Do you currently have a tourist visa and planning to have a desire to study in Australia? One option that many international students choose is to convert their Australia tourist visa in study visa.
Let’s explore the easy steps you should take to make sure that your process goes smoothly.
How to convert Australia Tourist Visa in study visa?
It is possible to convert an Australia tourist visa in study visa but there are a few considerations that should follow,
Eligibility Criteria
- Carry a valid visitor visa for travel.
- Take an enrollment offer from an Australian registered education provider.
- Show that you have the money to pay for your living expenses and tuition.
- Take care of the requirements for character and health.
- Hold a valid visa without a “No Further Stay” restriction.
- Fulfill the requirements for English language proficiency.
- You have to fulfill the conditions for a Genuine Temporary Entry (GTE)/ Genuine Student Test (GST). This indicates that you plan to study briefly in Australia before going back to your home country.
Documents Required
- Personal information such as identification cards, passports, and birth certificates.
- Proof of a Genuine Student Test Requirement
- An offer letter or a confirmation of enrollment (CoE) from the educational institution
- Documentation of employment history
- Certificate of health insurance
- The proof of having enough money to pay for funds
Conversion Process
- Apply online with the assistance of a migration and education agent.
- Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and possess all required documentation.
- Apply to the course that best suits your learning objectives.
- Provide the necessary documentation, such as the certificate of eligibility, visa application, passport, and information about health insurance.
Visa Streams for Conversion
- eVisitor Visa: Allows for three-month stays
- Visitor Visa: Permits are valid for a full year (12 months)
- Electronic Travel Authority Visa: Permits stays of up to a year, lasting three months for each visit
What is the cost of converting a tourist visa to a student visa in Australia?
When converting an Australian tourist visa in study visa, there are several costs to take to consider,
Visa Application Fee
- This is around AUD 620 for a single student and AUD 720 for a student with dependents.
Student Visa Financial Requirements
- You should show that you have enough funds to cover your living expenses for the 1st year of your stay in Australia.
- The current minimum is AUD 24,505 for a single student. This amount may be higher depending on your location and if you have any dependents.
Course Fees
- You will also need to show you have other funds to cover tuition fees for the first year of your course which you have chosen.
- The cost can vary depending on the program as well as the institution.
Other Potential Expenses
- Health Insurance (OSHC): Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory for student visa holders. Budget for the cost of coverage for the first year
- Medical Checks: You have to undergo health checks as part of the visa application process.
- Police Check Costs: A police check from your home country may be required as well.
- Migration Agent Fees (Optional): Using a registered migration agent can make the process but will include additional fees.
How long does it take to convert a tourist visa to a student visa in Australia?
Yet, there is no set period in Australia for turning a tourist visa in student visa.
Many things can affect the processing times.
- The workload of the Department of Home Affairs
There could be a lot of applications coming in, which is causing delays. The official website (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/) states the standard processing timeline for the student visa (Subclass 500) to be around 4 to 6 months.
- The complexity of your application
It might take longer somehow several months to even a year if your case involves any complexity or extra checks.
- Type of tourist visa
Processing times may vary depending on the subclass of your tourist visa in study visa (for instance, processing times for Chinese tourists may be longer for the ADS subclass).
How to find an agent to convert Australia Tourist Visa in study visa?
The Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA)
This is the official Australian government body that regulates migration agents.
They have a Find a Migration Agent tool on their website: https://portal.mara.gov.au/search-the-register-of-migration-agents/
You can search by location, area of expertise (including student visas), and other criteria.
Additional Resources
The Department of Home Affairs website has detailed information on student visas as well as the application process.
Website: https://online.immi.gov.au/
Bottom Line
It is easy to convert an Australia tourist visa in study visa, all you need to do is plan, collect important paperwork, and submit your application according to the mentioned details.
You can realize your dream of studying in Australia and start an amazing educational journey in one of the most diverse and vibrant countries on the planet by following the instructions.
Keep yourself updated about any changes to the rules and modifications of visas and do not be afraid to ask for help along the way from educational institutions or immigration authorities if you have any concerns or doubts.
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What if our tourist to study visa get refuse so they deport us or we can apply again staying there only.
If your tourist visa to study visa conversion is refused in Australia, you may face deportation if you overstay your visa or fail to leave voluntarily within the specified period. It’s essential to adhere to immigration laws and regulations. You can explore options for reapplying from your home country or appealing the decision while following proper procedures. Yet, remaining in Australia without a valid visa is not advisable and could have serious legal consequences.