As an international student, your visa is the most important technical/legal asset in Australia. It is not surprising, especially in Sydney, to endure long periods of wait and paperwork to ensure a standard and valid international student state. DIMIA, the department of immigration and multicultural and indigenous affairs, is almost never a deserted territory. Considering the large number of international students, it is a wise strategy to know all the facts, requirements and spare a significant time-margin when you are applying for a new visa or to extend your current visa.

First things first. Applying from overseas is pretty straight forward. Always make sure you are up to date with the requirements, either from DIMIA’s website or representatives in your designated country. Ensure your application is fully completed; certify all the required documents, including translations, recent statements, certificates, English requirements, academic transcripts, work recommendations, etc. The more complete your application is, the less time it will need to be processed.

When it comes to extending or renewing your visa, for one reason or another, a similar strategy is needed. DIMIA is 5 minutes away from UTS, which is awesome! But before you lodge your application, it is crucial to make sure everything is in place. All the documents are attached and certified. It’s always good to provide more documents than required, recommendations and detailed scripts. DIMIA’s website was recently updated making it easier to retrieve the information in concern; it’s more accessible and more user friendly in contrast with the heaps of information and details for all the different conditions, types of visas and immigration.

The reason for this big fuss about a fully complete application is very rational. Once your application is missing a document, it will be placed at the end of the pile until you provide that document(s). And it will not be a matter of days until it is re-processed; it’s a matter of weeks and sometimes months if the re-provided documents were not complete! The large number of application, especially students’ application, is tremendous. And in a place like Sydney, UTS as well as many universities and academic institutions have a large number of international students.

The e-visa is also encouraged by DIMIA. It’s a similar process but online; you would fill an online application and attach specially certified documents in a digital format; and should take less time to process as advised by DIMIA’s representatives.

Soooo..briefly, think, plan ahead, allow a time margin and ensure your application is complete with all the documents attached before you lodge it. Make sure to keep a record and copies of everything you submit for future references!

…maher