Student Visa and Visitor Visa

The Student Visa Program

Generally, applicants can have family members accompanying them to Australia for the duration of their courses. Students are allowed to work for up to 40 hours per fortnight during a semester. They may work unlimited hours when courses are in semester breaks. Family members may be eligible to work for unlimited hours.

• Higher Education Sector:
  For overseas students seeking to study towards a bachelors degree, associate degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or a masters (by coursework) degree.
   
• Postgraduate Research:
  Applies to international students wishing to earn a masters (by research) or a doctoral degree.
   
• English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS):
  This is a visa for overseas students who wish to undertake a stand-alone English language course (leading to a Certificate I, II, III or IV, or an English course that does not result in a formal Australian award).
   
• Primary or Secondary school course:
  This is for overseas students wishing to attend a primary school, junior secondary or senior secondary school, or participate in an approved secondary school exchange program.
   
• Vocational Education and Training:
  This applies to Certificates I, II, III or IV (except ELICOS) diploma, advanced diploma, vocational graduate certificate or vocational graduate diploma courses.
   
• Non-award courses:
  This is a visa for international students who wish to undertake non-award foundation studies, other full-time courses or components of courses that do not lead to an Australian award.
   
• Student Guardians:
  This is a visa for parents or adult relatives of students, studying in Australia, and seeking to stay in Australia as the student´s guardian. Generally, the student has to be younger than 18 years; exemptions apply.

The Australian Migration Agent and Immigration Lawyer Association (AMAILA) has unveiled a Special Offer for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) applications.

To see if you are eligible for this Special – please see their website:

• Student Visa Australia
• Temporary Graduate Visa

Visitor Visa

• Working Holiday Visa:
  This is a visa for people between 18 and 30 years of age who want to stay, travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months (maximum of 6 months employment per employer). This visa can be issued twice for each person.
   
• Investor Retirement Visa:
  This is a four year visa for retirees over 55 years of age who are financially independent, have no other dependents other than their spouse and are willing to make a long-term investment in Australia.
   
• Medical Treatment Visa: 
  This is for patients who want to travel to and stay in Australia (for up to twelve months) for medical treatment and/or medical consultations.

Tourist Visa

• Sponsored Family Visitor:
  This is a visa for people who want to visit their family in Australia. It is valid for up to 12 months and a sponsorship by the Australian relative is required.
   
• Tourist Visa:
  This is for people who want to travel in Australia for up to twelve months.
   
• EU Visitor:
  This is a visa for people from many EU countries, who want to travel to Australia for a holiday (e.g. recreation or visiting friends) or business (such as attending a conference or negotiations). This visa is valid for up to 12 months and for a maximum stay of 3 months per visit.