Australia is not a new name when it comes to studying abroad, many international students have fallen in love with the country and to be frank, no one is surprised.
The country is one of the best nations in the world to study, the standard of education here is amazing and most universities in the country rank among the top in the world.
Recently, Yocket.com crowned the country the best place in the world to study (Australia was ranked no 1).
Renowned institutions such as the University of Melbourne, Australian National University (ANU), and the University of Sydney have become synonymous with cutting-edge research, innovative teaching methodologies, and a commitment to fostering critical thinking among students.
To study in Australia, you need a student visa and your student visa has an expiration date, it is expected to be valid till the end of your program.
If for any reason your student visa expires before the end of your program, you have to either renew your visa or leave the country.
You cannot be in Australia as an international student on a full-time program if you don’t have a student visa unless your program does not require one.
The renewal process involves getting a new visa that will be valid till your program eventually ends.
In addition, you have to get the new visa (renew) at least four months before your current visa expires.
What happens if my Australian student visa expires?
If your Australian student visa expires, you will be considered unlawfully present in the country and be asked to leave the country, if you fail to leave, you will be arrested, deported and banned from entering Australia in the future.
This is why you need a new visa before your current visa expires. It is not possible to renew the expiring student visa, but you can apply for a new one and complete your program with the new one.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs recommends that you start the process of getting a new visa at least three months before your current visa expires.
How to renew a student visa in Australia
To renew your student visa, you need to go through the process of getting a new visa even though you are still in the country with the “about to expire visa”.
Get started with the process by checking if you are eligible for a new student visa.
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Check if you meet the eligibility criteria
Before you proceed, make sure that you meet all the eligibility criteria for a new visa.
To be eligible for a new visa, you must be enrolled in a full-time course, and your education provider should be registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
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Gather the necessary documents
Once you confirm that you are eligible for a new visa, gather all the required documents for a new visa.
Common documents you will need include a valid passport, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education provider, evidence of financial capacity, health insurance, and proof of English proficiency if required.
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Update your health insurance
Australia requires all international students to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Make sure that your OSHC is valid and will cover the duration of your new visa.
If it’s due for renewal, contact your health insurance provider to update it accordingly.
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Apply online through ImmiAccount
The Australian immigration process is primarily online, and you’ll need to create an ImmiAccount on the official website.
You should already have an account from your first application but if you don’t have an account, you need to register for one.
Once registered, you can access and complete the online application form for your student visa renewal.
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Pay the application fee
After completing the application form, you’ll be required to pay the visa application fee.
Ensure that you make the payment through the official channels provided on the immigration website.
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Health check and Biometrics
In some cases, you may be required to undergo a health examination. If so, schedule an appointment with a panel physician approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
Additionally, you may need to update your biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph.
Your data is already on the system from your previous application so, you may just need to update it.
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Monitor application status
Once you’ve submitted your application, you can track its status through your ImmiAccount.
The processing time may vary, so you need to be patient. In the meantime, avoid making any travel plans until your new visa is finalized.
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Visa grant
Upon approval, you will receive a notification through your ImmiAccount.
Download and print the visa grant letter, as it contains important information about your visa conditions and validity.
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Update your education provider
Finally, inform your education provider about your new visa. They will need to update their records, and it ensures smooth communication between you and the institution.
FAQs
Can I renew my student visa after it has expired?
It is highly recommended that you get a new student visa before it expires. If it has already expired, you will have to leave the country immediately.
Can I work while my student visa renewal is in process?
Yes, you can continue working on the existing visa conditions until a decision is made on your new application.
However, make sure you comply with the work conditions specified on your current visa.
What documents do I need for the Australian student visa renewal?
You need a valid passport, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education provider, proof of financial capacity, health insurance, and evidence of English proficiency if applicable to get a new student visa.
Conclusion
Although in Australia, renewing your student visa is not an option, you have the opportunity to apply for a new one if your existing visa is set to expire before you can finish your course.
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If your visa is close to expiring and you’re unable to renew it in time, seek advice from the Department of Home Affairs or your education provider, they will help you explore available options and prevent any adverse outcomes.
If you encounter any challenges, always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most accurate and up-to-date information