Applications by post or in person

Pre-visa assessment

When you lodge your visa application outside Australia, the department conducts a pre-visa assessment (PVA).

The table below describes each stage of the process.

Stage	Who	Description
1	Student	Lodge your application with a copy of the Letter of Offer from your education provider. Important: You must not pay the course fees or have medical tests until you receive this letter.
2	Department	The department completes a pre-visa assessment of your application. A letter will be sent advising whether you are considered a 'genuine' student. If you are assessed as a non-genuine student, your visa application will be refused. If you are assessed as genuine, see Step 3.
3	Student	Once you receive the letter, you can: have your medical tests (if required) pay your fees obtain and send to the department your Confirmation of Enrolment.
4	Department	The department makes a final assessment of your application.

Note: If you are assessed as a genuine student, you must also meet all other requirements to be granted a student visa.

Application information

This information helps you with the requirements for certifying and translating documents, communicating with the department, using a migration agent, and more.
See: Additional Information for your Application

Important: Applicants who provide false or misleading information may either have their applications refused, or their visa to remain in Australia cancelled.

Application checklists

The application checklist details the information and supporting documents that you must provide with your application. Complete applications are likely to be processed more quickly. Incomplete applications may be delayed or, in some cases, refused.
See: Application Checklist Higher Education visa (Subclass 573) Assessment Level 4 (94KB PDF file)

Application form

Complete an application form.
See: Form 157A Application for a student visa (537KB PDF file)
See also: Addendum to Form 157A – Application for a Student visa ( 28KB PDF file)

Where to lodge your application

Lodge your application by post or in person at your nearest departmental office.
See: Contact Us

Note

• If you are a citizen of The People's Republic of China and applying outside Australia your application will be processed at the Adelaide Offshore Student Processing Centre.
  See: Lodgement for Citizens of People's Republic of China
• If you are a citizen of Pakistan (living in Pakistan or New Zealand) your application will be processed at the Adelaide Offshore Student Processing Centre.
  See: Lodgement Procedure for Citizens of Pakistan

After you lodge your application

Information about what happens after you lodge your application.
See: After You Have Lodged Your Application