"Can students whose student visa expires before 1 September 2007, apply for a
subclass 497 visa to allow them to apply for one of the new GSM visas post 1
September 2007?
To apply for onshore GSM overseas students must have:
* completed their degree, diploma or trade certificate; and
* have held an eligible student visa; in the 6 months immediately before they lodge their
application.
Students who completed their studies after 1 March 2007 and whose student visa
expires after 1 March 2007, therefore have an option to apply for a Graduate -
Skilled Temporary visa (subclass 497) before their student visa expires and
apply for one of the new onshore GSM visas after 1 September 2007.
Students applying for a subclass 497 visa are required to make a statement in
Form 1182 that they intend to apply for a Class DD, DE or UX visa. As these visa
classes are closing on 1 September, this requirement will be construed broadly
and students who state they intend to apply for a Class DD, DE, UX or one of the
new onshore GSM visas will meet this requirement be able to make a valid
application for a subclass 497 visa."
