Migrating to Australia is among the most attractive options for many, including International Students. UK, South African, and Southeast Asia students migrate to Australia to study at top Australian universities. If you are also planning to relocate to Australia for further studies, then applying for a Student Visa is essential. This guide will help you understand the process of migrating to Australia step by step.
What Is The Australian Migrating Program?
The Migrating Australian program is for everyone.[/caption] The Migrating Australian program is for everyone. It does not discriminate based on gender, ethnic origin, religion, or color. Suppose you are a non-resident individual who would like an opportunity to reside, study, and work in Australia. In that case, you’ll be surprised to know that many visa options are available, such as a skilled visa, a sponsored work visa, a business visa, and a student visa. You can find an appropriate Australian visa that meets your needs with the Visa Finder of the Department of Home Affairs.
What Is A Permanent Resident (PR)?
A permanent resident of Australia has many entitlements and rights of a citizen, but there are a few differences - A citizen can enter and leave Australia anytime. However, if PR citizens choose to travel overseas, they must ensure that they have a permanent visa with a valid travel authority. Citizens can also vote in Australian Government elections, but PR visa holders cannot. The government agency gives eligibility for Australian services and benefits for both citizens and non-citizens.
Migrating To Australia Through The SkillSelect Migration Program
Opportunity to get Australian PR through the Skilled Select Program.[/caption] Many international students want to apply for permanent residency in Australia after completing their studies. These students choose to migrate to Australia through the SkillSelect migration program. So, let’s understand what the SkillSelect migration program is and how it can help you to become a permanent resident in Australia.
What Is SkillSelect?
SkillSelect is an online government system that enables aspiring migrants to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). An EOI is not a visa application. It is proof that you want to be considered for a skilled visa to migrate to Australia. With the help of SkillSelect, you can either be invited by the Australian government to submit a visa application or nominated for a skilled visa by various Australian employers or state governments. SkillSelect simplifies the visa application process and improves skilled migrants' employment prospects.
Steps To Get Australian PR Through The Skilled Migration Program
Steps To Get Australian PR Through The Skilled Migration Program.[/caption]
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
The first step is to identify the occupation you fall under and whether your profession is on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSO). The visa you choose depends on where your occupation is listed there. It must correspond to your chosen profession. If the MLTSSL or STSO list doesn't list your occupation, you cannot apply for a General Skilled Migration Visa. We know it can be complicated to understand, so you should consult an experienced migration agent. Only these professionals can identify your situation and can help you find the best migration pathway for your circumstances.
Step 2: Skills Assessment
The next step is determining if you need a positive Skills Assessment for your chosen occupation. It is also called "career validation" or recognition. This is a crucial step, as each discipline has its Skills Assessment Authority.
- Engineers – Engineers Australia
- Nurses – Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
- IT Professionals – Australian Computer Society (ACS)
- Trade Occupations (Electricians, etc.) – VETASSESS
Each skill assessment authority has specific requirements that you must meet to be eligible. Some of these include qualification checks, work experience, and having a high level of English, meaning reaching a high score in either the IELTS or PTE English test. We recommend familiarizing yourself with your skill assessment authority, which depends on your chosen occupation. Knowing the minimum requirements is essential before applying for any visa.
Step 3: Points Test
The Skilled Migration Visas (189, 190, and 491) are point test visas, meaning you must meet specific requirements to receive points for each category. The Department of Home Affairs uses this system to identify which applicant has the skills and experience they need to advance the country. They know in which industry there is a skill shortage and try to close this gap by selecting only candidates meeting their standards. You need to reach at least 65 points to be eligible to submit an expression of interest through SkillSelect for any of the three visas we mentioned before. Here are the main categories and the maximum number of points you can obtain in each of them:
- Age: maximum 30 points
- English language proficiency: maximum 20 points
- Skilled employment: maximum 20 points
- Educational qualifications: maximum 20 points
- State or territory nomination: maximum 15 points
- Accredited community language skills: maximum 5 points
- Partner skills and qualifications: maximum 10 points
- Professional year: maximum 5 points
It's essential to know that some categories have specific requirements that you must meet to receive the maximum number of points. For example, to receive the maximum number of points for your English proficiency, you need to score at least eight in each of the four components of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.
Step 4: Submit An Expression Of Interest (EOI)
After you complete your skills assessment and pass the points test, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. This step doesn't mean you've applied for a visa. It's just an indication that you're interested in migrating to Australia. Your EOI will stay in the SkillSelect database for up to two years. During this time, Australian employers or state and territory governments may invite you to apply for a visa if they think you meet their specific needs.
Step 5: Receive An Invitation To Apply For the Visa
After submitting your EOI, you will be ranked against other applicants based on the points you have achieved on the Points Test. If your score is high enough and you meet the other requirements, you may receive an invitation to apply for a visa. It is essential to note that receiving an invitation to apply does not guarantee that you will receive a visa. You must still meet all the eligibility requirements and provide all the necessary evidence to be granted a visa.
Step 6: Apply for the Visa
If you have received an invitation to apply, you can now lodge your visa application. You must provide all the necessary documents, including police clearance certificates and health checks. Once your application is submitted, the Department of Home Affairs will assess your application and may request additional information or documents. The processing time for skilled migration visas can vary, but generally, it takes 6 to 8 months to process.
Step 7: Receive the Visa
If your application is successful, you will be granted a visa to migrate to Australia as a permanent resident. You will have the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely, access Medicare (Australia's healthcare system), and apply for citizenship after meeting specific eligibility requirements.
Fulfilling the Dream of Australian Permanent Residency: A Practical Guide
Migrating to Australia and obtaining permanent residency is a significant life decision that requires careful planning and preparation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of success in obtaining Australian PR through the skilled migration program. Remember to check your eligibility, obtain a skills assessment, and achieve the required points on the Points Test. Submit your Expression of Interest, receive an invitation to apply, and provide all the necessary evidence in your visa application. If successful, you will soon be on your way to becoming a permanent resident of Australia.