Hi everyone,

I have a Thai friend who has just come to Australia on a 3 month tourist visa. He has now decided that he would like to study an intensive English course however the conditions of his visa prohibit him from studying anymore than 4 weeks. All the course have a minumum 5 week duration. Would it be possible to make a visit to the immigration office in Brisbane and apply for a student visa? Bearing in mind he has no intention of staying longer than the 3 months allowed on his original visa. Would he have to apply for a course before applying for the visa? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi everyone,

I have a Thai friend who has just come to Australia on a 3 month tourist visa. He has now decided that he would like to study an intensive English course however the conditions of his visa prohibit him from studying anymore than 4 weeks. All the course have a minumum 5 week duration. Would it be possible to make a visit to the immigration office in Brisbane and apply for a student visa? Bearing in mind he has no intention of staying longer than the 3 months allowed on his original visa. Would he have to apply for a course before applying for the visa? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

From the website:

Visa conditions

The following conditions are generally always attached to a Tourist visa:

8101 - You must not engage in work in Australia

8201 - While in Australia you must not engage, for more than 3 months, in any studies or training

8205 - If you intend to study in a classroom environment for more than 4 weeks, a chest x-ray is required.

Note: If you are 11 years of age or older, and you intend to study in a classroom environment for a period of greater than 4 weeks, before commencing that study, you must pass a chest x-ray examination carried out by a medical practitioner who is qualified as a radiologist. Citizens from designated countries (see form 1163i) are exempt from this requirement. Please contact an office of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs for clarification before enrolling for study.

The following condition may be attached to a Tourist visa:

8503 - The holder will not, after entering Australia, be entitled to be granted a substantive visa, other than a Protection visa, while the holder remains in Australia.

If the 8503 condition is attached to your visa, it will be indicated on the visa label or in the letter advising you of the grant of your visa.

There may be other conditions, depending on the purpose of your visit.

It would appear that a change of visa is not required....just a chest x-ray...but as it says....contact the department for clarification.....