Applying for an extension at least three months before the current visa expires is recommended.
- Eligibility includes being a current student visa holder, meeting Genuine Student requirements, and having good academic standing.
- Check for the “No Further Stay” condition which restricts extension options.
Here at education ONE we specialise in helping international students like you to easily extend your student visa duration. Here how we can help you:
- Assisting you with the application process
- Obtaining a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Reviewing your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Migration agent consultation
You can get professional assistance to extend your Australian Student visa. BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION SESSION. Stay lawful and contact education ONE Australia via phone at 1300 083 663 or at [email protected].