What are the 5 best courses to study in Australia in 2024 to obtain Permanent Residency?

Australia is home to 43 universities, some of which are among the world's top 100. Australia is a safe and welcoming country attracting many students who want to settle in Australia and obtain Australian Permanent Residency. So, let's get started!

After completing their studies, there are two main visa paths students can follow to obtain PR:

• Skilled Visa (Subclass 189, 190 and 491)
• Employer-Sponsored 482 and 494 Visas
• DAMAs

The courses we are mentioning have strong options in both paths. If you are interested, please book an appointment here.

Number 5: SOCIAL WORK OR COMMUNITY SERVICES

Social work is becoming increasingly popular for securing permanent residency in Australia.

• A bachelor’s degree in Social Work is usually a 3-year degree with a tuition fee of roughly AUD 18,000 per year.
• Ensure the degree you enrol in is accredited by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).
• Social Work is on the medium-term list and can lead to a Skilled Independent visa or 190 or 491. Employer sponsorship is also an option.
• Under a Ministerial Direction, Social Work currently receives priority processing.
• Skills assessment: The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Number 4: CARPENTER

With a shortage of houses in Australia, the Government is encouraging the construction of more houses. Carpenters are in high demand in terms of employability:

• Diploma-level qualifications related to Carpentry is a two-year course with a tuition fee of approximately AUD 10,000 per year.
• This is a very good option if you are looking for a trade course that may lead to PR.
• Trade occupations must complete a job-ready program to get a positive skill assessment from TRA with a minimum of 12 months of full-time work experience or equivalent.
• Be aware that graduates of trade courses can only obtain an 18-24 month temporary graduate visa 485.
• Skills assessment: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).

Here are some common types of carpenters in Australia:

• Joiner carpenter
• Framework carpenter
• Formwork carpenter
• Green carpenter

Number 3: CIVIL CONSTRUCTION DESIGN

• Advanced Diploma in Civil Construction Design is a two-year course with a tuition fee of roughly AUD 12,000 per year.
• One of the advantages of the course is that you can get a skills assessment done by Engineers Australia without any work experience and apply for a 485 Graduate Visa, and then further for any of the GSM visas.
• The occupation related to this course is on the medium- and long-term skills list, which means that this occupation is eligible for all three GSM visas, including 189, 190, and 491.

After obtaining this qualification, potential job roles may include:

• Civil Engineering Technician
• Civil Engineering Design Draftsperson
• Civil Engineering Draftsperson
• Senior civil construction designer
• Structural Engineering Drafting officer
• Road Design Draftsperson

Number 2: TEACHER

 A Bachelor of Teaching is a 4-year degree with a tuition fee of approximately AUD 18,000 per year.

• For those with a relevant degree, a Master of Teaching is a two-year course.
• Teachers are on the medium-term list with several PR application options, and they are also a high priority in processing, similar to Registered nurses.
• Different universities have different admission criteria, so be sure to check with us if you are interested in this course.
• Under a Ministerial Direction, Teaching currently receives priority processing.

Skills assessment: Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

To work as a teacher, you will need to register as a teacher after completing your course.

In-demand teachers in Australia include:

• Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher
• Middle School Teacher
• Primary School Teacher
• Secondary School Teacher
• University lecturer
• Special Education Teachers

Number 1: REGISTERED NURSES

Registered Nurses have the highest priority in processing.

• Registered nurses are on the medium-term list with several PR application options such as Skilled Visa (Subclass 189, 190, and 491), Employer-Sponsored Visa, and DAMAs.
• A Bachelor of Nursing is a 3-year degree with a tuition fee of roughly AUD 30,000 per year.
• One of the basic requirements for enrolment in this course is an English test result equivalent to IELTS 7 bands in each module.
• Skills assessment: Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).

As a Registered Nurse, you may choose from various specialties, including:

• Aged Care
• Mental Health
• Critical Care and Emergency
• Medical
• Perioperative
• Midwife

GUIDE TO OBTAINING PR AS A REGISTERED NURSE IN AUSTRALIA

Many more course options can provide you with a pathway to permanent residency. Please contact us if you are looking for something that suits your career needs.

In December 2023, the Australian Government introduced in the Migration Strategy the Skills in Demand Visa with three pathways: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills. The new Skills in Demand visa will replace the Temporary Skills Shortage 482 Visa and provide more flexibility to workers and employers. The Skills in Demand Visa are set to be implemented in late 2024.

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your visa application.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

In early 2023, regional migration visas in Australia were under a cloud of uncertainty. The Parkinson Report Migration, released in March 2023, failed to offer any guidance or support for regional migration options.

The final report suggests a recalibration of the skilled points test and even proposes the removal of points for regional study. It states, “In conjunction with this measure, existing regional concessions in mainstream permanent phases, such as additional points for regional study, could be removed to ensure those programs are strongly focused on selecting migrants who will best meet national economic objectives.”

Additionally, state nomination applications in Australia across all states were reduced by 70% from July 1, 2023, marking a significant downturn in the 2023-24 financial year.

However, early 2024 has seen positive developments in regional migration policy.

Migration Policy Developments 2024

Regional employer-sponsored nominations visas such as 482, 186, 494, and DAMAs are now the top priority in ministerial processing directives. This means they are processed above all others, including professions in teaching and health that were previously given high priority.

This shift demonstrates the Federal Government is encouraging migration to regional areas.

The new Skills in Demand Visa Australia includes an "Essential Skills" category visa for lower-skilled occupations, such as carers, with potential salaries below A$70,000. These visas aim to supply workers to regional areas for both caregiving and agricultural roles.

For the 2024 to 2025 financial year, skilled points visas, including the 189, 190, and 491 visas, will remain unchanged. The 491 Visa, designed for regional areas, continues to be available, dispelling rumors of its abolition in the Migration Review.

Click here to read more about the Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa.

Why is regional migration regaining favour?

Several factors are at play, including a strong demand from industries and communities in regional Australia for migrants. Furthermore, the housing crisis has prompted the federal government to encourage migration away from Australia's largest cities, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

How can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your potential application(s).

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

For visa application assistance in Australia, you can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Sources:

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/reports-and-publications/reviews-and-inquiries/departmental-reviews/migration-system-for-australias-future

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/reports-and-pubs/files/review-migration-system-final-report.pdf

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/skilled-visa-processing-priorities

Stay up-to-date with the latest Australian immigration news! Subscribe to our YouTube channel for valuable insights on immigration topics that matter to you.

State Sponsorship 190 and 491 Visas

The Australian states are now open for sponsorship under the 190 and 491 visas. Check the eligibility criteria for your desired state or territory to see if you qualify.

We have some articles for more information: South Australia / Queensland / Victoria / New South Wales.

Victorian Invitation Rounds

Victoria recently held an invitation round, inviting professionals in various occupations, including Marketing Specialists and Accountants. Having high points for a job in Victoria with a good salary seems to be a relevant consideration from the Victorian Government.

The Victorian Government said that for offshore applicants they are only considering Health, Education, and Social Services.

Selection rounds will continue through September 2023, with the program closing in early 2024. Submit your Registration of Interest as soon as possible.

Western Australia

Western Australia also had the first invitation round for 190 and 491 visas. Some occupations invited were in priority WA Industries: building and construction; healthcare and social assistance; hospitality and tourism; and o education and training. The invitations were to people living in WA, living in other states, and offshore.

Employer-Sponsored 482 to PR in Two Years

If you have held a 457 or 482 visa for over two years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Click here to read more about Permanent Residency for employer-sponsored 482 visa holders after 2 years.

Big news coming soon

It is expected that the Minister for Home Affairs will announce the plans for reforms in the next few days or weeks.

One of the changes that may be coming is Refining the Points test

In addition to points we have already covered; the table says better targeted skilled migration will:

• Introduce new permanent skilled visa settings, including exploring a revised points test
• The points reforms could include more points for skilled partners. 
• A more granular system in terms of age and points, for example not losing 10 points when you turn 40. There is also the possibility of cuts to regional points.

South Australia (SA) offers many opportunities for skilled migrants. With 503 occupations listed on the SA Skilled Occupation List and four available streams, you may be eligible to apply.

South Australian Graduates Stream

International graduates who have selected South Australia as their study destination are given preference within the General Skilled Migration program.

The criteria to apply include:

• Have completed your qualification at a South Australian education provider
• A minimum of 50% of your qualification must have been completed in South Australia
• Must have resided in South Australia for at least one year during your studies
• Have been residing in South Australia for at least the last 12 months
• Have been working for the last 6 months, and be currently employed, in a full-time (at least 30 hours per week) job that is relevant to your nominated occupation

You can check all the criteria here.

New South Wales (NSW) intends to commence invitation rounds for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) next week. NSW will no longer rely on specific ANZSCO unit groups to compile a skills list. Instead, it's adopting a dynamic sector-focused strategy to meet the demands of the job market.

NSW Target Sectors

The priority sectors identified by NSW closely mirror the current skills shortages within the state. These key areas include:
• Health
• Education
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Infrastructure
• Agriculture