Applications by post or in person
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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.
|
3 |
Student |
Once you receive the letter, you can:
|
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 (531KB 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 in Adelaide. For more information :
See: Lodgement for Citizens of People's Republic of China
After you lodge your application
Information about what happens after you lodge your application.
See: After You Have Lodged Your Application