Student, Training & Graduate Visas
Which visas are available?
If you are considering studying in Australia, or would like to obtain some occupational training, or if you have already completed your studies in Australia and are seeking an opportunity to put into practice what you have learned, there are various programs and opportunities available to help you achieve these goals.
The main visas are:
- Subclass 407 – Training Visa
- Subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate Visa
- Subclass 500 – Student Visa
- Subclass 509 – Student Guardian Visa
Which visa should I apply for?
Student Visas
- The Australian education system is world renowned for offering high quality education to students which is recognised internationally.
- A Student Visa allows a visa holder to come live in Australia temporarily to participate in a course of study. With this visa, visa holders can participate in an eligible course of study in Australia as well as travel in and out of Australia during the period of visa grant.
- The courses of study include, higher education, secondary school and postgraduate research.
Temporary Graduate Visa
- A Temporary Graduate Visa or as it is also known, a subclass 485 visa, is intended for those who have completed a CRICOS approved course and who have held a student visa within the last 6 months. This type of visa allows the applicant to remain in Australia to either live, work, or study.
Training Visa
- The Training Visa is a short stay visa for people to undergo occupational training or professional development in Australia. The Training visa allows people to undertake occupational training in Australia to meet occupational registration or licensing requirements; to enhance skills in their occupation; or for capacity building overseas.
What are the main requirements?
Student Visa
- Generally, you must be enrolled in a course of study in Australia, hold overseas student health cover, demonstrate you are a genuine temporary entrant for study and meet financial and English language requirements (if required).
Temporary Graduate
- The requirements for the Temporary Graduate depend on the relevant stream you are applying within, including:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (for associated degrees, diplomas or trade qualifications);
- Post Higher Education Work Stream (bachelors, masters and doctorial degrees).
- Generally, you must be younger than 35 years of age (unless otherwise exempt from this requirement), demonstrate the threshold English language ability, meet the Australian study requirement (2 years study or equivalent within six months of applying for the visa) and, in some cases, obtain a positive skills assessment.
Training Visa
- Generally, you must be over 18 years of age, have functional English, hold private health insurance, genuinely intend to stay temporarily and engage in occupational training related to either:
- registration, membership, licence to work in home country or Australia; or
- improving skills – this category covers individuals on the approved occupational list (in some cases suitable prior experience is required i.e. 12 months full-time experience within the last 24 months); or
- skills and competency professional development in Australia – this covers individuals completing practical training as part of their studies as well as overseas employers who want their employees to undergo tailored professional development training in Australia.
- In some cases, you must also be sponsored by an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor. You will also need to provide a structured training program, tailored to the training needs of the nominee. The visa is usually valid for a stay of two years.
What are some of the common issues or reasons for refusals?
The Department is particularly stringent when it comes to assessing whether a visa applicant is a genuine student/trainee or that they are simply using the visa to achieve a migration outcome or circumvent the intentions of the migration program. Some of the more common reasons for refusal include:
- inability to demonstrate you are a genuine temporary entrant, this may be due to complex migration histories;
- poorly documented training programs; and
- insufficient or incorrect documentation provided to support key requirements for the visa.
Our team of friendly, professional and experienced lawyers are here to help you whenever you need. Contact us today for assistance with your application or as a sounding board for your questions and concerns. We are sure to provide you with accurate, informative and relevant information to help you navigate this tricky process.
Want to find out which visa is suitable for you?
Fill up our Visa Eligibility Assessment form so we can make an assessment and provide you with advice on your possible visa options.
