Choosing a course for permanent migration. Complete guide!

Australia's student visa program is designed with the expectation that international students will return to their home countries after completing their studies. However, many students who arrive in Australia have a long-term goal of obtaining permanent residency. If you are among those aspiring for permanent residency, it is essential to choose a course that aligns with this objective.

• When it comes to pursuing permanent residency in Australia, there are generally two main avenues: skilled migration or securing an employer-sponsored visa.

• It is crucial to assess which option suits your circumstances and aspirations, as it will influence the course of action you need to take.

• If you opt for skilled migration, you must possess skills in an occupation listed on the Australian Skilled Occupation List. Therefore, choosing a qualification that leads to an occupation on this list is of paramount importance.

• By aligning your studies with occupations in demand, you enhance your chances of securing a skill assessment and meeting the requirements for permanent residency.

• In addition to focusing on your immediate career prospects, it is important to consider the long-term sustainability of your chosen occupation. Keep an eye on emerging industries and occupations that have promising growth prospects in Australia. By selecting a course that aligns with these future trends, you can future-proof your pathway to permanent residency and enhance your career prospects in the country.

Before making any decisions on changing your course, it is essential that you first understand if your course leads to PR. Here’s how you can go about it:

1. Talk to an Immigration Lawyer - Consulting with an immigration lawyer can provide you with comprehensive guidance on the best courses to pursue in order to maximize your chances of obtaining PR. They can offer valuable advice on selecting courses that align with your long-term goals of obtaining PR. Immigration Lawyers have a deep understanding of the Australian education system and can recommend courses that are recognized and valued in the job market. Additionally, they can handle the administrative aspects of enrolling in new courses, saving you time and effort.

2. Check the Australian Skilled Occupation List - The Skilled Occupation List is a list of occupations that the Australian government considers to be in demand. If your course of study is related to an occupation on the Skilled occupation list, you have more chances of obtaining PR. Further, it is always better if your occupation is listed in the Long and Medium Term Skilled Occupation List (MLTSSL) as it will increase your chances of obtaining PR.

3. Ensure that you meet the skill assessment requirements - Getting a skill assessment is an essential step if you are proceeding to permanent residency though skilled migration. You need to be sure that upon the completion of your course, you are able to get a skill assessment from the relevant skill assessing body.

4. Look at the points test calculator - If you are thinking of proceeding to permanent residency through skilled migration, it is essential that you obtain the relevant points mentioned by the Department. Ensure that your course meets the requirements for permanent residency.

1. Nursing: The demand for qualified nurses in Australia is very high. Completing an accredited diploma or bachelor’s in nursing would easily lead you to PR.

2. Teaching: Australia has a shortage of qualified teachers. Upon the completion of minimum one year of study in early childhood combined with 03 years of study in any other field will make you eligible for a skill assessment as a teacher and permanent residency thereby.

3. Engineering: You just need to complete a bachelor’s or a master’s in Australia that is accredited by Engineers Australia to start applying for PR.

4. Information Technology: If you possess ICT qualifications, you can easily proceed to permanent residency by completing a bachelor’s or Master’s qualification in IT and following a professional year program or working for a year.

5. Commercial Cookery - Proceeding to permanent residency as a chef is one of the mostly commonly used skilled migration pathways. Completing a certificate IV course in commercial cookery would make you eligible for a skill assessment as a chef, leading you to PR.

6. Motor Mechanics - Motor mechanics is a course that is widely preferred by international students owing to the ease with which they can obtain a job opportunity. After the completion of a Certificate III in light motor vehicle technology you will become eligible for permeant residency.

If you are already on a student visa and are thinking about changing your course, the following are some points to ponder!

1. Unless you have completed at least 06 months of the course for which your student visa was granted (Principal Course), you need to obtain a letter of release from your current education provider.

2. If you have already completed 06 months of your course, you can directly start your enrolment process in to the new course you intend to follow

3. You will have to obtain a new student visa if you are applying for a course that is in a level below than the course you are currently studying

If you are considering a course change for a permanent residency purposes, here’s how we help

• Consultations on courses eligible for PR

• Complete checks on your eligibility for permanent residency through skilled migration

• Recommending course options to select from

• Enrolling you in selected courses

• Making your student visa application

In conclusion, it is essential to do your research and seek advice when choosing a course of study that leads to permanent residency in Australia. By selecting the right course, international students can increase their chances of obtaining permanent residency and building a successful career in Australia.