Student visas
Strategic management of Subclass 500 applications under the 2026 Genuine Student framework - and the 485 graduate pathway that follows.
A genuine student
The program now turns on the Genuine Student requirement - a documented account of your circumstances, the value of the course to your career, and your incentives to comply with visa conditions. We build a GS statement that is robust and evidence-backed.
Genuine Student
We frame your incentives-to-comply and value-to-future so the GS statement withstands departmental scrutiny.
Financial capacity
Evidence of genuine access to funds for tuition, travel and living costs - bank records, sponsorship and income, verified before lodgement.
Course & provider
Course choice and provider progression matter under Ministerial Direction 115 processing priorities. We advise before you enrol.
No hearing, no second chance
From 18 May 2026 the Administrative Review Tribunal decides many student-visa refusal reviews on the papers - no oral hearing. Written submissions and documentary evidence are now decisive. If your 500 is refused, get advice before lodging a review; there is little room to repair a case later.
Fees & charges
The 485 charge doubled on 1 March 2026 and was indexed again on 1 July 2026; Pacific and Timor-Leste passport holders were exempt from the March doubling. Fees current as at 3 July 2026 (FY2026‑27); the charge at your lodgement date applies - confirm at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Third-party fees are indicative only.
Student visa FAQ
How many hours can a student work?
Subclass 500 holders are typically limited to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session (condition 8105), with unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Always check the conditions printed on your visa grant.
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
It replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant test. You must demonstrate that you are a genuine applicant for study - addressing your circumstances, the value of the course to your future, and your ties and incentives to comply with the conditions of the visa.
Can I move from a student visa to a 485?
The Temporary Graduate (485) visa is a common next step after completing an eligible qualification, subject to age and English validity settings. The charge rose sharply in 2026, so lodgement timing against course completion matters - we plan the transition case by case.
My student visa was refused - what now?
You may be able to seek review at the Administrative Review Tribunal, but from 18 May 2026 many 500 refusals are decided on the papers. Written submissions carry the case, so speak with us before lodging a review.
Study with a plan
From the Genuine Student statement to the 485 pathway, we act for students Australia-wide. Book a consultation to map your study-to-work route.