Renewing your Visa

What do I need to renew my visa?

Most students will need:

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
the correct checklist from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website
a completed application form (either online or via a downloaded form).

Where do I get my CoE?

If you are a completing your current program of study

If you are a completing your current program of study, Enrolment Services in the Student Centre produces your CoE.

If you are entering a new course of study

If you are entering a new course of study, the International Office on the lower ground floor of the Registry Building produces your CoE.

When should I apply for my COE?

We recommend that you apply for a CoE between four and six weeks before your current visa expires.

You must lodge a valid application with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) no earlier than six weeks, and at least two weeks, before your current visa expires. You are responsible for maintaining your lawful status in Australia.

E-visa lodgements

DIAC encourages student e-visa lodgements because these applications receive priority processing.

How do I arrange a new CoE for a visa extension in my current course?

Deliver your request in writing to Enrolment Services in the Student Centre, or email student.visa@flinders.edu.au.

Your written request must include:

your name
student ID number
the program you are studying
your current visa details, including expiry date
the date you intend to complete your course.

Please allow at least 1 week for processing (longer during peak periods).

AusAID students (576)

Before you start the process of applying for a further student visa, you must have permission from AusAID to extend your visa. This is normally only provided on the grounds of academic failure. You do not need a CoE.

More information

Contact the AusAID Liaison Officer for more information.

Research Higher Degree students

Extending a Research Higher Degree (574)

As well as extending your visa, you need to talk to your supervisor(s) about extending your candidature.

More information

Contact your faculty office [link to faculty office contact details] or check your faculty website to download the extension request form.

Can I stay on a student visa if I am waiting for the results of my Research Higher Degree (574) thesis examination?

Yes. You do not need a CoE, but you will need a letter from the International Student Services Unit (ISSU) that confirms the date that you submitted your thesis.

You can only extend your visa for 3 months at first, with one more extension possible.

Completing the Application Checklist

You must download the Application Checklist to make sure that you lodge a correctly completed application.

Note: Different requirements apply to students from different countries and in different courses, because the checklist is based on your Assessment Level. This is why it is important to download your own checklist.

How do I complete my visa application?

Online applications

Complete the following steps.

Ensure you have your CoE.
Go to the DIAC website and go to Student Visa Options.
Follow the DIAC instructions to complete your application.

Hardcopy applications

Complete the following steps.

Ensure you have your CoE.
Complete form 157A (you can get this from the DIAC office, or the DIAC website).
Follow the instructions on the form to pay for your application.
Place your application, with your receipt attached, in the lodgment box at DIAC.
Note: If your visa is due to expire immediately, speak to DIAC counter staff.

Do you need a health check?

Your checklist will show whether or not you need to have a health check.

If you do need to have a health check, complete the following steps.

Obtain copies of the DIAC forms 160 and 26.
Have your chest x-ray. To do this, take your passport and a current passport size photo to the Chest Clinic at 275 North Terrace, Adelaide. The Clinic is open Mondays to Fridays 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Note:

You must complete Parts A and E of form 160
You should have your chest x-ray before you make the appointment for your medical.
If you are pregnant, or believe that you might be pregnant, you must tell the radiologist.
Children under 10 years do not normally require a chest x-ray.

After your x-ray, contact Health Services Australia (HSA), the organisation that provides health checks for visa applicants, to book in for your health check. The nearest HSA is the Adelaide Office on Level 8 West, Commonwealth Centre, 55 Currie Street, Adelaide.

Note:

If you are booking for you and your family members, phone 1300 361 046 to make your appointment.
Otherwise, you can book online at Health Services Australia
You will be charged a cancellation fee if you do not attend your appointment.

Take your completed Form 26 to your health check.

Note:

Health checks cost a minimum of $241, and can cost up to $348 for students in medicine or nursing.
If you plan to apply for a permanent visa in the next 12 months, you can request a permanent visa health check, which will cost at least $296.