Australia has been recognised as a Best destination for international students, boasting a world-class education system, a lively multicultural populace, and a high quality of life. For those students, the first step to achieving their educational and career goals is to get their Australian student visa and while getting a visa is exciting it can also be stressful when you think about the visa application process and waiting for a decision.
This detailed guide covers student visa processing time, types of visas, delays, suggestions for speeding up the process, pitfalls to avoid in the application process, and current developments on student visa policies.
Types of Australian Student Visas and Their Processing Times
There are 4 types of Australian student visas offered in the country and the processing time for each of them may vary. The table below explains the different types and their average processing time:
Factors Influencing Visa Processing Times
Several factors can influence how a student visa application is processed. Understanding these can help applicants prepare more thoroughly:
Completeness of the Application: Submitting an application that is incomplete is one of the most common causes of delay. This might relate to missing documents, using incorrect forms, or supplying insufficient information. The Department is likely to seek more information and then halt the progress of your application until that information is received.
Accuracy of Information: Accurately documented, verifiable information is imperative. If there are discrepancies, you will have to provide additional checks to see if the application will be delayed.
Volume of Applications: The Department of Home Affairs receives a very large number of visa applications. The processing time of an application is also impacted in peak periods, generally in the lead up to major academic intake periods, February/March, and July/August.
Complexity of the Case: Some applications are straightforward, and some are more complex. Applications that require more assessment will generally take longer to process, such as visa applications involving dependents, visa refusals, health, and character concerns.
Health and Character Checks: All applicants need to meet Australia’s health and character requirements. If a medical examination is indicated, it can take time to complete the medical examination, and then time for the results to be assessed.
The Key Takeaways
An Australian student visa processing time is variable but a manageable element of your study abroad experience. Though the Department of Home Affairs publishes indicative timelines, your individual processing time could vary due to many factors, including the quality of your application, seasonal volume, and changing government policies.
How long does it take to get a student visa for Australia?
Processing times for the Australian Student visa (Subclass 500) depends on the education sector and individual circumstances.
How long is Australia visa processing time?
The Ranges from a few weeks to a few months. For example, the average processing time is often cited as being around 56-61 days.
How many days for student visa approval?
There’s no fixed number of days. For the Subclass 500 (Higher Education Sector), 75% of applications are processed within 40 days and 90% within 54 days. For the VET sector, it’s 45 days for 75% and 73 days for 90%. It can be quicker or longer based on various factors.
How much bank balance is required for an Australian student visa?
As of May 10, 2024, international student visa applicants must provide proof of funds to cover living expenses of at least AUD 29,710 for the first year of their stay.
Why is Australia delaying student visas?
Delays in Australian student visa processing can occur for several reasons.
How fast can I get my Australian visa?
Fastest processing times are often for accurately completed and low-risk applications, submitted outside of peak periods.
