Australia Student Visa

Visa requirements

Student visa conditions of what you can do and extra information

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is the Australian Government department which manages everything relation to your student visa.  You can contact them for any questions or doubts or just to clarify a point.  They are the people that make sure you meet all the qualifications and conditions the visa requires, as long as you have your visa in order and the paper work is correct is a great start.  For students on scholarships be aware there are some special conditions for you, since you are on a scholarship ask the institution to see what these conditions just might be.  Is important you understand all the terms and conditions of your scholarship to ensure you follow along every process and step you need too, because if you do not you can be kicked out / deported and your visa can actually be cancelled as a result.  You can always get in touch with your institution if you need further assistance.


Non-compliance

When you receive your letter of approval your conditions are set out, all the fine print should be double read and make sure you understand every word on the document, it is important you become familiar with the terms, rules, regulations, if you need a dictionary or you need to ask the same question three times, do so, is ultimately your future and school experience at stake.  Every year, a number of students abuse the law, like working longer hours than is permitted by their visa, more than 20 hours a week, if you break your conditions, your visa may be cancelled and you may be required to leave Australia and be prevented from returning to Australia for three years after your visa is canceled.  A big risk for just some extra hours of work…

 
If at the end of your visa expiration date you decide you want to stay longer or change your course or provider, you should contact your nearest DIAC office for advice with how to make these changes, the earlier the better.  You cannot make any changes including the ones above if you wait to your visa expires or be in Australia with an expired visa.  If you remain more than 28 days after your student visa expires without obtaining a new one you may run the risk of not being able to return for three years afterwards.  Always do the appropriate research and once you know what you want to do just take the necessary steps to do so.

If you need help understanding any of these or other conditions contact DIAC for more information.  The Australian Government has provided this information and is also a great source to answer your questions and doubts.


Extending your visa

If your student visa expires before you have finished your course of study, you need to apply for a new one at your local immigration office or at the visa section at the Australian Mission or embassy in your home country, but don’t let it reach that point, don’t let it expire if you wish to stay longer.  

DIAC website is www.immi.gov.au for more information.