Student visas and working in Australia
If you are a US or Canadian citizen, you can apply online for your student visa using the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's e-visa online processing website.
To apply, be sure to have the following documents ready:
- A valid passport. The passport should be valid for the total period of your stay in Australia, or have at least 6 months' validity at the time the visa application is submitted to prevent any travel difficulties. Ensure the personal details listed on your passport (full name, date of birth, etc) match those in the visa application.
- An electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). This is the official letter of acceptance from your Australian university. You will receive the eCoE either by email, or in some instances by regular postal mail. The eCoE is proof that you have been accepted at an Australian university, have paid the required university tuition, and have obtained the mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You will need all three pieces before you can apply for your student visa.
- A credit card. As of January 2013, the cost of a student visa is USD$580 and CAD$570, payable by credit card via an online payment system. For the most up-to-date student visa fee information visit the Department of Immigration website.
In addition, take note of your Transaction Reference Number (TRN). This number, along with your passport number and date of birth, can be used to track the status of your visa application.
If you have questions about your online visa application after it has been submitted, or you would like to find out the status of your visa, you can email the e-visa helpdesk at eVisa.Students.Helpdesk@immi.gov.au.
You may also speak directly with an Australian immigration officer by calling 1 613 216 7603 between 10 am and 5 pm ET Monday to Friday. For more information about the student visa process, click here.
Additional Documentation for the Student Visa
In some circumstances, you will be contacted by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to provide more information, undergo a health check or schedule an interview with an immigration officer.
When you apply through the e-visa system, you will be notified via email if you need to supply an x-ray or any medical forms. If necessary, medical forms can be downloaded from the Department of Immigration website and mailed to the Australian Embassy in Washington, DC or Australian High Commission in Ottawa for processing.
Students with Citizenship from Another Country (non-US or non-Canadian Citizen)
If you hold citizenship from a country other than the US or Canada but are residing legally in the US or Canada, you can apply for your visa at either the Australian Embassy in Washington, DC or Australian High Commission in Ottawa. For more information please contact the Information Service for Australian Visas by calling 1 613 216 7603 between 10am and 5pm ET Monday to Friday, or visit the Department of Immigration website.