Australia is a leading destination for international students because of its globally recognized universities, high standards of living, and high-quality education. To study in Australia, students need an Australian student visa (subclass 500), which permits them to study for as long as their course lasts.
Nevertheless, obtaining this visa does not simply involve an Australian institution offering you a letter. It is associated with satisfying several eligibility criteria, including financial ability. The Income Tax Return (ITR) is one of the most legitimate pieces of evidence that needs to be submitted to demonstrate your financial stability. ITRs are not only indications of your sponsor or your own financial capability, but they also indicate your genuine interest in studying in Australia and not permanent migration.
What is an ITR, and why is it needed for a Student Visa?
An Income Tax Return (ITR) is a report submitted by an individual to the government every year that reflects the person’s income, tax paid, and financial history. It serves as certified evidence that the revenue reported by an individual or sponsor is genuine and in compliance with legal requirements.
For student visa applicants, ITRs maintain transparency regarding the origin of funds used to pay tuition, accommodation, and living costs in Australia. ITRs also serve as valid evidence of financial status, as visa officers must ensure that the costs of your education have been financed honestly.
Why are ITRs Important for an Australian Student Visa Application?
The Australian government requires all international students to show they have sufficient financial resources to support their stay in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs examines the applicant to assess tuition and accommodation costs, as well as personal finances.
By filing the ITRs for the last 2 to 3 years, the applicants prove that their declared income is stable, verified, and adequate. This enables visa officers to assess your sponsor’s true financial capability. Without ITRs, your financial background may appear incomplete or uneven, which could create doubt during the evaluation.
So, ITRs can also strengthen your financial records, support your student visa application, and reduce the chances of being denied.
ITRs as Evidence of GS Requirement
Applicants under the new Australian student visa rules 2025 may, under the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, show that they are genuine and have the financial means of studying in Australia. An Income Tax Return (ITR) is an essential source of evidence to fulfil this requirement. ITRs demonstrate that a student or sponsor is earning legal and constant income, which proves that the student or sponsor has valid sources of funds to pay tuition fees, travel, and living costs. They also show good financial activity and tax payment, which helps to assure the visa officers of the credibility of the applicant.
The claim that the student is financially ready and has genuine intentions of studying and not migrating to work is supported by submitting ITRs of the last two to three years. Hence, accurate and verifiable ITRs can be a great boost to your application when it comes to the GS requirement, and you have a higher chance of being successful in getting an Australian student visa.
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Who Needs to Submit ITRs for a Student Visa to Australia?
In most cases, the student’s sponsor, whether a parent, guardian, or another family member, is required to submit their ITRs. If you are a self-funded student, you should provide your personal ITRs over the past two to three years. Income tax returns (ITRs) have to be filed by the students or their financial sponsors, who are usually the parents or guardians of the students, for the last two to three years. Preferably, the income displayed in the ITRs should be 12-15 lakhs per annum to meet the tuition and living costs in Australia. When necessary, the financial requirement can be satisfied by combining the income of two or more sponsors (e.g., both parents).
The Department of Home Affairs can request ITRs for numerous years to verify the stability of the income trends. Other documents, such as salary slips, bank statements, and employment or business details, must support such returns.
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What If You or Your Sponsor Doesn’t Have ITRs?
If either you or your sponsor has not submitted ITRs, you can submit alternative financial evidence, but this may weaken your application. Alternatives include:
- Recent bank statements (6–12 months) showing consistent income flow.
- Salary slips or business income records.
- Property ownership or rental income proofs.
- Business registration certificates (for self-employed sponsors).
Nevertheless, these are additional documents. ITRs have been the most favourable and reliable financial evidence before the Australian immigration authorities.
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Common Mistakes Students Make While Submitting Financial Documents
There are several mistakes that many students make, but these can be avoided to reduce unnecessary complexity in visa processing. Common errors include:
- Submitting outdated or incomplete ITRs
- Providing ITRs that don’t match the declared income or bank balances
- Using sponsors with insufficient or unstable financial records
- Ignoring the importance of filing ITRs on time
These mistakes may lead to inconsistencies in your financial profile, which will weaken your application. Your financial documents should be reviewed regularly to ensure they are current, transparent, and professionally reviewed.
Conclusion
Applying for the Australian student visa not only demands academic distinction but also financial transparency. By filing legitimate and current Income Tax Returns (ITRs), you demonstrate that your money is real, stable, and obtained legally. To put it in simple words, a properly made financial profile supported with ITRs is not only a great improvement on your chances of visa approval but a sign of responsibility and seriousness to study in Australia.
