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Visa & Immigration Matters
If you need to extend your student visa because of further studies or need extra time to complete your current program of studies, you have to prepare a new student visa application. You must lodge your student visa application before your current visa expires.
You can lodge your visa application in two ways:
- by Internet or
- by post using a paper application.
The summary provided below is to assist UNSW students in the application process. Please refer to www.immi.gov.au for the full procedure.
STUDENT VISA ONLINE APPLICATION
- Go to http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/students.htm and follow the instructions
- You can pay the Visa fee of $540 by using a credit card or by BPAY. If you do not have a credit card, you can use another person's card with his/her permission. To obtain BPAY services, contact your bank. If you use BPAY you must allow 7 days for your payment to be processed before lodging your visa online BPAY. You MUST lodge your application at least 7 days before the end of your current visa.
- When you lodge your application over the Internet you will be automatically granted a bridging visa. The bridging visa allows you to stay in Australia and study while your application is being processed.
- Within 7 days of lodging your application over the internet you will receive a letter advising of any further documentation you may be required to send to DIAC and your case manager's name and contact details. If there are no documents required you will receive a decision. You DO NOT need to visit the DIAC office unless you are asked to do so by DIAC.
- You can check the status of your visa application at any time on the Internet through the Online Visa Enquiry Facility. If you are granted a new visa, you can go to DIAC to have your new visa label put on your passport.
- If you receive an error message or are having problems applying online, you can contact DIAC on 131 881 for help.
STUDENT VISA FORM APPLICATION
You must make sure that your application reaches DIAC office before your visa expires. If you can NOT make an application over the Internet, please follow these steps:
- Download and complete form 157A from the DIAC website at http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/157a.pdf
- You must include payment of $540 in the form of a money order which you can obtain from the Australia Post. Make money orders payable to "DIAC". Cash is NOT acceptable. Australian Government sponsored students such as AusAID/IPRS scholars are exempted but should obtain an official letter verifying the scholarship status.
- Post the completed application form (157A), a copy of the e-CoE, application fee money order, OSHC payment receipt and all other required documents to:
DIAC - Students Centre
PO Box 9984
Sydney NSW 2001
- When your application is received you will be automatically granted a bridging visa. The bridging visa allows you to stay in Australia and study while your application is being processed.
- DIAC will send you a letter advising of any further documentation you may be required to lodge and your case manager's name and contact details. If there are no documents required you will receive a decision. You DO NOT need to visit the DIAC office unless you are asked to do so by DIAC. If you are granted a new visa, you can go to DIAC to have your new visa label put on your passport.
- If you need to find out the status of your application you can contact your case manager or DIAC on 131 881.
Student Visa Condition under (ESOS Act 2000)
Under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act), the University is obliged to monitor the enrolment of international students and to inform the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) of any breach of the visa conditions 8202 and 8533. Details of these student visa conditions are available on myUNSW
DIAC Sydney Office and Inquiry Line
Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
Sydney CBD Office
26, Lee St, Sydney NSW 2000 (at Railway Square near Central Railway Station)
Telephone Inquiry Line: 131 881
Office Hours: Mon to Fri: 9am to 4pm EXCEPT Wed: 9am to 1.30pm
To get there, catch any bus or train to Central Station and walk towards Railway Square.
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