Steps to Apply for a Skilled Visa in Australia

Switching from a Tourist Visa to a Student Visa in Australia: Everything You Need to Know

Changing your visa from a tourist visa to a student visa while in Australia is a common pathway for many who fall in love with the country or decide to pursue studies here after arriving as a visitor. If you’re considering this route, knowing the rules, process, fees, and potential pitfalls is essential for a smooth migration experience. Below, you'll find a detailed guide to help you understand every critical aspect of this transition.

What is a Tourist to Student Visa Switch?

Switching from a tourist visa (subclass 600, 601, or 651) to a student visa (subclass 500) means formally applying to change your visa status in Australia so you can legally undertake full-time study at an approved education provider.

Why is it Important?

• Legal Compliance: Remaining in Australia for study without the appropriate visa is a breach of visa conditions and can lead to cancellation and future exclusion.
• Pathways: The student visa opens doors for further stay, potential work rights, and future migration pathways (like graduate or skilled visas).
• Access to Services: Student visa holders can benefit from support services, including healthcare (via Overseas Student Health Cover - OSHC), and student discounts.

Can You Apply for a Student Visa Onshore?

Your Eligibility Depends on:

• Your Current Visa’s Condition 8503: Some tourist visas carry the “No Further Stay” condition (8503 or 8534), which prohibits applying for most other visas (including a student visa) while in Australia. If you have this condition, you must apply for a waiver before lodging a student visa application.
• Visa Expiry: You must hold a valid visa at the time of applying.
• Intention: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement – you must genuinely intend to stay temporarily for study.

The Step-by-Step Process to Switch

1. Check Your Visa Conditions

   • Log into your VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) to check for any “No Further Stay” conditions.

2. Choose a Course and Enrol

   • Select a CRICOS-registered (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) course and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter.

3. Prepare Funds and OSHC

   • Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.
   • Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover for the length of your visa.

4. Prepare Documents

   • Passport bio-data page
   • CoE
   • Evidence of finances (bank statements, scholarships)
   • Statement of Purpose/GTE statement
   • OSHC insurance certificate
   • Academic and English proficiency documents

5. Apply Online via ImmiAccount

   • Lodge the student visa application (subclass 500) in ImmiAccount before your tourist visa expires.

6. Undergo Health Checks and Biometrics (if required)

   • Complete any requested medical exams.

7. Wait for a Decision

   • You will usually receive a Bridging Visa (often Bridging Visa A) allowing you to remain lawfully in Australia during processing.

How It Works: Migration Context

• Australia’s migration system is designed to prioritize the integrity of visa programs. Switching from a visitor to a student visa is permitted if conditions allow.
• You must still satisfy all requirements, including the GTE assessment, which checks your genuine intentions.
• Holders of “No Further Stay” conditions must first be granted a waiver.

Key Benefits and Features

• Stay Legally: Remain in Australia and start your course without returning home.
• Gain Local Experience: Start studies and gain Australian qualifications, improving employability.
• Potential Work Rights: Student visas allow limited work rights (currently 48 hours per fortnight during study terms for most sectors).
• Pathways to Further Visas: Possibility to apply for graduate or skilled visas later.

Common Challenges and Solutions

1. No Further Stay Condition

• Solution: Submit a waiver request; Provide compassionate/compelling reasons (e.g., unforeseen events, inability to travel).

2. GTE Refusals

• Solution: Craft a clear and detailed Genuine Temporary Entrant statement. Address ties to your home country and post-study plans.

3. Timing

• Solution: Apply before your current visa expires to avoid unlawful status.

4. Funding Proof

• Solution: Prepare documentation early; Seek professional migration advice if finances are complex.

5. English Language

• Solution: Prepare and pass an approved English test if required before application.

Who Commonly Makes This Switch? Examples

• Recent High School Graduates: Visiting on a tourist visa, they decide to pursue higher education in Australia.
• Gap Year Travellers: Discover study opportunities and want to upskill.
• Family Visitors: Parents or relatives who come to visit and wish to study English or undertake vocational courses.
• Tourist Professionals: Visitors realise potential career advantages of an Australian qualification.

Costs Associated

• Student Visa Base Application Charge: ~AUD $710 (as of 2024), additional for dependents
• OSHC: Varies (e.g. AUD $500–700/year minimum for singles)
• Health Checks/Biometrics: Usually AUD $200–400, if required

Processing Time & Duration

• Processing Time: Typically 4 to 12 weeks, can vary
• Visa Duration: Generally based on course length plus allowance (e.g., 1-2 months extra at course end)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I start studying as soon as I apply