How to apply before visa expiration

1. What options do I have where my course was completed on 30 November and my visa expires in March next year? 

You may remain in Australia until your visa expires or is cancelled; however, you must depart Australia or make a further visa application before your visa expires.  

If you have completed your course at least one semester early and you plan to remain in Australia you must apply for another course, another visa, or depart Australia after your graduation. 

You need to make your application for a further student visa before your current visa expires and ensure that you comply with all your visa conditions. As a valid student visa allows you multiple travel you can apply either before your departure or when you return to Australia. 

If your visa is expiring shortly, you may be asked by airport staff on your arrival to Australia to demonstrate your intention to continue studying in Australia. Your confirmation of enrolment or letter of offer or graduation from your education provider should be used to demonstrate this intention. 

2. My passport is expiring soon. How do I transfer my valid student visa to my new passport?  

Your student visa is linked to your passport. When you get a new passport, you should visit your nearest immigration office. They will then update your information and re-evidence your visa in your new passport.  

If you are unable to attend an Immigration office to change your student visa information, you may travel to Australia using both passports: the new one which is valid and the old one with your student visa affixed in it (as your student visa is still valid whether the passport has expired or not). 

3. I cannot get an appointment to sit an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, but my education provider is satisfied with my level of English. Can I get a visa?  

No. Where an IELTS test is required (for Assessment Level 3-5 applicants), then you must sit the test before you make your visa application. This is a legislative requirement that cannot be waived. 

4. When can I work full-time?  

Once you have commenced your study, and after you have been granted permission to work, you may only work full-time when your semester is not in session, eg between semester one and semester two and between the end of the current academic year and the beginning of the next academic year.  

Family members of Masters and PhD students may apply for unresticted work rights once the primary student has commenced his or her Masters or PhD course. This also applies to AusAid dependants of Masters and PhD students. 

5. When can I travel to Australia and do I need a return ticket?  

Your student visa can be granted a maximum of 12 weeks (2 months and 3 weeks) before your course commencement date. You may travel to Australia on a one-way ticket if you hold a student visa. 

6. I am resident outside my country of citizenship. Should I apply in my country of residence on in my country of citizenship?  

You must apply at the office responsible for processing student visas in your country of residence.