Australia Visa Application Checklist

This checklist will provide detailed documents and steps to successfully navigate the complex process of the Australia Visa Application with confidence and simplicity.

Note: Please note that all documents that are not in English must be accompanied by an approved translation.

1. Before you apply

✅ Apply for your visa at least 8 weeks before your course starts.

If you are currently in Australia, allow plenty of time to apply for your next visa, avoid waiting until the last day your current substantive visa expires in case of unexpected complications, as we may not always be able to help you.

✅ Organise health exams

You might need to have health examinations. You can complete them before you apply for the visa.

Find out more information about health examinations: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health

✅ Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

All students in Australia must have OSHC to cover the entire period of their stay, which must be arranged before you apply for your visa. You’ll need the name of your policy provider, start and end dates, and policy number when applying for your visa.

There are several OSHC providers in Australia, you can find out more about OSHC providers through the PrivateHealth website:

https://privatehealth.gov.au/health_insurance/overseas/overseas_student_health_cover.html

2. Gather your documents

✅ Have a valid passport

You must hold a valid passport to lodge a student visa application. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months before you apply for the visa.

✅ Confirmation of Enrolment (COE)

Before you apply for your student visa, you’ll need Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your chosen educational institution. It confirms you’ve been offered a place and paid your pre-tuition fees.

Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

✅ You will need to make sure that you stay as a student and be able to show an understanding that studying in Australia is the primary reason for your student visa. The new GS requirement will have target questions that will give the decision-makers an overview of the applicant and their reasons for wanting to study in Australia. For example, your current circumstances, your choice of course, and reasons for choosing Australia as a study destination, etc.

For more information, you can check: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500/genuine-student-requirement

✅ English Proficiency

Depending on the course you are enrolling in and your country of passport, the English requirements might change. If required, you must undertake an approved English language test to prove you have the right English language skills to study in Australia.

✅ Financial Requirements

Depending on the course you are enrolling on and your Country of Passport, the Financial Requirements might change. You’ll need proof that you meet the financial requirement for one year. This requirement will be different if you have a spouse or children. Otherwise, you’ll need to prove that your parents can support you.

You can double-check the Document Required for you here: Document Checklist Tool

3. Apply for a Visa

✅ Find an authorised agent to apply for the visa

The visa application process can be complicated, with various forms to fill out, documents to provide, and rules to follow, which can vary greatly depending on your Country of Passport. We strongly suggest that you seek the help of an authorised visa agent. It’s crucial to choose a reliable and authorised visa agent. Please be sure to look for licensed agents with good reviews from previous clients. They should be transparent about their fees and able to explain how they can assist you.

Our authorised education agents’ partners can help you with application queries and accurate information about our programs and can assist with your student visa application. To find more about our authorised agents: https://paragon.edu.au/find-an-agent

If there are no registered agents in your country or region, please Contact Us for advice on your study options and assistance with your application.

4. After you apply

✅ Keep in touch with the agent

After your application is submitted, the work isn’t necessarily over. Sometimes, the Australian Immigration Department requests additional documents or needs further information. The agent handles these communications and ensures that such requests are fulfilled promptly and correctly. Moreover, if your visa application encounters any issues, having an agent advocate for you can be a significant advantage. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain regular contact with your agent throughout the visa application process.

✅ Biometrics

You might be asked for biometrics. Most applicants will be advised immediately after applying if you need to provide biometrics. You will receive a letter. They will give you 14 days to provide biometrics so it is important to arrange an appointment quickly using the instructions in the request letter. You must provide biometrics before travelling to Australia.

• Inform the agent if things change

It’s important to communicate any significant changes directly to your agent as soon as possible. Changes that you should report include:

• The decision to withdraw your application
• Changes to your phone number, address or passport
• Changes to your relationship status
• The birth of a child
• Changes to your welfare arrangements.

5. Visa Outcome

✅ Check for your Visa Grant Letter

Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive a notification and a visa grant letter. It’s important to review the details provided in the Visa Grant carefully.

This document will include crucial information such as:

• Your visa grant number
• The expiration date of your visa
• The specific conditions of your visa (e.g., work rights, obligations, and requirements)

We recommend always keeping a copy of your visa decision document with you while in Australia. This will make sure that you have all the necessary information easily available should you need to reference your visa status and conditions.

Things That Can Affect Your Visa Validity

Once you have received your visa, several important precautions must be taken to ensure its validity. Avoiding certain actions is crucial for staying compliant with visa regulations:

• Do Not Neglect Your Studies: It is vital to remain enrolled in your course and maintain satisfactory academic progress and attendance. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to the cancellation of your student visa.
• Keep Your Contact Information Updated: Always inform your educational institution of your current address in Australia. If you move, promptly notify them of your new address to ensure you receive all critical communications regarding your visa status.
• Manage Your Finances Properly: You must demonstrate ongoing financial stability to support yourself during your stay. Running into financial trouble can affect the conditions of your visa.
• Respect Work Limitations: Adhere strictly to the work conditions of your visa. For most student visas, you cannot work more than 40 hours per fortnight during term time. Working beyond these restrictions can result in visa violations.
• Avoid Unauthorised Changes in Education Level: If you wish to change your qualification level or switch to a different type of education provider, you may need to apply for a new visa. Undertaking courses outside the terms of your current visa without the proper authorisation can invalidate your status.

We’ve prepared a checklist to download to ensure you have everything you need for your application.

Click here to download your Australia Visa Application Checklist (Paragon Polytechnic)

If you have any questions or you are looking to enquire, feel free to Contact Us.