Student & Graduate
Student Visa Extension
If your studies will run past your current visa, you will need to keep your student visa current. Australia does not literally extend a student visa: you apply for a new Subclass 500 to continue or progress your studies. We help you time it right so there is no gap.
What it is
A new Subclass 500 application
When
Before your current visa ends
Key test
Genuine Student requirement again
Goal
No gap in your study or status
How this works
- Us:We get your documents application-ready, match you with a registered migration agent we have vetted, and stay on the matter until it is lodged.
- Registered agent:A registered migration agent gives the migration advice and lodges your application.
- The Department:The Department of Home Affairs decides. No outcome is guaranteed.
Who it is for
- Students whose course will finish after their current visa expires.
- Students moving from one course or level to the next.
- People who want to avoid an unlawful gap between visas.
What this pathway involves
It is a new application, not a renewal
There is no literal extension. You lodge a fresh Subclass 500, so the full student-visa requirements apply again.
Current or continued enrolment
You need a Confirmation of Enrolment for the course you are continuing or progressing into.
The Genuine Student requirement
You must again show a genuine intention to study, with your course progression making sense.
Financial capacity and English
Current financial-capacity and English requirements apply, just as for the first visa.
OSHC for the new period
Your health cover must extend to cover the new visa period.
Timing matters
Lodging before your current visa ends keeps you lawful, usually on a bridging visa while it is processed.
How the process works
- 1
Review your timeline
We check your course end date against your visa expiry and plan the lodgement window.
- 2
Confirm enrolment
We make sure your Confirmation of Enrolment supports a sensible study progression.
- 3
Prepare the evidence
We help you refresh your financial, English, and Genuine Student evidence.
- 4
Lodge in time
We have your file ready ahead of your current visa ending, and a registered migration agent lodges it so you remain lawful while it is processed.
- 5
Decision
The Department decides. We keep your file current and coordinated, and a registered migration agent responds to any requests from the Department.
Questions about the Student Visa Extension
Related visas
Student & Graduate
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Change of Course or Institution
Switching course or provider while on a student visa.
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Graduate Visa (485)
Temporary work rights after graduating in Australia.
Learn moreNot sure where to start?
Tell us about your situation. We get your file application-ready and match you with a registered migration agent for the advice and lodgement, and we stay on it the whole way. No obligation.