Student visa (subclass 500): photo and application guide
Full-time study at an Australian education provider registered on the CRICOS list, for the duration of the course up to 5 years.
Photo format
35 × 45 mm
In this article · 6 sections
Quick answer
35 × 45 mm photo · set by the current Visa Pricing Table · biometrics at VAC
Photo specification is the shared Home Affairs 35 × 45 mm format. Biometric capture at the VAC for most nationalities. Fee set by the current Visa Pricing Table; dependant charges extra. Processing 50% within 4 weeks; 90% within 5 months. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | Subclass 500 Student Visa |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Full-time study at an Australian education provider registered on the CRICOS list, for the duration of the course up to 5 years. |
| Application route | ImmiAccount online application with Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) |
| Fee | set by the current Visa Pricing Table; dependant charges extra — indexed every 1 July. Visa Pricing Table ↗ |
| Processing time | 50% within 4 weeks; 90% within 5 months |
| Biometric appointment | Yes for most nationalities — at a VAC |
| Official portal | Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500) ↗ |
Photo specification
The Student visa (subclass 500) uses the shared Home Affairs biometric photo standard. The same photo file works for the ImmiAccount upload and the printed copy at the VAC.
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 32 to 36 mm chin to crown |
| Background | plain neutral or light grey that contrasts with the face, even illumination |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile preferred) |
| Glasses | Discouraged; remove for the shot |
| Digital file | JPEG, 70 KB to 3.5 MB; 1200 × 1600 px preferred |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Checked against primary sources. Updated . | |
What to watch out for with the Student visa (subclass 500)
The Student visa requires Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of the visa. Australia does not issue a permanent resident card, so nothing gets printed from this photo: a visa is recorded electronically against your passport and checked through VEVO. Your image stays in the Department's identity record, which is why a clear, current portrait is worth the effort even though you never hold it in your hand.
Frequently asked questions about the Student visa (subclass 500)
01What size photo do I need for a Student visa (subclass 500)?
35 × 45 mm portrait. The Student visa (subclass 500) uses the shared Home Affairs biometric photo: head 32 to 36 mm chin to crown, plain light background, neutral expression.
02How much does the Student visa (subclass 500) cost?
set by the current Visa Pricing Table; dependant charges extra.
03How long does the Student visa (subclass 500) take to process?
50% within 4 weeks; 90% within 5 months.
04Is biometric capture mandatory for the Student visa (subclass 500)?
Yes for most nationalities — at a VAC. The biometric capture happens at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre.
05Can I use the same photo for an Australian passport later?
Yes if you become an Australian citizen and apply for an Australian passport. The DFAT passport specification (35 × 45 mm) matches the Home Affairs visa specification. The photo is interchangeable across these documents.
Other Australian visa categories
Prepare your Student visa (subclass 500) photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the 35 × 45 mm format and biometric framing automatically, and sets the file size.