Ebook-ENG-The Ultimate Guide For Visas in Australia-Go Study Australia-1

THE ULTIMATE
guide for visas

IN AUSTRALIA
STAY LONGER
in Australia
International travellers and students find Australia a
very attractive place for immigration. Australia has a
stable and open economy, attractive career choices
and compensation, highly rated infrastructure,
multicultural society and stunning landscapes that
are appealing for those looking to stay longer and
even become a permanent resident.
If you are thinking about finding the right path to

stay longer on your own, this article is for you.
Please note that everyone’s pathway is different,

and you will need to talk to a registered migration
agent to give you personalised advice. Contact Go
Study and we can set you up with one of our trusted
migration partners to get you started.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

In Australia
Visas
2
Can you get the highly desired permanent resident
visa? Is it easier to find a pathway with a student
visa?
All of these visa related questions are common
between travellers, student visa holders and
migrants in general. This is why we created the
Ultimate Guide for Visas in Australia, so you can
choose the most suitable option and keep enjoying
this beautiful country.
We have compiled a list of popular visas that you

can get in order to stay longer in Australia, from
the Student visa to the Partner visa. We will outline
the cost, length, processing time, requirements,
restrictions, pros and cons, and alternatives. But
before that we will answer the most common
questions regarding visas.
GENERAL:
What kind of visas are there for Australia?
There are many types of visas and they are grouped
in these categories:
•• Visitor visas
•• Studying and training visas
•• Family and partner visas
•• Working and skilled visas
•• Refugee and humanitarian visas
•• Other visas
•• Repealed visas.

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3
You can check the entire list here:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-
a-visa/visa-listing
How do I get an Australian visa?

All passport holders who are not Australian or New
Zealand citizens must apply for a visa. You can apply
for most visas online.
Some of the requirements you will need to fulfil

include:
•• Evidence of sufficient funds
•• Skills and qualification assessments
•• Health insurance
•• Police checks
•• English proficiency
Some visas also require you to have an Australian

bank account already opened.

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How much does an Australian visa costs?
The government fees for a visa application
range in price, depending on your own personal
circumstances and the subclass of visa you are
applying for. The total government fee can be
anything from AU$310 for training visa to over
AU$3,000 for some skilled visas. An Australian
student visa costs $620 and a working holiday visa
costs $485.
Prices are subject to change. You can use the official

visa cost calculator here:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/visa-pricing-
estimator
How many years does an Australian visa last?

The duration of the visa depends on the subclass.
The length varies from 3 Months to 5 years, some
visas may lead to a permanent stay.
These are the most common visa types and their
duration:
•• Student Visa - Up to 5 years

•• Working holiday and Work and Holiday - 1 year
•• Partner Visa - Permanent
•• Employer Sponsorship - Up to 4 years
•• Skilled visa - Up to 4 years or permanent
•• Temporary Graduate visa - Up to 4 years

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STUDENT VISA
What are the requirements for a student visa in
Australia?
We have listed a few of the basic requirements that
are necessary to study in Australia.
A prospective student must prove they are a
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) and generally
must provid
Prior to an Australian student visa application,

an applicant must receive Confirmation of
Enrollment from the school or university
Prove English Proficiency undertaking

specific tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or CAE for
vocational or higher education courses
A Statement of Purpose as to why they wish

to study in Australia
Health Checks depending on your country of

origin or residence
Evidence of Financial Capacity to support

yourself in the Australia
Acceptable Overseas Student Health Cover

(OSHC)

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Go Study provides FREE expert support in
navigating the student visa process. Contact
us today if you need assistance in getting your
application submitted.
How much does a student visa cost in Australia?

The current fees charged by the Australian
Government in order to apply for a Student Visa
(Subclass 500) are set to $620 AUD. The price is
always the same no matter the length of your
studies. If you extend your student visa inside
Australia you will pay the base fee of $620 plus a
$700 extension fee for consecutive applications. So
its best to consider booking a group of courses up
front if you think you may wish to study for a long
time. This will help avoid visa extension fees.

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Can you work on a student visa in Australia?
Once your course has commenced, you are
permitted to work a maximum of 40 hours per
fortnight when your course is in session and
unlimited hours when your course is out of session.
You cannot work until you have commenced your
course in Australia, provided your visa has been
granted.
How long does it take to get a student visa

Australia?
The average processing time for a student visa in
Australia is 1 to 4 weeks, but depending on various
factors it can take up to 2 months. Many students
from Go Study have their visas approved within a
matter of hours.

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SKILLED VISA
What is the skilled occupation list?
The skilled occupation list is a list published by
the Australian Government containing all the
occupations that can make a traveller or a student
visa holder a qualified person to work or train in an
eligible skilled occupation in order to get a specific
skilled visa. This list is used to determine which
occupations may be eligible for visas that allow
the applicant to live and work in Australia for long
periods of time and even permanently.
These visas are available to individuals who are

qualified to work or train in an eligible skilled
occupation in Australia and can meet all other
requirements. The skilled occupation lists are
updated every 6 months.
What is a skilled migration visa?

A skilled migration visa allows skilled people to work
and live in Australia. It is a points-based system
and is the most popular visa application pathway
for skilled workers. SkillSelect allows you to apply
for a permanent Australian visa, such as a Skilled
Independent Visa subclass 189.
What is MLTSSL and what is the STSOL?

MLTSSL is the Medium and Long-term Strategic
Skills List (MLTSSL) and is a list that contains all the

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occupations eligible for long working visas that
might lead to permanent residency.
STSOL is the Short-term Skilled Occupation List
which contains skills and occupations that can lead
to short term working visas (generally 2 years with
a 2 year extension). In order to get the approval for
these lists workers need to prove their skill set and
their profession needs to meet the requirements of
the ANZSCO job classifications.
What is a skilled job?

Skilled jobs are those who are linked to the
occupations listed in the Skilled occupation list as
defined by ANZSCO. These jobs are intended for any
worker who has special skill, training, knowledge,
and (usually acquired) ability in their work. A skilled
worker may have attended a college, university
or technical school; or a skilled worker may have
learned their skills on the job. If you intend to go for
a skilled job pathway, you will need to ensure your
educational background matches the requirement
under ANZSCO classification. Upon advice from a
qualified migration agent, Go Study will be able
to help you find the most appropriate course and
college.

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NOW THAT YOU KNOW A LITTLE BIT MORE
about the basics, you are ready to go visa-picking
and choose the right option for you. Listed below are
15 visas with the information you have to decide if it
is suitable for you.
There are more than 120 different visas divided into 7

different categories, we have covered the best visas
to stay longer for traveller and students but if you
wish to migrate to Australia contact us below and we
will set you up for a chat with one of our migration
partners.
If you want to stay longer on a student visa without

the struggle of doing it by yourself, Contact Go
Study Australia and an expert advisor will support
you for free during the entire process.
VISA CATEGORIES:
●● Student
●● Working Holiday/Work and Holliday (417-462:
1st,2nd and 3rd year)
●● Temporary Graduate (Graduate Work Stream)
●● Temporary Graduate (Post-Study Work stream)
●● Partner visa (Permanent 801-Subclass 820)
●● Employer Sponsorship (Medium-Short Stream)
●● Skilled Nominated visa
●● Skilled Independent visa
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STUDENT
Visa
VISA NAME Student
A prospective student seeking an

educational pathway in Australia
What is it must obtain a student visa after
enrolling in a qualified educational
institution.
How much
AUD 620.
does it cost
How long
Up to five years (sometimes more).
does it last
A student visa can be applied for

three months before course starts
(onshore).
How long to A student visa can be applied for
process four months before course starts
(offshore).
Processing times depend on the
Department Home Affairs.
•• Meet course requirements.

•• Health cover: The visa holder must
Requirements maintain adequate arrangements
for health insurance during their stay
in Australia.

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PROS
●● Allowed to work.
●● Allowed full-time work during course breaks.
●● No age limitation.
●● Dependants can be included.
●● Flexible (can last for five years and over).
●● Extensions allowed.
●● Can lead to Post Study Work Visa (up to 2 years
unrestricted working after completion of your course).
CONS
●● Many schools of diferent quality (seek
professional help from Go Study to choose the right
course for you).
●● Work rights are limited to 40 hours per fortnight
while the course is in session.
RESTRICTIONS
●● Work 40 hours fortnightly while the course
is in session.
●● Must stay enrolled, for at least six months,
in the main course of study.
●● Must have adequate health cover (OSHC).
ALTERNATIVES
●● N/A.

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WORKING HOLIDAY
Visa
Working Holiday visa – 417
VISA NAME
(First Year)
A Working Holiday visa allows

What is it young travellers to work and travel
in Australia.
How much
AUD 485.
does it cost
How long
12 months.
does it last

How long to
Department of Home Affairs – from
process
1 day up to 42 days.
•• Must be 18 to 30 years old

(inclusive).
•• Canadian and Irish citizens up to
Requirements
35 (inclusive).
•• Must have a passport from an
eligible country.

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PROS
●● Allowed to work and travel for one year in Australia.
●● Can be extended after completing 88 days of
specified regional work.
CONS
●● Six-months work limitation with the same
employer.
●● Working holiday makers are taxed at 15% from
the first dollar earned. Working holiday makers can’t
claim the tax-free threshold and must provide their
tax file number (TFN). If they don’t, taxes will be
withheld at the top rate.
RESTRICTIONS
●● Six-months work limitation.
●● No dependents allowed.
●● Study limitation up to four months.
ALTERNATIVES
●● Student visa.

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WORKING HOLIDAY
Visa
VISA NAME
(Second Year)

in Australia.
How much
AUD 485.
does it cost
How long
12 months.
does it last

How long to
process
•• Have previously entered Australia

on a subclass 417 visa.
•• Have a passport from an eligible
country.
•• Be 18 to 30 years old (inclusive),
Requirements except for Canadian and Irish
citizens up to 35 (inclusive).
•• Have completed three months of
specified work in regional area on
your first Working Holiday visa.

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PROS
●● It’s relatively easy to find farm work.
●● The visa is low cost and lets you stay in Australia
for one additional year.
CONS
●● The farm work is often hard labour such as
picking fruit, and you have to be in regional areas.
employer.
RESTRICTIONS
employer.
ALTERNATIVES
●● From 1 July 2019, WHV holders who carry out
6 months of specified work in regional areas
while on their second Working Holiday (subclass
417) visa or Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa
may be eligible to apply for a third visa.

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WORKING HOLIDAY
Visa
VISA NAME
(First Year)

in Australia.
How much
AUD 485.
does it cost
How long
12 months.
does it last

How long to
process
•• Must be 18 to 30 years old

(inclusive).
•• Canadian and Irish citizens up to
Requirements 35 (inclusive).
•• Must have a passport from
an eligible country and meet
educational requirement.

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PROS
●● Allowed to work and travel for one year in
Australia.
●● Can be extended after completing 88 days of
farm work in regional areas.
CONS
employer.
RESTRICTIONS
●● Six-months work limitation.
ALTERNATIVES

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WORKING HOLIDAY
Visa
VISA NAME
(Second Year)

in Australia.
How much
AUD 485.
does it cost
How long
12 months.
does it last

How long to
process
•• Have previously entered Australia

on a subclass 462 visa.
•• Have a passport from an eligible
country.
Requirements •• Be 18 to 30 years old (inclusive).
•• Have completed three months of
specified subclass 462 work on your
first Work and Holiday visa.

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PROS
●● It’s relatively easy to find farm work.
●● The visa is low cost and lets you stay in Australia
for one additional year.
CONS
●● The farm work is often hard labour such as
picking fruit, and you have to be in regional areas.
employer.
RESTRICTIONS
employer.
ALTERNATIVES
●● From 1 July 2019, WHV holders who carry out
6 months of specified work in regional areas
while on their second Working Holiday (subclass
417) visa or Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa
may be eligible to apply for a third visa.

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TEMPORARY GRADUATE
Visa
Temporary Graduate visa
VISA NAME
(Graduate Work stream)
This visa is for international students

who have graduated from an
Australian education institution. It
What is it
lets you live and work in Australia
temporarily after you have finished
your studies.
How much
AUD 1,650.
does it cost
How long
Usually up to 18 months.
does it last
How long to
4 to 5 months.
process
•• Be under 50 years of age.

•• Have a qualification relevant
to an occupation on the skilled
occupation list.
Requirements
•• Be assessed as having skills
suitable for an occupation on the
skilled occupation list.

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PROS
●● Stay and work in Australia with full working
rights.
CONS
●● Higher health insurance costs.
●● There’s a lot of paperwork that needs to be
submitted.
RESTRICTIONS
●● Health cover: The visa holder must maintain
adequate arrangements for health insurance
during their stay in Australia.
●● Not married before first entry: The visa
holder must not get married or enter into a de
facto relationship before entering Australia.
ALTERNATIVES
●● Student visa (from VET to higher education).
●● Employer sponsorship.
●● Independent skilled visa.

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TEMPORARY GRADUATE
Visa
Temporary Graduate visa
VISA NAME
(Post-Study Work stream)
This visa is for international

students who have graduated
from Australian higher education
What is it
institution studying for at least 92
weeks. It lets you live and work in
Australia, temporarily.
How much
AUD 1,650.
does it cost
How long Usually between 2 and 4 years,

does it last depending on your qualification.
How long to
78 days to four months.
process
•• Be under 50 years of age.

•• Hold an eligible visa.
•• Meet the English proficiency
Requirements requirement.
•• Have a recent degree in a
CRICOS-registered course.

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PROS
●● Stay and work in Australia with full working
rights.
CONS
●● Higher health insurance costs.
●● There’s a lot of paperwork that needs to be
submitted.
RESTRICTIONS
ALTERNATIVES
●● Student visa (from VET to higher education).
●● Independent skilled visa.

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PARTNER
Visa
VISA NAME Partner visa (Subclass 820)
A visa that lets your partner sponsor

you for a period of two years.
What is it After this, if the relationship is still
genuine and continuing, you may
be eligible for permanent residence.
•• From AUD 7,715 for most

applicants.
How much
does it cost •• You pay for the temporary and
the permanent visa at the same
time.
Temporarily while your permanent

How long partner visa (subclass 801)
does it last application is being processed or it
is withdrawn.
How long to
23 to 31 months.
process
•• Be in a genuine relationship
with an Australian citizen, Australian
permanent resident or eligible New
Zealand citizen.
Requirements •• Be in Australia when you apply
for this visa and when we decide
your temporary visa application.
Family who apply with you must
also be in Australia.

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PROS
●● May lead to residency if you comply with all the
regulations.
CONS
●● High cost.
●● Long processing time.
RESTRICTIONS
●● There are no conditions attached to partner
(subclass 820) visa.
ALTERNATIVES
●● Skilled visa.

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PARTNER
Visa
VISA NAME Partner visa (Permanent 801)
Is a visa that lets your partner

What is it
sponsor you permanently.
You paid for this visa when you

How much made your combined application
does it cost for the temporary and permanent
partner visas.
How long
Permanent.
does it last

How long to
process
19 to 25 months.
•• Hold a temporary partner visa

(subclass 820).
Requirements •• In most cases, continue to be in
a married or de facto relationship
with your sponsor.

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PROS
●● May be permanent, if you comply with all the
requirements.
CONS
●● High cost.
●● Long processing time.
●● Can be difficult to prove relationship is genuine.
RESTRICTIONS
●● There are no conditions attached to Partner
Visa (subclass 801).
ALTERNATIVES

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EMPLOYER SPONSORSHIP
Visa
Employer Sponsorship
VISA NAME
(Medium-term stream)
It allows Australian employers to

recruit workers to satisfy genuine
shortages for specific skills that
cannot be filled from the Australian
What is it labour market. Employees can
be either overseas or temporary
residents currently in Australia,
but they need to be highly skilled
workers.
How much
AUD 2,645.
does it cost
How long
Up to 4 years.
does it last
How long to
2-8 months.
process
•• Be sponsored to work in an
occupation on the list of eligible
medium and long-term skilled
occupations.
Requirements
•• Have at least two years relevant
work experience.
•• Other requirements like English
Proficiency and previous studies.

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PROS
●● Stay and work in Australia up to four years.
●● It may lead to residency in some cases.
●● You can include your family.
CONS
●● Expensive.
●● You need a job offer from an approved business
and many businesses find it hard to gain approval to
sponsor staff.
●● The business incurs annual costs to sponsor you.
●● Processing times are long, averaging 2-8 months.
RESTRICTIONS
●● Approved work only.
●● Must stay with approved employer for
duration of the visa.
ALTERNATIVES

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Visa
VISA NAME
(Short-term stream)
workers.
How much
AUD 1,265.
does it cost
You can stay for up to two years or
How long
up to four years if an International
does it last
Trade Obligation (ITO) applies.
How long to
2-8 months.
process
•• Have worked in your nominated
occupation for at least two years.
•• Have a relevant skills assessment,
if this is required for your
occupation.
Requirements
•• Work only for your sponsor or
associated entity, unless you are
exempt.
requirement.

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PROS
●● Stay up to 2 years with the possibility of extend
the visa for other 2 years.
CONS
●● Expensive.
sponsor staff.
RESTRICTIONS
ALTERNATIVES
●● Working holiday visa.
●● Work and holiday visa.

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Visa
VISA NAME
(Labour agreement stream)

workers.
How much
AUD 2,645.
does it cost
Up to a maximum of four years,
How long
depending on the terms in the
does it last
labour agreement.
How long to
18 to 39 days.
process
•• Have a suitable relevant
skills assessment for some the
occupations.
•• Work for your sponsor.
Requirements
requirement.
•• Have required educational
qualifications.

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PROS
●● Stay and work in Australia up to four years and
extend your visa once, after your initial sponsorship.
●● Your job may lead to residency in some cases.
CONS
●● Expensive.
sponsor staff.
RESTRICTIONS
ALTERNATIVES

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SKILLED NOMINATED
Visa
VISA NAME Skilled Nominated
The skilled nominated visa is

a permanent residency skilled
What is it migration visa for people with an
occupation in high demand in
Australia’s labour market.
How much
AUD 4,045.
does it cost
How long
Permanently.
does it last
How long to
9 to 11 months.
process
•• Have an occupation on the

relevant skilled list.
•• Have a suitable skills assessment
for the occupation.
Requirements
•• You must be nominated for
this visa by an Australian state or
territory government agency.
•• Satisfy the points test.

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PROS
●● Allows you to stay in Australia permanently with
full working rights.
CONS
●● High cost.
●● Large list of very specific skills.
●● Long processing times.
●● You will need to contact a migration agent to
discuss your eligibility for this visa, which can also be
costly.
RESTRICTIONS
ALTERNATIVES

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37
SKILLED INDEPENDENT
Visa
VISA NAME Skilled Independent
The skilled independent visa is an

Australian skilled visa for skilled
workers who are not sponsored
by an employer, a state or territory
What is it or a family member. A visa holder
can live and work permanently
anywhere in Australia. Certain
family members can be included in
the application.
How much
AUD 4,045.
does it cost
How long
Permanently.
does it last
How long to
6 to 7 months.
process
•• Have an occupation on the

relevant skilled list.
•• Have a suitable skills assessment
for the occupation.
Requirements
•• Be invited to apply for this visa.
•• Satisfy the points test.
requirement.

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38
PROS
●● Allows you to stay in Australia permanently with
full working rights.
CONS
●● High cost.
●● Not for everyone because you need to meet a list
of very specific skills.
●● Long processing times.
●● You will need to contact a migration agent to
discuss your eligibility for this visa which can also be
costly.
RESTRICTIONS
ALTERNATIVES

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*Please note that the migration legislation is
changing quickly and Go Study Australia is not
authorised to give personalised migration advice.
We are working to ensure the content is up-to-
date so you get the right information. If you need
more info, feel free to contact Go Study Australia
via info@gostudy.com.au so we can put you in
contact with a migration agent or the Australian
Home Affairs website.

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40
GO STUDY
OFFICES IN AUSTRALIA
BRISBANE
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PERTH
SYDNEY
MELBOURNE
www.gostudy.com.au
OFFICES IN:
LATIN
SPAIN ITALY FRANCE AMERICA
MADRID MILANO TOULOUSE MEDELLIN
BARCELONA ROMA MEXICO CITY
VALENCIA SANTIAGO
DE CHILE
CONTACTUS
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THE ULTIMATE

guide for visas

If you are thinking about finding the right path to

Please note that everyone’s pathway is different,

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

We have compiled a list of popular visas that you

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

How do I get an Australian visa?

Some of the requirements you will need to fulfil

Some visas also require you to have an Australian

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

Prices are subject to change. You can use the official

How many years does an Australian visa last?

•• Student Visa - Up to 5 years

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

Prior to an Australian student visa application,

Prove English Proficiency undertaking

A Statement of Purpose as to why they wish

Health Checks depending on your country of

Evidence of Financial Capacity to support

Acceptable Overseas Student Health Cover

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

How much does a student visa cost in Australia?

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

How long does it take to get a student visa

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

These visas are available to individuals who are

What is a skilled migration visa?

What is MLTSSL and what is the STSOL?

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

What is a skilled job?

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

There are more than 120 different visas divided into 7

If you want to stay longer on a student visa without

A prospective student seeking an

A student visa can be applied for

•• Meet course requirements.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

A Working Holiday visa allows

Processing times depend on the

•• Must be 18 to 30 years old

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

A Working Holiday visa allows

Processing times depend on the

•• Have previously entered Australia

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

A Working Holiday visa allows

Processing times depend on the

•• Must be 18 to 30 years old

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

A Working Holiday visa allows

Processing times depend on the

•• Have previously entered Australia

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

This visa is for international students

•• Be under 50 years of age.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE for