Navigating the complexities of a student visa can feel overwhelming, but with Legal Wave, you’re in safe hands. We specialise in guiding international students through the student visa process and towards their journey to studying in Australia.
We start by discussing your study goals, chosen course, and preferred education provider. During this consultation, our lawyers carefully assess your eligibility for the Student Visa (Subclass 500), including academic background, English language proficiency, financial capacity, and health requirements.
We also identify any potential challenges, such as gaps in documentation, previous visa refusals, or sponsorship considerations, and provide a tailored roadmap for your application.
Preparing a strong visa application begins with the right documents. We guide you step by step in compiling all required evidence, including your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), financial statements, English proficiency results, health insurance coverage (OSHC), and character documents.
Our team ensures that every document meets Department of Home Affairs standards, is correctly certified, and clearly demonstrates your genuine intention to study and return home upon completion.
Legal Wave meticulously prepares your student visa application, ensuring all forms are completed accurately and supporting documentation is organised for maximum clarity and impact.
We anticipate questions the Department may ask, highlight critical details, and ensure your application presents a strong case for approval. Our goal is to minimise the risk of requests for further information, delays, or potential refusals.
We lodge your application through the official channels and maintain close communication with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf. Legal Wave monitors progress, responds promptly to requests for additional information, and keeps you informed at every stage.
Our proactive approach ensures that issues are addressed immediately, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
Once your student visa is granted, we carefully review the decision and explain all visa conditions, including course attendance requirements, work restrictions, and travel rules.
We provide practical guidance on complying with these conditions and preparing for your arrival in Australia, ensuring you are fully prepared to start your studies without unexpected obstacles.
Our support doesn’t end with the visa grant. Legal Wave continues to assist you with course changes, extensions, deferments, or transfer of institutions if needed. We also provide advice on maintaining lawful status, understanding your rights as an international student, and addressing any compliance questions during your stay. Our goal is to ensure your study experience in Australia is smooth, legally secure, and successful from start to finish.
Applications for the February 2026 intake close on 15 January 2026. Ensure your documents and student visa applications are submitted on time to secure your place.
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Please reach out to us at info@legalwave.com.au if you cannot find an answer to your question.
The Subclass 500 is the standard visa for international students enrolling in full‑time courses at Australian education providers that are registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). You can stay in Australia for the duration of your course (and sometimes up to five years) and travel in/out of Australia.
You can apply for this visa if you have been accepted into a CRICOS‑registered course and hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You must meet health, character, English language and financial capacity requirements. Some on‑shore or off‑shore application rules apply depending on your current status.
Generally, while your course is in session you may work up to 48 hours per fortnight. During official course breaks, the work‑hours limit may not apply. Note: Certain higher research degree students (e.g., Masters by Research or PhD) may have unlimited work hours in some cases.
The visa is typically granted for the duration of your course plus any authorised breaks, up to a maximum period (often up to five years depending on the institution and course). You can apply for a new visa or extension under certain conditions (for example if you continue study or change course).
If you wish to change your course or provider, you must ensure the change is compliant with your visa conditions and the provider is CRICOS‑registered. You should notify the department of the change and ensure your CoE remains valid. Major changes might require a new application under certain circumstances.
You need to demonstrate you have enough funds for tuition fees, living costs, travel and any dependents. For 2025, indicative living cost amounts have been updated (for example around AUD 29,700 per year for a student) although actual amounts may vary by provider and your circumstances.
Late applications, missing documents, or errors are common reasons for delays or refusals. Ensuring your CoE, financial evidence, OSHC, English test and all other supporting documents are correct and complete is critical to increasing chances of approval.
Studying in Australia is an incredible opportunity, and we’re here to help you achieve this.
We provide expert legal support and personalised guidance throughout your journey.
Contact us today for a free consultation to start your application with confidence.