Conversion of an Australian tourist visa to a student visa can be quite a complex pathway to pursue, but one can apply online without departing the country with the help of education and migration agents.
Anyway, it is optional to convert the visa subclasses if the course duration is three months or less; however, it is required if the course duration is more than 3 months. Also, the visa conversion would not affect the student visa applications as both visa subclasses are entirely different.
Which Tourist Visa Can Be Converted into Student Visa?
Three tourist visa subclasses can be converted into student visas.
- eVisitor Visa (subclass 651) — This visa is for tourist or business purposes only, with a stay duration of three months.
- Electronic Travel Authority Visa (Subclass 601) — This visa is also for tourist and business purposes; one can stay up to 12 months, and only a few passport holders from specific countries can apply for this visa.
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) — Individuals can choose from five options for a visitor visa and can stay for up to twelve months.
Essential Criteria
When applying for a student visa, keep in mind the application process can be challenging, so one can take assistance from our education and migration agents to make the visa process hassle-free.
One is required to receive the CoE (Confirmation of Enrollment) and offer letter from an accredited university. In addition, while choosing the course, make sure to select the full-time CRICOS registered course to increase the chances of approval.
The CRICOS registered course is one of the essential criteria as follows.
- Fulfil GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) requirements
- Adequate health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover)
- Level of English language proficiency
- Health and character certificate
Who Can Apply?
If the person meets these requirements, they are good to convert their visa.
- Minimum 5.5 IELTS score and 64 scores for PTE (higher the better)
- Adequately written SOP
- Good working experience history (optional)
- No study gaps
- CoE or an offer letter from an Australian institution
Who All Cannot Apply
The person will become ineligible to convert their tourist visa to a student visa if they have the following:
- Criminal record
- Previously rejected student visa
- Low financial stability
- Study gap
- Poorly written SOP (Statement of Purpose)
- Working during visits
- No PTE, IELTS, etc.
- 8503 condition applied on the visa
GTE Requirements
People assume it is risky to apply for a student visa while holding a tourist visa, but it is up to the person’s profile. The more they fulfil the requirements and meet the guidelines, the more they increase their chances of approval for becoming eligible.
Circumstances in Home Country
The person’s circumstances in their home country or region will provide a valid reason for not studying there and choosing Australia for studies.
Potential Circumstances in Australia
Depending on one’s potential circumstances and understanding of living in Australia.
Immigration History
The immigration history will help the Immigration Department understand that the person’s intent is to stay temporarily and is a genuine student visa applicant. The Immigration Department will confirm if the person is not using a visa program for maintaining their continuous residence.
Value Course for Future
Choose the course with future career/employment prospects and check the relevancy of the current education and employment background.
Record of Compliance
The record of compliance with the previous or current visa, whether its tourist or other visa conditions and the stated intention to comply with the requirements which grant the student visa.
Relevant Matter
If the Department doubt, they will conduct further enquiries (if required) for assessment and make sure the person is genuine as a student and covering all the requirements of GTE.
A student visa applicant should submit a signed written statement and fulfil the GTE requirements.
Contact Us for Assistance
If the person is still concerned or has questions regarding visa conversion or anything, feel free to get in touch with us (Asia Pacific Group). Our education and migration agents will assist in each step of visa conversion and help find the best course according to profile, accommodation, required documents, health insurance and more.
