What happens if my Australian student visa expires?

As a student in Australia, your “valid” student visa is what makes you a legal resident of the country.

It is issued to cover the entire duration of your program, plus extra months, (often three), to give you time to conclude when your program is over.

If it expires, your legal right to remain in Australia also expires, meaning you’re now an illegal resident.

And, here’s what to expect next.

What happens if my Australian student visa expires?

First off, when your visa expires, you’ll lose your student status, which means you’re no longer legally allowed to remain in Australia.

From that point on, if you continue to stay in the country, you’re now an unlawful resident and when caught, you’ll be asked to leave the country or be deported.

As a student, your visa must remain valid at all times during your stay. Without it, you lose your right to be in the country.

5 things that will happen when your Australian student visa expires

• You lose your student status:  Your legal stay in Australia is tied to your student visa. Once it expires, you’re no longer considered a student in the eyes of Australian immigration.
• Risk of deportation: If you don’t leave the country or resolve your visa issue promptly, the Australian Border Force (ABF) will start deportation proceedings against you.
• Your studies will be interrupted: If your visa expires before you finish your program and you fail to address the issue, you’ll be forced to leave Australia, disrupting your studies.
• You’ll lose paid tuition fees:  Unfortunately, if you have to leave before finishing your studies, you’ll not get a refund for any tuition fees you’ve already paid. Institutions don’t offer refunds in these cases, and that’s a painful hit.
• Ban on future visas:  Staying in Australia without a valid visa will prevent you from re-entering the country.

How long can you stay in Australia after your student visa expires?

Here’s where things get a little less grim. If your visa expires, you’re not immediately forced to pack your bags and leave.

You’re given a 28-day grace period to resolve your visa situation.

Read also: Minimum bank balance for Canada student visa

This is the window of opportunity you need to fix things before facing any real trouble.

If you stay beyond the 28 days without taking action, that’s when deportation and other punishments will kick in.

What should I do if my student visa expires in Australia?

If your student visa expires before you complete your studies, don’t panic — you still have options.

• Apply for an extension: If you aren’t through with your program before your visa expires, you can apply for an extension within the 28-day grace period.

When extended, you can continue your studies in the country.

• Switch to another visa: If you’ve completed your studies but still want to stay in Australia, apply for another type of visa, like a post-study visa.
• Leave the country: If you don’t want to stay longer, then leave the country before the grace period ends to avoid a visa ban.

If you need help sorting your status, you’ll be referred to the Status Resolution Service.

They can allow you to apply for a bridging visa while your application for a further visa is processed.

Read also: My Canadian student visa expired, what should I do?

A bridging visa allows you to stay in Australia till the Immigration Department resolves your visa issues.

Whatever you do, don’t wait until the last minute to resolve your visa status. Many students have been deported and banned from returning to Australia simply because they didn’t act fast enough.

How can I extend my student visa in Australia?

To extend your Australian student visa you simply apply for a new one. However, an extension is only possible if your visa does not have the “no further stay” condition.

If it does, then, you can’t extend your visa unless you apply for a waiver.

As a student, you can either have the “No further stay condition 8534” or the “No further stay condition 8535”.

It’s not impossible to get a waiver, but you need a solid reason to justify why you should be allowed to stay longer.

To apply for a waiver, submit a request through the waiver form online or on paper, and include your reason.

Upon granting you a waiver, you can then apply for a new student visa to extend your stay in the country.

• Get a new CoE

To apply for an extension, get a new valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your institution – your visa can’t be extended without it.

If you’re applying from within Australia, you’ll likely be issued a Bridging Visa while your new visa application is processed.

• Valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Before submitting your application for extension, ensure that your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is valid.

If it’s expired, renew it.

But if it’s still valid, you don’t need to take further action.

Read also: Disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students

In addition to your list of requirements are the supporting documents.

What do I need to extend my student visa to Australia?

The documents you need to extend your student visa in Australia include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your educational institution
• Valid passport
• Evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Proof of funds showing you have sufficient funds to cover your stay
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement

Is IELTS required for an Australia student visa extension?

• Submit your application online

To submit your application, go through your ImmiAccount, fill out the form, upload all your supporting documents and submit.

How many times can I extend my student visa in Australia?

There is no limit to the number of times you can extend your student visa in Australia. As long as your visa doesn’t have a “No Further Stay” condition, you can extend it as many times as you want.

How long does a student visa last in Australia?

A student visa in Australia lasts for the entire duration of your course, with additional time added based on the length of your program.

For example:

• If your course is longer than 10 months and ends at the end of the Australian academic year (November-December), your visa will be granted until March 15 of the following year (3 months).
• For courses longer than 10 months and finishing between January and October, your visa will be granted for two additional months after the end of your course.
• For courses 10 months or shorter, your visa will be granted for one additional month after the end of your course.

What if my student visa is about to expire in Australia?

If your student visa is nearing its expiration date, don’t wait to take action. Apply for an extension or another visa at least 30 days before the expiration date.

If you miss the expiration date without realizing it, you have a 28-day grace period to submit a new application or leave the country.

Is an Australian student visa temporary or permanent?

An Australian student visa is a temporary visa. It allows international students to live in Australia for the duration of their study program, after which they must either apply for a new visa, like a post-study work visa or leave the country.

Can you apply for a student visa twice in Australia?

Yes, you can apply for a student visa twice in Australia. If your first application is refused or your visa expires, you can submit another application, provided you meet the requirements.

How much does it cost to renew an Australian student visa?

Renewing an Australian student visa (subclass 500) costs AUD 650, which is the same fee you paid when you applied for your original visa.

Final words

Don’t wait until your Australian student visa expires before deciding whether to extend or leave the country.

Read also: How long can you stay in the UK after your student visa expires?

If your studies are ongoing and your visa is about to expire, apply for an extension at least 30 days in advance.

This way, you can avoid any complications with your status in Australia.