Your Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is running out and you're not ready to go home. You're not alone — this is one of the most common situations we help people with. The good news is that if you still have time on your visa, you have real options. The key is to act now rather than wait until the final days.
This guide explains exactly what you can do, what it costs, and what happens if you've left it late — updated for 2026.
🗺️ Your Options When Your WHV Is About to Expire
🎓 Option 1 — Apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The Student Visa is the most common path for WHV holders who want to stay longer in Australia. Here's what you need to know:
What it gives you
- Stay in Australia for the full duration of your course — from a few weeks to several years
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study, unlimited during course breaks
- Multiple entry — travel in and out of Australia freely while your visa is valid
- Include your partner and dependent children on the same visa
- Access a Bridging Visa while your application is processed — as long as you apply before your WHV expires
What it requires
- Enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course at a registered Australian institution
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of your visa
- Satisfaction of the Genuine Student (GS) requirement — your primary reason for being in Australia must be to study
How long does it take?
Student Visa processing times vary. As a general guide, allow 4–8 weeks from the date you apply. Some applications are processed faster, others take longer depending on your nationality and how complete your application is. Don't leave it to the final week of your WHV — start the process at least 4–6 weeks before your visa expires.
🌾 Option 2 — Extend Your WHV
If you completed the required regional work during your current WHV year, extending is straightforward. The requirements as of 1 July 2026:
- Second year: 88 days (approximately 3 months) of specified regional work during your first WHV year
- Third year: 6 months of specified regional work during your second WHV year
- Fee (from 1 July 2026): $1,000 AUD for second and third-year extensions
- Apply through your ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before your current visa expires
For full details on WHV extension requirements, regional work categories, and eligible locations, see our WHV extension guide.
🔵 What Is a Bridging Visa?
A Bridging Visa is a temporary visa that allows you to remain in Australia legally while a new visa application is being processed. Here's how it works in practice:
- You apply for a Student Visa before your WHV expires
- The moment your WHV expires, a Bridging Visa A (BVA) automatically comes into effect
- The BVA keeps you legal in Australia until your Student Visa is either granted or refused
- On a BVA you can generally continue working under the same conditions as your previous visa
- You cannot leave Australia on a BVA without first obtaining a Bridging Visa B — or you will lose your bridging status
⚠️ Left It Very Late? What to Do Right Now
If your WHV expires in less than two weeks and you haven't started a visa application yet, here is what to do:
An experienced agent can move quickly — course selection, enrolment, and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) can sometimes be processed in 24–48 hours for English courses. Don't wait until Monday if it's Thursday.
English language courses (ELICOS) generally have the fastest enrolment process. Many schools can issue a Confirmation of Enrolment within 24–48 hours, which is what you need to lodge your Student Visa application.
Even if your supporting documents aren't perfect, lodging the application before expiry is critical. You can submit additional documents after lodging. What matters is that the application is in the system before your visa runs out.
Once on a Bridging Visa A, do not travel internationally without first obtaining a Bridging Visa B (BVB). Leaving on a BVA without a BVB cancels your bridging status and you may not be able to return while your application is pending.
📚 Which Course Should You Choose?
One of the biggest mistakes WHV holders make when transitioning to a Student Visa is choosing a course purely because it's the cheapest or quickest — without considering what actually interests them or what would benefit their future. Australia offers an enormous range of CRICOS-registered courses.
Courses popular with former WHV holders
How long should the course be?
The longer your course, the longer your visa. A 52-week VET course gives you roughly 14 months on your Student Visa (course duration plus a completion buffer). A 24-week English course gives you around 6–7 months. A Bachelor's degree gives you 3–4 years. Choose based on what you genuinely want to study and how long you want to stay — not just the minimum to get the visa.
🚫 Things to Avoid When Your WHV Is Expiring
- Don't use unlicensed agents. Only use registered migration agents (check the MARA register at mara.gov.au) or registered education agents. Paying large sums to unqualified people or Facebook groups offering visa help is a common scam that leaves people worse off.
- Don't choose a course just because it's the cheapest. A slightly more expensive course in a field you're interested in is worth far more than a cheap generic course you won't engage with.
- Don't wait until the last day. Processing a course enrolment, getting your CoE, and lodging a visa application takes time. Starting the process with 3–4 weeks to spare gives you real breathing room.
- Don't ignore the Genuine Student requirement. Your visa application must demonstrate that your primary purpose is to study. A weak GS statement is one of the most common reasons for Student Visa refusal.
- Don't leave Australia once you're on a Bridging Visa A unless you have a Bridging Visa B approved first.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Student Visa while on a Working Holiday Visa in Australia?
Yes — and this is the recommended approach. If you apply for a Student Visa before your WHV expires, you automatically receive a Bridging Visa A when your WHV runs out, allowing you to stay in Australia legally while your Student Visa is processed. You do not need to leave Australia to make this transition.
How long does it take to get a Student Visa in Australia?
Processing times vary. Most applications are processed within 4–8 weeks, though some take longer depending on nationality and application completeness. During peak periods (June–August, when many WHVs expire), processing can be slower. Apply as early as possible — don't wait until the final week of your WHV.
What is a Bridging Visa and how do I get one?
A Bridging Visa A (BVA) is automatically granted when you apply for a new visa before your current visa expires. You don't apply for it separately — it activates automatically when your WHV expires, keeping you legal in Australia while your Student Visa application is being assessed. You must not leave Australia on a BVA without first getting a Bridging Visa B approved.
My WHV expires in one week — is it too late to apply for a Student Visa?
It depends on how quickly your enrolment can be processed. English language schools (ELICOS) can sometimes issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) within 24–48 hours. If you can enrol and lodge the Student Visa application before your WHV expires, the Bridging Visa will protect you. Contact an education agent today — don't wait any longer.
Can I stay in Australia after my WHV without doing a course?
Not on a Student Visa — you need to be enrolled in a registered course. Other options include the WHV extension (if you completed regional work), a sponsored work visa (if an employer is willing to sponsor you), or a Partner Visa (if you are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident). Each of these has its own requirements and timelines.
What courses can lead to Permanent Residency in Australia?
Certain vocational courses in skilled-shortage occupations — particularly Commercial Cookery, Carpentry, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing — can support a pathway toward skilled migration and PR. The Gold Coast also qualifies as a regional area, meaning studying and working there adds points toward skilled migration. This is a longer-term strategy that requires careful planning from the start.
What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement?
The Genuine Student requirement (introduced November 2023, replacing the old GTE requirement) means your primary reason for coming to Australia must be to study. You need to show a logical connection between your background, your chosen course, and your future plans. For WHV holders transitioning to a Student Visa, this means explaining why you chose this specific course and how it fits your goals — not just that you want to stay in Australia.
My visa has already expired. What do I do?
If your visa has expired and you are still in Australia, you are in an unlawful status. Contact the Department of Home Affairs immediately at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or call the visa information line. Do not leave Australia without guidance, as departure may trigger re-entry bans. Seek advice from a registered migration agent as soon as possible.
WHV expiring? Let's work out your options.
We help former WHV holders find the right course and apply for their Student Visa — quickly and at no cost to you.
Get in touch →
