Australia is one of the world's most popular study destinations. We assist international students with subclass 500 student visa applications, conditions compliance, and extensions so you can focus on your education.
The Student Visa (subclass 500) allows international students to undertake full-time study in registered courses in Australia. This includes schools, universities, vocational education and training (VET), English language intensive courses for overseas students (ELICOS), and foundation programs. At SDA Immigration Lawyers, we assist students at all stages — from the initial application through to visa extensions and condition compliance.
Student visa applications are assessed individually by the Department of Home Affairs. A key component of the assessment is the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, which evaluates whether the applicant genuinely intends to stay temporarily for study purposes and will depart Australia when their visa expires.
The GTE criterion is central to every student visa application. The Department considers a range of factors including:
A poorly prepared GTE statement is the most common reason for student visa refusals. We assist students in crafting detailed and compelling GTE statements that address the Department's specific concerns.
The subclass 500 visa comes with conditions that must be strictly observed. Key conditions include:
Breach of visa conditions can result in visa cancellation. If you have received a Notice of Intention to Consider Cancellation (NOICC), contact us immediately — you have the right to respond before any decision is made.
After your course commences, there are restrictions on transferring to a different education provider within the first six months of your principal course. Transfers may be permitted in specific circumstances, including provider closure or documented extenuating circumstances. We advise on the conditions for transfer and how to document your circumstances correctly.
We assess your study plans, personal circumstances, and immigration history to advise on your GTE prospects and identify any potential issues upfront.
We work with you to prepare a detailed, personalised GTE statement that directly addresses the Department's assessment criteria.
We prepare and lodge your complete application, including all supporting documentation, through ImmiAccount.
We assist with visa extensions when your course is extended, and advise on maintaining compliance with all visa conditions throughout your study.
Student visa holders (subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term. During recognised vacation periods between semesters, there is no restriction on work hours. If you have school-aged dependants studying in Australia, there may be additional work entitlements. Exceeding the work limit without a lawful reason is a breach of your visa conditions.
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement assesses whether you genuinely intend to stay temporarily in Australia for study purposes. You satisfy it by demonstrating strong ties to your home country, a clear and logical study pathway, and an intention to depart when your visa expires. The Department considers your personal circumstances, economic situation, immigration history, and whether the course aligns with your career goals. A well-written personal statement addressing these factors is essential.
Yes. Your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children may be included in your student visa application or apply separately as secondary applicants. Secondary holders linked to a student visa generally have the same work rights as the primary holder. School-aged children of student visa holders may attend Australian schools, though school fees apply (unless a fee waiver is granted).
You can generally change courses within the same registered provider at any time. However, if you wish to transfer to a different education provider within the first six months of commencing your principal course, restrictions apply under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act. Transfers may only be approved by your current provider in specific circumstances. We advise on how to document your situation correctly if you need to transfer.
If your course duration is extended by your education provider, you will need to apply for a new student visa before your current visa expires. The application requires a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), updated OSHC documentation, and evidence of sufficient funds. We recommend lodging the extension application well in advance of your current visa expiry date. A bridging visa will keep you lawfully in Australia while the new application is assessed.
Speak with one of our student visa specialists today for clear advice on your application.