Australian immigration FAQ toolkit

Find clear answers to Australian visa questions.

Search plain-English FAQs by visa category, subclass, and topic. Every answer is built from official sources, reviewed before publishing, and structured for AI search.

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3 FAQs

Bridging visas

Review questions grouped under this visa category.

 2 FAQs

Family visas

Review questions grouped under this visa category.

 16 FAQs

Student visas

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Subclass index

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Subclass 500Subclasses 116 and 836
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Latest FAQs

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Family visas Subclasses 116 and 836

Can I add family members to a Carer visa application after lodging?

Sometimes. A newborn child may be treated as having applied with the parent, and some family members may be added before the application is decided if the rules are met.

Needs review 1 official source
Student visas Subclass 500

Can I apply for one Student visa for packaged courses?

Yes. You may be able to apply for one Student visa covering two or more courses if the courses fit together and show reasonable study progression.

Needs review 1 official source
Student visas Subclass 500

Can I change to a lower-level course on a Student visa?

Changing to a lower-level course may cause problems for your Student visa. One listed exception is changing from AQF level 10 to AQF level 9.

Needs review 1 official source
Student visas Subclass 500

Can my Student visa stop me from applying for another visa in Australia?

Some Student visas include a rule that can limit your ability to apply for another visa while you are in Australia. The effect depends on the exact rule on your visa and whether any exception applies.

Needs review 1 official source
Bridging visas

Can section 48 or a no further stay rule stop me applying for a bridging visa?

Usually no. Section 48 and no further stay rules do not usually stop you from making a valid bridging visa application, because a bridging visa is not a substantive visa.

Needs review 1 official source
Student visas Subclass 500

Do I need evidence of enrolment for a Student visa?

Yes. Most students need to provide evidence of enrolment for each course or study-related activity when they apply.

Needs review 1 official source
Student visas Subclass 500

Do I need to declare family members in a Student visa application?

Yes. You should include your existing family members in your first Student visa application.

Needs review 1 official source
Student visas Subclass 500

Do people applying for a Student visa need English language evidence?

Some people applying for a Student visa need to provide English language evidence. Some people do not need to, and some may only be asked in particular situations.

Needs review 1 official source
Student visas Subclass 500

Do people applying for a Student visa need Overseas Student Health Cover?

Generally, people applying for a Student visa and family members coming with them need adequate health insurance, usually Overseas Student Health Cover.

Needs review 1 official source
Student visas Subclass 500

Do school-age children need education arrangements for a Student visa?

Yes. School-age children generally need suitable school arrangements, and school costs may need to be included when showing enough money for the visa.

Needs review 1 official source
Student visas Subclass 500

How many hours can I work on a Student visa?

Most students cannot work before their course starts. While the course is in session, the usual limit is 48 hours per fortnight, unless an exception applies.

Needs review 1 official source
Student visas Subclass 500

How much money do I need to show for a Student visa?

You need to show that you have real access to enough money for yourself and any family members coming with you for your planned stay in Australia.

Needs review 1 official source
Bridging visas

Is a bridging visa a substantive visa?

No. A bridging visa is not a substantive visa, even though it is still a visa.

Needs review 1 official source
Bridging visas

What are the main types of bridging visas?

The main bridging visa types are Bridging A, B, C, D, E, F and R. Each type is used for different immigration situations.

Needs review 1 official source
Student visas Subclass 500

What arrangements are needed if a Student visa student is under 18?

If the student will be under 18 in Australia, they generally need to show that suitable accommodation, support, and welfare arrangements are planned.

Needs review 1 official source
Student visas Subclass 500

What does Home Affairs consider when deciding if I am a genuine student?

Home Affairs looks at your personal situation, immigration history, study plans, and whether you are likely to follow your visa rules.

Needs review 1 official source
Student visas Subclass 500

What enrolment and course progress rules apply to a Student visa?

Student visa holders generally need to stay enrolled, keep satisfactory course progress and attendance, and stay at the same or a higher course level unless an exception applies.

Needs review 1 official source
Student visas Subclass 500

What funds must a Student visa family member show?

A family member applying later generally needs to show real access to enough money for themselves and any family members included in the application.

Needs review 1 official source
Family visas Subclasses 116 and 836

What happens after a Carer visa is approved?

A Carer visa is permanent. It lets the holder stay in Australia indefinitely and usually includes a five-year travel facility from the approval date.

Needs review 1 official source
Student visas Subclass 500

What happens if I finish my course early on a Student visa?

If you finish your main course early, your enrolment may end earlier than expected. Home Affairs generally allows up to three months after early completion before considering visa cancellation for this issue.

Needs review 1 official source
Student visas Subclass 500

What work and study limits apply to Student visa family members?

Family members on a Student visa may have work limits. Adult family members are generally limited to no more than three months of study or training in Australia.

Needs review 1 official source

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