Student Visa Renewal in Brisbane: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Getting a student visa to Australia is not as easy as applying for it again. International students find on arrival to Brisbane that they have neglected to provide some detail in their application, which results in delays, requests for more information or even refusal. The most common challenges can be avoided with the help of an experienced education consultant Brisbane students rely on. Here are the typical errors, and how to avoid them.

1. Leaving the Application Too Late

One of the biggest errors is waiting until the current visa is about to expire. The processing time may vary and it is not possible to make any last minute requests to the Department of Home Affairs when lodging. Begin the renewal process at least two to three months prior to expiration of your visa. This will allow you to collect any missing documents, compile these and respond in a relaxed manner if additional information is needed.

2. Failure to meet Course Progress and Attendance Requirements.

Student visas are contingent upon good study and, in many cases, attendance. The Department may challenge your genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status if there are concerns from your course provider or if you have changed courses without informing the provider. Ensure all enrollments, outcomes and approved leave are recorded. An education and migration consultant Brisbane professionals can help you to convey this information in a manner that is easy to comprehend and to resolve any red flags before you lodge.

3. Supporting documents that are incomplete or out of date

Financial and medical documentation, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and passport information needs to be consistent and up to date. One of the common reasons for delays is to use expired bank statements, insufficient funds, or an old CoE. Make sure that your health cover is still valid for the length of time of your new visa and that all financial documents are up to date with the requirements of the Department.

4. Personal Circumstances Change (looking over)

If someone changes their address, a partner, marries or has a break in studies, it must be openly admitted. The Department's reputation can be compromised if the Department is not updated or if information is inconsistent. Transparency is essential. If things have changed since the last visa grant, seek advice early so that the application will be able to convey this change correctly.

5. Information Only on Internet

The rules and policies of Visa change often. Information from forums and older blog posts might no longer be relevant. A method that was successful for a classmate this year will not necessarily be successful for you this year. An RMS or qualified education consultant keeps up to date with legislative updates, and can provide you with guidance that is bespoke to your course, provider and situation in Brisbane.

An Education and Migration Consultant can help you with a number of issues.

Applicants who have an experienced education and migration consultant in Brisbane review your education history, can check your documents for readiness, can prepare a clear GTE statement if required, and lodge your application the first time the correct way. They also track progress and report back to the Department when they have queries, thus minimizing stress and the possibility of refusal.

Prior to renewal, here are some key practical considerations:

·         Check that your new CoE has been duly issued and correct

·         Make sure the proposed visa period is the entire period covered by OSHC.

·         Prepare up-to-date financial evidence

·         Review of attendance and academic progress records

If any of your circumstances have changed, please consult a professional

Final Thoughts

Student visa renewal need not be a stressful experience. Beginning early, making and keeping good records, and steering clear of the following pitfalls will improve your chances of a successful outcome. Talk to a trusted education and migration consultant that Brisbane students can rely on for personalised support. The process can be made simple and easier, with some help from the professional world.