Switching from a 408 visa to a 500 visa needs a strategic process and consultant support. Usually, the 408 visa in Australia is used for temporary work activities and short-term stays. However the 500 visa is used by international students to study in Australia. If you want to transition your 408 visa to a 500 visa, then you should follow the step-by-step application process and enroll in the registered course. While switching from a 408 visa to a Student visa 500 in Australia, you should prepare complete documentation, get professional support, and avoid mistakes.
There are some mistakes in student visa applications that you should avoid to prevent visa refusals, delays, and legal complications. If you want to stay in Australia for higher studies, then you must understand the transition process and avoid common mistakes.
In this blog, we tell you the top mistakes that you should avoid while converting your Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) to 500 visas. If you want to make the process simpler, then get our expert guidance at Pathway Education.
Pathway Education: Your Trusted Partner for Visa Transition
Pathway Education is specialized to help international students convert their 408 visas to 500 visas. Our expert team is available to provide you with course selection help, personalized advice, and ensure that your application meets immigration requirements. Here is why you should choose for your visa transition
- Registered migration agents
- Education Pathways for career goals
- 100% compliance to avoid rejections
- Affordable consultation
Mistakes to Avoid While Transitioning 408 Visa to 500 Visa
While transitioning Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) to a student visa, you should avoid some common mistakes as follows as
- Apply When the 408 Visa Expires
The major mistake people make is waiting for too long to apply for Student visa 500. If your 408 visa is expired, and you do not apply for a 500 visa application, then it increases the risk of visa delays or refusals by Australian authorities. So, it is suggested to stay aware of your visa expiration date and apply for a 500 visa before the 408 visa expires. It ensures that you get Bridging Visa A (BVA), and stay legally in Australia till your student visa is processed.
- Submit an Incomplete GTE Statement
The other mistake to avoid is by submitting incomplete GTE statements. To transition your 408 visa to a 500 visa, you must submit your GTE statement. Do not submit a poorly written or generic statement, otherwise it results in visa refusals.
Your complete GTE statement must consist of the reasons why you want to study in Australian universities, how this course aligns with your career goals, your aim to return home after course completion, your personal and economic ties to your home country.
- Choose Unregistered Course
Do not choose the unregistered or non-CRICOS course while applying for a student visa, otherwise, it will lead to visa refusals or delays. It is suggested to apply for courses registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Always verify the course first on the CRICOS website beforetransitioning 408 visa to a 500 visa.
- Inadequate Financial Planning
The international students who want to convert their 408 visa to a 500 visa must submit their financial proof. If you fail to show your funds proof, then you get visa refusals. So, showing enough funds to cover living costs, tuition fees, and health insurance is important.
It is suggested to create a financial plan that consists of all expenses related to your study in Australia along with living costs. You should carry your financial statements, sponsor letters, or other documents ahead of your visa application.
- Submit Wrong or Incomplete Documents
Another mistake you should avoid while switching from a 408 visa to a Student visa 500 is submitting incomplete documents. You should submit all documents important for student visa application, so you get fast visa approval. If you miss even a single document, then it leads to your visa application cancellation or rejection. So, it is suggested to submit all your documents and enjoy a hassle-free 500 visa application process.
- Provision of Fake Details
International students make major mistakes in 500 visa applications by submitting the wrong details in their application form. This mistake can cause cancellation of your visa. There are many people who submit false information on visa forms and submit wrong details to visa officers. But during verification, the visa officers spot the wrong details, and reject your application. To avoid student visa application rejection, you should submit your accurate details.
- Not Fulfilling Health Requirements
The Department of Home Affairs Australia conducts the health tests before giving you 500 visa approval. So, while transitioning from a 408 visa to a 500 visa, you should undergo health exams, and prove that your body is free from diseases like TB, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS etc.
If you submit fake health reports but later test positive with them, then it leads to your Australian student visa rejection. To avoid rejection, you should fulfill health requirements and ensure that you are really away from such diseases mentioned above.
- Underestimate Language Proficiency Requirements
Australia has set the language proficiency requirements for students who apply for 500 visas. Failing these requirements or submitting inadequate language test scores can reject your application.
So while converting a Temporary activity visa (subclass 408) to a 500 visa, it is suggested to take language proficiency tests earlier and ensure that your score meets the Australian requirements as per your selected course and institute.
- Not Get Professional Help
One of the biggest mistakes international students can make while transitioning from a 408 visa to 500 visa is not getting professional support. It looks like a simple process, but there are many deep requirements and compliance required to get Australian student visa approval.
So, getting migration agent support is important to avail guidance and assistance during the 500 visa application process, and increase chances of visa approvals.
Conclusion
Transitioning from a 408 visa to a student visa requires proper planning, close attention to detail, and adherence to visa regulations. You must avoid the above mistakes, and follow the expert’s tips, to navigate through the Australia visa application process, and increase your chances of approvals.
Note that each university has specific requirements and processes, so ensure to meet eligibility and complete the application process to get 500 visa approvals in a short time. With proper preparation and professional guidance by Pathway Education, you can start your study journey in Australia with legal status and confidence.
FAQs
1) Can I apply for an Australian student visa while on a 408 visa?
Yes, you can apply for a 500 visa when currently holding a 408 visa. The immigration consultants recommended you apply for a student visa before the expiry date of the 408 visas, so you get fast and smooth visa approvals and pursue your studies there.
2) Will I get Bridging Visa A if I apply for a 500 visa before the 408 visa expiration?
Yes, you get bridging visa A if you apply for a student visa before the expiry of the 408 visa. It provides you legal rights to stay in Australia till your student visa is processed.
3) Is it important to submit a GTE statement to apply for a 500 visa?
Yes, to successfully transition from a 408 visa to a 500 visa, you should submit your GTE statement. This statement demonstrates your reasons for studying in Australia, and shows your intention to return back to your home country after course completion.
4) How much funds do I need to show while applying for a 500 visa?
You should show your financial proof to demonstrate that you are able to cover your living costs, tuition fees, travel expenses, and health insurance. It consists of your income proof from sponsor, bank statements and education loans.
5) Can I work on a 500 visa in Australia?
Yes, a student 500 visa in Australia allows you to work up to 48 hours fortnight during your course duration. You are also eligible to travel in and out of Australia with 500 visas.
Read Also: 408 to 500 Visa in Australia: Eligibility Criteria You Need to Know
