The Independent ELICOS (Subclass 570) student visa grants international students entry into Australia for the purpose of pursuing an ELICOS (English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students) program.

Eligibility: To qualify for this student visa, applicants must:

1. Present evidence of acceptance into an ELICOS course at an Australian institution, such as an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment code, Confirmation of Enrolment letter, or Letter of Offer.

2. Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover travel, tuition, and living expenses for themselves and any family members included in the application.

3. Meet the English language proficiency requirements established by the institution where they intend to study.

4. Fulfill various health requirements, including obtaining health insurance.

5. Comply with character requirements, typically involving a criminal record check.

6. Convince Australian authorities of their intent to abide by the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement and not overstay their visa.

Students under 18: Applicants below 18 years old must adhere to specific eligibility criteria:

1. Obtain a parent or guardian’s signature on their visa application. Alternatively, if the parent or guardian cannot sign, they can provide a statutory declaration letter granting permission for the student to travel to Australia, or submit a copy of Australian form 1229.

2. Reside with a parent, guardian, or another relative over 21 (nominated by a parent/guardian) while in Australia. If this isn’t feasible, alternative arrangements must be approved by the student’s Australian education provider.

Length of Stay: The Independent ELICOS (Subclass 570) student visa permits students to stay in Australia for the duration of their studies, plus an additional period based on the course length and its conclusion time:

1. Courses under 10 months: Visa valid for the entire course duration plus one month.

2. Courses of 10 months or more, ending between January and October: Visa valid for the full course duration plus two months.

3. Courses of 10 months or more, ending in November or December: Visa valid until March 15th of the following year.

Family: Applicants can include the following family members in their visa application:

1. Partners

2. Dependent children (including partners’ dependent children)

3. Dependent relatives (including partners’ dependent relatives)

Work: The student visa allows automatic work rights for up to 20 hours per week during study/term time and full-time during holidays. No separate work authorization is necessary. However, individuals under the school leaving age for the state they are studying in cannot work during study/term time (typically age 15 for most Australian states). Family members included in the visa can also work up to 20 hours per week year-round.