From 1 January 2026, all VETASSESS Pathway 1 applicants will be required to complete and submit a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills (LLND) assessment as part of their Documentary Evidence Assessment application.
This new requirement aligns with updated compliance standards, ensuring that Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) appropriately assess these core skills for individuals seeking an Australian qualification.
How to Submit Your LLND Assessment
Applicants must:
Download the LLND assessment form from the Evidence Upload section of the online portal
Complete all sections of the form accurately
Upload the completed form along with the required supporting documents when lodging the application
New Video Guides
Updated occupation-specific video guides will be released on 1 January 2026. Applicants are advised to download the latest versions from the official website before preparing and submitting their video evidence to ensure compliance with the updated requirements.
For guidance and application support, contact EMK Global—our team is here to assist you at every step.
Extending a student visa in Australia is a common step for thousands of international students who need more time to complete their studies, start a new program, or switch courses. A student visa extension ensures lawful stay, continued study, work rights, and smooth transition into future pathways such as Temporary Graduate Visa (485), higher education programs, or migration goals.
This SEO-optimised guide explains everything about Australian Student Visa Extensions in 2025, including:
✔ Reasons you must extend
✔ Documents required
✔ Step-by-step lodgement process
✔ Fees, processing times, and common mistakes
✔ COE, GTE, OSHC requirements
✔ Onshore vs offshore extensions
✔ Tips for faster approval
✔ FAQs
1. What Is a Student Visa Extension in Australia?
A Student Visa Extension refers to lodging a new Subclass 500 visa when the current visa is about to expire but the student needs additional time to continue studying.
Since visas cannot be “extended” in the traditional sense, the student must apply for a fresh Subclass 500 visa.
2. Who Needs to Apply for a Student Visa Extension?
The following situations typically require a new 500 visa application:
3. Required Documents for Student Visa Extension (Subclass 500)
Below is a complete list of documents typically required for a new student visa lodgment:
4. Financial Requirements for Student Visa Extension
Financial capacity must cover tuition fees + living costs + travel.
Students may show: – Bank statements – Savings – Sponsor’s financial support – Education loan – Scholarship letter – Stipend letter (for research students)
5. OSHC Requirement for Extension
A valid Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory.
The OSHC date must: – Start from visa lodgment – Cover the entire future duration of the COE
Students often upload: – OSHC certificate – Payment receipt – Provider confirmation letter
6. Updated COE Requirement
A valid Confirmation of Enrolment is essential.
Situations requiring a fresh COE: – Course extended – A new pathway started – Course change – Institutional transfer
7. Step-by-Step Process to Extend Student Visa in Australia
Step 1: Update Enrollment & Obtain New COE Request your institution to issue a revised or new COE.
Step 2: Purchase/Extend OSHC Extend OSHC up to the new end date.
Step 3: Prepare GTE Statement Explain: · Course progression · Why more time is needed · How the course benefits future goals
Step 4: Gather Financial Evidence Ensure funds are accessible and verifiable.
Step 5: Lodge Application via ImmiAccount Upload documents, pay visa fee, complete forms.
Step 6: Biometrics & Medicals (if requested) Attend biometrics and medical examinations promptly.
Step 7: Wait for Outcome During processing, onshore applicants receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) allowing lawful stay.
Most extensions take several weeks to a few months.
9. Visa Fees for Student Visa Extension (Subclass 500)
A new visa application fee applies during an extension.
Other costs: ✔ OSHC ✔ Medical examinations ✔ Biometrics
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid
11. Tips for a Faster and Stronger Visa Outcome
Lodge before visa expiry
Provide clear financial evidence
Strong academic progression
Detailed GTE
Correct OSHC duration
Upload all documents upfront
Respond quickly to requests
12. Who Can Include Dependants?
Dependants can be included if: · They were declared previously · They meet health and character requirements · They hold valid OSHC
13. After Visa Approval – What Happens Next?
Upon approval, the new visa will include: · Visa validity period · Work rights · Study rights · Conditions such as 8105 (work limitation) or 8202 (attendance requirement)
14. Final Thoughts
Student visa extensions are routine but must be handled professionally to avoid delays or refusal. The key to success is:
Updated COE
Sufficient financial evidence
Strong GTE
Valid OSHC
Early application
A well-prepared extension ensures continued lawful stay, uninterrupted study, and smooth transition into graduate, postgraduate, or PR pathways.
· “Regional Australia” — for migration incentives — generally means areas outside the major metro cities: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
· This includes both:
o “Major regional centres / smaller cities” (Category 2) — e.g. Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Wollongong/Illawarra, Newcastle/Lake-Macquarie, Hobart, among others.
o “Other regional / rural / less populated areas” (Category 3) — smaller towns, regional centres, rural zones.
If you study or live in these areas (and meet other requirements), you become eligible for certain “regional-area incentives” under Australia’s migration/PR system.
What Are the Key Advantages of Regional Study for PR
Extra Points for Skilled Migration
· Completing a qualification in a designated regional area gives you +5 extra points under the points-based skilled migration visa system.
· This bonus can make the difference between reaching the points threshold or missing out — especially when competition is high.
Longer Post-Study Work Rights
· If you graduate from a regional institution and live/study in a regional area, you may get extended stay/work rights after finishing your degree under the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
· For many regional graduates, this means more time to gain relevant Australian work experience — crucial for future PR applications.
Better Chances for Employer or State Sponsorship
· Regional areas often face skill shortages (engineering, healthcare, trades, agriculture, etc.), making employers and local governments more willing to sponsor graduates who studied locally.
· For some state- or employer-sponsored visas (e.g. regional-specific visas), studying in regional Australia increases eligibility and favourability.
Lower Cost of Living — Financial Benefits
· Regional towns generally have lower rent, cheaper living costs, cheaper daily expenses compared with major cities.
· This can reduce financial pressure while studying or working, enabling you to save money — helpful if you plan to apply for PR, sponsorship, or other long-term plans.
Quality of Education & Lifestyle — More than Just PR
· Many regional universities provide good quality education, often with smaller class sizes, more personalised attention, and strong ties to local industry.
· Regional living can offer a safer, more community-oriented, relaxed lifestyle — easier integration, less stress, and better study-life balance.
Practical Pathways: How Regional Study + Visa Options Work
Here’s a simplified flow of how regional study can lead toward PR (or at least stronger PR prospects):
Important to note: The extra points and benefits usually apply only if you stay/studied/lived in a “designated regional area” as per government definitions.
What to Check / What to Be Cautious About
· Make sure campus / area is officially “regional”. Not all campuses outside big cities are automatically “regional” under visa rules — you must check the government’s regional area list.
· Duration requirements: Some incentives (extra post-study work years, second graduate visa eligibility) may require you to live and study in a regional area for a certain period.
· Course and occupation relevance matters: Studying in a regional area helps — but PR or skilled-migration success also depends heavily on your field, skills demand, and work experience after graduation.
· Regional shortage of job competition: While there are opportunities, regional areas may have fewer employers — you need to ensure your field matches regional demand.
· Lifestyle trade-offs: Regional life might mean less nightlife / fewer amenities compared with big cities. Useful to balance expectations.
Who Should Prefer Regional Study If Their Goal Is PR
If you are:
· Looking for maximum advantage under the points-based skilled migration (e.g. you’ll need every possible extra point).
· Open to living outside big cities and comfortable with regional/rural lifestyle.
· In a field with demand in regional areas (healthcare, engineering, trades, agriculture, etc.).
· Wanting more time after graduation to build work experience and a strong PR profile (via 485 + work + sponsorship).
· Budget-conscious and want lower living costs while studying/working.
— then regional universities / regional Australia is a very strong strategic choice.
What’s New & Relevant (2024–2025 Policy Context)
· The government continues to encourage regional migration, offering migration-incentives and extended post-study rights to regional-area graduates to help address skill shortages and relieve pressure on big metros.
· Many regional graduates make up a significant portion of international students who successfully transition to PR through skilled-migration pathways.
· Regional scholarships and funding support (e.g. under programs like Destination Australia) remain available to encourage international students to choose regional institutions.
Conclusion & Recommendation
Studying in regional Australia can be one of the smartest strategies to improve your Permanent Residency (PR) chances — especially if you plan carefully: pick a regional campus recognised under visa rules, choose a field in demand, stay and work in regional areas after graduation, and leverage the regional-study bonus points + extended work rights + employer/state sponsorship opportunities.
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