You should respond to any requests for information promptly. You do not need to wait until the deadline to respond to a Departmental request for further information. You should also regularly log into your ImmiAccounts to check
for messages from the Department and respond promptly.
You should avoid booking travel before your visa has been finalised.

1. Status updates
   If it is within standard processing times do not call. We can’t provide any further updates on the application’s
   progress. You can see if we have asked for more information in your ImmiAccount.
2. Biometrics
   We might ask for biometrics. Most applicants will be advised immediately after submitting an application if you
   need to provide biometrics. You will receive a letter and will also be able to see this request in your ImmiAccount.
   You will be given 14 days to provide biometrics so it is important to arrange an appointment quickly using the
   instructions in the request letter.
   You must provide biometrics before travelling to Australia.
3. Health exams
   If you did not have health examinations before you applied, check ImmiAccount to find out if you need them.
   See the medical referral letter with your Health Assessment Portal (HAP) ID and further directions in ImmiAccount.

4. Stay lawful in Australia
   Make sure you stay lawful by holding a valid visa while we process your application.
   If you were in Australia when you applied for this visa, you were granted a Bridging visa A (BVA). If your current
   visa expires before we decide on your application, the BVA will start. You can stay in Australia on the BVA while
   we process your new visa application. You cannot travel on the BVA – there is no right of return on this visa; it
   cancels on departure.
   Do not cancel your current visa. If you do, you will:
   •  be staying in Australia unlawfully
   •  not be eligible for a Bridging visa A
   Learn more about visa expiry.

5. Travel after you apply
   You do not have to tell us if you want to travel outside Australia while we process your application. This is because
   you can be outside Australia when we make a decision.
   But if you leave Australia, make sure your visa allows you to return. If you have a Bridging visa A, it will cease if
   you leave Australia.
   If you have a BVA and substantial reasons for travel, then a Bridging visa B (BVB) enables return to Australia while
   your application is being processed.
   To see if you can return on your current visa, check VEVO.
   Learn about visa expiry.

6. Providing more information
   Lodging a complete application will ensure your visa is not delayed. If you did not attach all your documents when
   you applied, attach them as soon as you can in ImmiAccount. The Department may finalise your application based
   on the information you provided when you first lodged your visa, so it is recommended that you lodge a complete
   application. You can attach a maximum of 60 documents. We might also ask you to provide more information.
7. Add family members
   Your eligible family members can:
   • Accompany you to Australia if you have included them in your visa application
   • Join you in Australia, after you have been granted your visa, as a subsequent entrant. You must have declared these family members in your student visa application.
   • Declare all family members on your application, even if they do not plan to travel with you to Australia. If you
   do not do this, your family members will not be eligible for a student visa to join you in Australia.
   If you did not declare a family member and they need to join you in Australia at a later date, you will need to apply for a new student visa including them and explain why they were not included on your application. An exception to this is if they became your family members after your student visa was granted and before a subsequent application is made.
   Newborn children: Find out what to do if your child is born after you apply.
8. Mistakes on your application
   Let us know as soon as you can.
   Complete Form 1023 Notification of incorrect answers (168KB PDF) Or If you currently have a visa application in
   ImmiAccount that is not yet finalised, sign into ImmiAccount and select ‘Update Details’ from the Menu option.
   Choose ‘Notification of incorrect answers’ from the list and provide the correct information.
9. Help with your application
   Let us know if you no longer want someone to:
   •  receive your correspondence – complete Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient (301KB PDF)
   •provide immigration advice – complete Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or
   exempt person (308KB PDF).
   Upload your written notification or your forms to ImmiAccount.
   For more information see Who can help you with your application.
10. Tell us if things change
    Things you need to let us know about include:
    •  you want to withdraw your application
    •  changes to your phone number, address or passport
    •  changes to your relationship status
    •  the birth of a child
    •  changes to your welfare arrangements.
    See how to tell us if your situation changes.
11. Education provider default
    Education provider default occurs when a registered education provider in Australia:
    • closes, or can’t deliver your course because they have been sanctioned.
    If after lodging your student visa application your provider has defaulted, you will need to provide a new CoE for a new education provider.
    See more about education provider defaults.