Student Visa Lawyer: Subclass 500 Applications, Refusals and the 485
The Student visa (subclass 500) lets you study full time at a registered Australian institution. To obtain a grant you need a Confirmation of Enrolment, you must satisfy the Genuine Student requirement, and you must show you can genuinely afford your course, living costs and travel.
Since 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for a Student visa from inside Australia. Our migration lawyers help students and families get the application right the first time, in Sydney, in Melbourne or by video call.
- Fixed fees, agreed up front
- Offices in Sydney and Melbourne
- Video consultations Australia-wide
- Led by Principal Lawyer Tina Nematian
How we help with student visas
Subclass 500 visa applications
We prepare and lodge complete Student visa applications: Confirmation of Enrolment, Genuine Student answers, financial evidence, health cover and character documents. We first confirm where you may lodge, because an invalid onshore application cannot be reviewed at the Tribunal.
Learn moreGenuine Student requirement
The Genuine Student requirement decides most Student visa applications, and the Department gives more weight to answers supported by evidence. We help you answer each question within the word limit and choose documents that keep your course choice, finances and plans consistent.
Learn moreFinancial capacity evidence
As at October 2026, a single student must show $29,710 for 12 months of living costs, plus the first year of course fees and travel, and the funds must be genuinely available. We match your evidence to the correct figures for your family composition.
Learn morePartners and dependent children
Most new applications can no longer include a partner or children, and family cannot be added after grant. Exemptions remain for PhD students, DFAT or Defence sponsored students, foreign government scholarship holders and eligible Pacific and ASEAN students. We check whether one fits before you lodge.
Learn moreWork rights and condition 8105
Most Student visa holders may work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks. We advise on what counts towards the cap and what can happen if you go over it.
Learn moreTemporary Graduate visa (485)
When your course ends, the Subclass 485 can let you live, work and study in Australia. We advise on timing the application, the current charge, and how the 485 interacts with further study, because a 485 holder cannot lodge a Student visa from inside Australia.
Learn moreChanging courses or providers
Moving up the qualifications framework, transferring providers and extending with the same provider are now regulated steps with their own windows. We map your next enrolment against the rules before you commit, so a course change does not strand your visa position.
Learn moreStudent visa refusals
If your Student visa was refused in Australia, you can generally apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal, and the short deadline cannot be extended. Most student reviews are now decided on the papers, so the written submission carries the case.
Learn more
What decides a Student visa application in 2026
Every Student visa application is decided against the same core tests.
- Enrolment. You need a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered course, and a further onshore course generally has to sit higher on the Australian Qualifications Framework than the one you finished.
- The Genuine Student requirement. The Department weighs your circumstances, study history, reasons for the course and provider, and immigration history, and gives more weight to evidence-backed statements. The online form allows 150 words per answer. See the Department's Genuine Student page.
- Financial capacity. As at October 2026 the 12 month living cost figure is $29,710 for the student, $10,394 for a partner and $4,449 for each child, plus school costs, the first year of course fees and travel. The funds must be genuinely available to you.
- Health, character and insurance. Students need Overseas Student Health Cover, and health and character checks apply.
The base application charge for most applicants is $2,500 from 1 July 2026, with lower charges for some cohorts. Check the Department's current visa pricing before you pay.
Where you lodge is now a threshold question. From 2 October 2026, holders of 17 listed classes of temporary visa cannot make a valid Student visa application in Australia, current students need an exemption to apply onshore, and anyone required to lodge offshore must be offshore at grant. Our guide to the October 2026 changes lists every class and exemption.
After your course: the 485 and what comes next
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa is the usual next step, letting graduates live, work and study in Australia after their course. As at 2 October 2026 the base charge for most first-time applicants is $5,750, and the visa is generally once in a lifetime as the main applicant.
Two rules catch graduates planning further study. A 485 holder cannot lodge a Student visa onshore, a rule in place since 1 July 2024 and remade in October 2026. And the Government has announced that family members will no longer be attachable to 485 visas, though as at October 2026 that is announced only, not law. Our 485 changes guide tracks what is law and what is not.
If permanent residence is the goal, plan the skills assessment and points claim while you are on the 485. Our skilled migration service covers the 189, 190 and 491 pathways.
If your student visa is refused
Refusals are common enough to plan for. The Department's own program data shows a 21.8 per cent refusal rate for Student visa decisions in 2025-26, the highest in its published series, with the Genuine Student requirement and financial capacity the most discussed grounds. Our refusal rates analysis has the breakdown.
If you applied in Australia, you can generally seek review at the Administrative Review Tribunal within 28 days of notification, and the Tribunal cannot extend the time. Since 1 June 2026 most student reviews are decided on the papers, without a hearing, so your written submissions are effectively the whole case. If you applied offshore, review is generally unavailable and a fresh application addressing the reasons is the usual path, though the section 48 bar, the October 2026 onshore rules and any bogus document finding can shape what you may lodge next. Bring us the refusal letter and the date you received it quickly. Our appeals service explains how we run reviews.
Talk to a lawyer about your situation
Book a ConsultationBadges
Awards and Affiliations











Google Reviews
We believe in the power of migration.
Simplifying Immigration, Connecting Humanity.
Gwen Coghill
1 year ago
Tina and Deepika have guided me through, what felt to me, like a complex case.
They answered my endless questions with empathy and used terms I would understand. I was lacking confidence of the process at times, but I was reassured by both of them when needed. Overall a pleasure to work with. Thank you for getting me over every hurdle that popped up and managing to have all our visas granted in such a short amount of time. I am so glad that I found Tina again, I was also so pleased to find she had her own law firm from the last time we spoke. Very well deserved.
Reza
1 year ago
We had the pleasure of working with Tina and her team recently. My partner and I were in a very stressful situation due to a sudden change in our circumstances. Tina gave us a clear plan, spent enough time addressing our concerns, and kept us informed throughout the process. She and her team helped us effectively with my wife's visa within a very short timeframe. I would strongly recommend One Planet Migration Law.
Taraneh Kassiri
1 year ago
Tina’s help was indispensable when I began the process of moving to Australia. She helped my husband and I work through the paperwork and gain clarity on what was needed. Without her, the process would have been so much more difficult. We’re very grateful for her assistance, which she carried out professionally, responsiveness, clarity and joy
Josh
1 year ago
So great at their jobs. Absolutely a dream to work with. These people go above and beyond and as a Canadian lawyer myself, I cannot think of another time I've worked professionally with people who are so kind, diligent, and competent. I cannot recommend One Planet enough.
shaghayegh lotfi
1 year ago
I’m incredibly grateful to Tina Masrour, Deepika, and Rhel from One Planet for their outstanding support with my parents’ Subclass 600 Tourist Visa application. Thanks to their expertise, professionalism, and attention to detail, both of my parents received their visas with a smooth and successful outcome.
I truly appreciate their hard work, responsibility, and patience throughout the process. They were clear, responsive, and genuinely committed to helping us. I highly recommend One Planet Immigration to anyone in need of expert immigration assistance. Thank you again for everything!
Anton Jordaan
1 year ago
Appreciate the meeting with Tina. She is an experienced professional who thinks laterally, and methodically presented various visa application and success data in a way that guides and supports informed decision making.
Thivanka Silva
1 year ago
Figuring out the PR process felt really confusing, but One Planet Migration really helped me find the right way forward. Tina was super helpful and gave me so much useful information. If you're trying to understand the PR process and want great support, especially from someone as helpful as Tina, I definitely recommend One Planet Migration.
Mel
2 years ago
Thank you Deepika and Tina for assisting me all throughout my visa application. It's been a breeze and I am grateful.
Naim Smith
2 years ago
Tina Masrour and the team at One Planet Migration Law were a great resource in guiding us through our application for migration to Australia. From the initial consultation, to getting my qualifications recognized by Engineers Australia and submitting an expression of interest on our behalf they demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the immigration process, providing clear and accurate guidance at every step. They took the time to understand our unique circumstances and tailored their advice accordingly. I would highly recommend them to anyone considering migration to Australia.
Talk to a student visa lawyer
Bring your Confirmation of Enrolment, your current visa and any refusal letter, and we will tell you what is realistic. Consultations are with Tina Nematian or Ivana Djoneski, in Sydney, in Melbourne or by video call. Book a consultation.
Student and graduate visas: our guides
Plain-English guides written by our lawyers. General information only, not legal advice for your situation.
485 Visa New Rules 2026: What Has Changed for Temporary Graduates
The 485 visa rules in 2026: two charge rises, the onshore Student visa bar and an announced family member restriction, with what is law and what is...
Student Visa Changes in Australia: What Changed on 2 October 2026
From 2 October 2026 most temporary visa holders must apply for a Student visa offshore. The 17 barred visa classes, the onshore exemptions, where you...
Student Visa (Subclass 500) Financial Requirements 2026: How Much You Need
How much money you need for a Subclass 500 student visa in 2026: AUD $29,710 living costs plus fees and travel, proof of funds rules and refusal...
Student Visa Work Hours in Australia: The 48-Hour Fortnight Cap Explained
How many hours can a Subclass 500 student work in Australia? The 48-hour fortnight cap, exceptions, condition 8105, and the funds you must show,...
485 Visa Fee Doubled to $4,600: What Graduates Need to Know in 2026
Australia's 485 graduate visa fee jumped from $2,300 to $4,600 on 1 March 2026. Full breakdown of new costs, exemptions, and alternative visa...
From Graduation to Work: Applying for the Post Study Work Visa Australia
Secure your future with a Post Study Work Visa in Australia. Learn how this opportunity can enhance your career and provide valuable international...
All 11 guides on student and graduate visas
- Australia Introduces Genuine Student (GS) Requirement for Student Visas
- Student Visa Australia: Key Requirements, Genuine Student Test & Tips for Approval
- Visa Hopping and Student Visas: The Government’s recent changes to strengthen the integrity of the student visa program
- Age Limit Maintained at 50 for PhD & Master’s applicants of the Subclass 485 Visa
- Changes to Australia’s Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa from 1 July 2024
Frequently asked questions
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
It applies to applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024, replacing the old Genuine Temporary Entrant test. The Department asks whether you are a genuine applicant for entry and stay as a student, weighing your circumstances, study history, course choice and immigration history, and gives more weight to evidence-backed statements. The online form allows 150 words per answer.
How much money do I need to show for a student visa?
As at October 2026, a single student must show $29,710 for 12 months of living costs, plus the first year of course fees and travel. A partner adds $10,394, each child $4,449, plus $13,502 a year school costs per school-age child. Our financial capacity guide explains the evidence.
How much is the student visa application charge?
From 1 July 2026 the base charge is $2,500 for most applicants, $2,050 for ASEAN passport holders and ELICOS or non-award students, and $745 for Pacific and Timor-Leste passport holders, as at October 2026. Confirm the figure before lodging. Our 2026 visa fees guide covers the program.
Can I apply for a student visa while I am in Australia?
It depends on the visa you hold. From 2 October 2026, holders of 17 listed temporary visa classes, including visitor, working holiday, 482 and 485 visas, cannot apply in Australia. Current students need an exemption, and anyone required to apply offshore must be offshore at grant. See our October 2026 changes guide.
Can I include my partner or children in my student visa?
Most new applicants cannot include a partner or dependent children, and no student can add family after grant. Exemptions remain for PhD students, students sponsored by DFAT or Defence, foreign government scholarship holders and eligible Pacific and ASEAN students. Our family members guide has the detail.
How many hours can I work on a student visa?
Up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, counted across all jobs combined, and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks and after course completion. Masters by research and PhD students may work more once their course starts. The limit is usually condition 8105, and breaching it can put your visa at risk. Our work hours guide has the detail.
Can I move from a student visa to a 485 or permanent residence?
Usually, if you meet the requirements. Graduates commonly move to the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, then to a skilled visa such as the 189, 190 or 491 with a skills assessment, points and an invitation. Note that a 485 holder cannot apply for a Student visa onshore. See our 485 guide and skilled visas page.
What can I do if my student visa is refused?
If you applied in Australia, you can generally apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal within 28 days of notification, and the Tribunal cannot extend that deadline. Most student reviews are now decided on the papers. If you applied offshore, review is generally unavailable and a fresh application addressing the reasons is the usual path. See our appeals service promptly.






