🛂Visa & Immigration

How to Extend Your Australian Student Visa Without Leaving the Country

Changing universities, extending your course, or starting a new program? Here's exactly how to apply for a new student visa from inside Australia.

AbroadDream Team6 min read1,567 views
Visa ExtensionBridging VisaBVACourse Extension

Can You Apply From Inside Australia?

Yes. If you are in Australia on a valid student visa and your study situation changes (new CoE, course extension, university transfer), you can apply for a new Subclass 500 visa online without leaving. You will be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) automatically while the new application is processed.

When You Need a New Visa Application

  • Your course finishes and you enrol in a new one at a different provider
  • Your course duration is extended beyond your current visa expiry
  • You switch from an undergraduate to a postgraduate program

What You Need

New CoE from your new/continuing provider, current OSHC extended to cover new end date, updated financial evidence if required, and a new GTE statement if your situation has changed.

Bridging Visa A (BVA) Explained

Once you submit the new application, your BVA kicks in automatically if your current visa expires before a decision is made. Your BVA carries the same work rights (48 hrs/fortnight) as your student visa. You CAN travel out of Australia on a BVA only if you have a Bridging Visa B (BVB) — apply for BVB before you travel.

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