Lodging the Subclass 500 Student Visa in ImmiAccount Step by Step

ImmiAccount: where you apply

The subclass 500 (Student) visa is lodged online through ImmiAccount, the Department of Home Affairs' application portal. You create a free account, complete the student visa application, attach your documents, and pay the visa application charge in one place.

Applying online lets you save a partly completed application, return to it later, and track its status after lodgement. Most applicants apply from outside Australia, but onshore applications use the same ImmiAccount system.

This is general information, not immigration advice. Confirm the current steps, forms and charges on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before you apply.

Before you start

Gather your key documents before opening the application, so you can complete it in fewer sittings. The exact list depends on your provider, your country and your main course of study, which the department uses to work out what evidence you must provide.

• A valid passport
• Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Evidence for the Genuine Student (GS) questions
• Financial capacity and English-language evidence as required
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) details
• Any health or character documents requested

The lodgement steps

The online flow is broadly the same for every applicant, though the questions you see are tailored to your answers. The student visa application is completed online; the underlying form is commonly referred to as form 157A.

• Create or log in to ImmiAccount on the Home Affairs website
• Start a new application and select the Student visa (subclass 500)
• Complete each section, including the GS responses
• Upload your supporting documents in the requested categories
• Pay the visa application charge to lodge the application
• Note your Transaction Reference Number (TRN) for tracking

After you lodge

Once you submit and pay, your application has a status you can follow inside ImmiAccount. The department may ask for more information, biometrics, health examinations, or a police certificate; respond by the date given.

Do not make non-refundable travel commitments based on an expected grant date. Processing times vary by case and are published on the Home Affairs website rather than guaranteed for any individual.

Keep your ImmiAccount details secure and your contact information current. Verify the current process, document requirements and charges on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before relying on them.