Australia500 · Student visa (subclass 500)

confusion regarding s56 form

Published 11/09/2026 by @open-otter-0013 · Updated 12/09/2026

Hi everyone,

I finished my Master’s degree in June and started a Master’s by Research in July. My previous student visa expired on 30 August, and I lodged my new student visa application on 27 August.

At the time of lodgement, my agent submitted all the financial documents, and I showed around AUD 80,000 in available funds.

I have a few questions for anyone who has recently gone through a similar situation:

  1. What documents or information does the Department usually request through an s56 request?

  2. Even though I already submitted financial documents, is there still a chance they may ask for updated financial evidence?

  3. Could they request any other documents apart from an s56?

  4. Is there anything specific I should keep ready in advance in case they contact me?

If anyone has received an s56 recently for a student visa, especially for a Master’s by Research application, I would really appreciate hearing about your experience.

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