How long does it take to get an Australian Student Visa?

How long it takes to get an Australian Student Visa? It depends on how complete your application is and when you apply. This post provides you with the main factors that affect study visa processing times and gives you helpful tips to speed up your Student visa application.

How long does it take to get an Australian student visa?

The Australian Department of Home Affairs states that a Student visa takes around 38 days to 5 months to process. However, the duration may vary depending on the completeness of applications, document verification, and peak application periods.

• Completeness of Application: Ensuring that your application is thorough and includes all required documents can expedite the process.
• Document Verification: The time taken to verify your documents, such as academic transcripts and financial evidence, can impact processing times.
• Complexity of Application: Applications with unique circumstances or additional requirements may necessitate more in-depth review.
• Peak Application Periods: During peak application seasons, processing times may be longer due to increased demand.

Applicants can streamline the progress of their student visa application through ImmiAccount or the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO). These online platforms allow you to track the status of your application and access important updates.

Australia student visa processing priorities

Australian student visa applications can be categorized into three main tiers based on their processing priority.

Tier 1: High-Priority Application

When it comes to Australian student visa processing times, Tier 1 applications are at the top of the priority list. These applications receive expedited processing, potentially reducing the overall waiting period for visa approval.

Tier 1 priority is given to specific types of offshore Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications:

• Primary applicants who are school students, Foreign Affairs students, or Defence students.
• Students planning to study under a secondary school exchange program run by a State or Territory education authority.
• Applicants intending to pursue higher education or full-time registered courses at ELI (Education Learning Initiative) rated institutions.
• Students enrolling in postgraduate research courses.

Being in the Tier 1 category can significantly reduce your wait time for an Australian student visa. While exact timeframes can vary, Tier 1 applications are typically processed much faster than those in lower priority tiers.

Tier 2: Medium-Priority Application

While not as urgent as Tier 1, Tier 2 applications still hold significant importance in the Australian student visa processing system. This category primarily focuses on offshore Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications, including those made by secondary applicants but excluding subsequent entrants.

Tier 2 prioritizes applications where the primary applicant intends to:

• Pursue a higher education course
• Undertake a full-time registered course of study or training

It’s important to note that these courses must be offered at an EL2-rated institution to qualify for Tier 2 processing.

Tier 2 applications play a crucial role in maintaining the diversity and robustness of Australia’s international education landscape. While they may not fall into the critical skills categories of Tier 1, these applications represent a significant portion of the international student body in Australia.

This tier typically includes:

• Students pursuing undergraduate degrees in non-critical fields
• Postgraduate students in areas not classified as high-priority
• Applicants planning to attend reputable institutions in metropolitan areas

Tier 3: Standard-Priority Application

Tier 3 typically includes two main groups of offshore Subclass 500 (Student) visa applicants:

• Offshore Higher Education Students: This includes primary Subclass 500 (Student) visa applicants who plan to pursue higher education courses at institutions rated EL3. Secondary applicants linked to these primary applicants are also included, except for subsequent entrants.
• Subsequent Entrants: Offshore Subclass 500 visa applications from individuals joining a student already in Australia fall into this category.

It’s important to note that this tier may also encompass students applying for vocational education and training (VET) courses, English language programs, or other non-degree studies.

Tier 3 applications follow standard processing timelines. Unlike higher-priority tiers, these applications are not given any special expedited treatment.

This means the processing times may be longer compared to Tier 1 or Tier 2 applications. Therefore, applicants should plan their study schedules with these potentially longer wait times in mind.

According to statistics from the Department of Home Affairs, the processing time for student visas is categorized based on application priority processing as follows:

Tips to accelerate your Student visa processing time

While the Australian student visa application process can be complex, there are several strategies you can employ to expedite your visa processing time potentially:

Submit a Complete and Clear Application

One of the most effective ways to reduce your student visa processing time is to ensure your application is thorough and well-organized. Include all required documents, such as:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Proof of financial capacity
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• English language proficiency certificates
• Any other requested documentation

Undergo Health Examinations Early

Consider completing your health examinations before submitting your student visa application. This proactive approach can significantly streamline the process, as health checks are a crucial component of the visa requirements.

Respond Promptly to Additional Requests

If the Department of Home Affairs requests additional information or documents, respond as quickly as possible. Swift responses prevent unnecessary delays in processing your application.

Research Career Prospects and Plan Ahead

Demonstrating a clear understanding of your chosen field of study and potential career opportunities in Australia can strengthen your application. This preparation shows commitment and may positively influence the visa decision process.

Contact VEM today for expert guidance on the Australia Student Visa applications! Our MARA-registered migration agent (MARN: 1577877, MIA: 12648), who is also a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, is here to guide you every step of the way.

By: Peter Phong D Cao – Registered migration agent.

(MARN: 1577877, MIA: 12648)