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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.

While Covid is keeping most Australian states and territories closed for offshore applicants, South Australia announced in May 2021 that it is now considering sponsoring offshore applicants for 491 and 190 visas.

There are no shortages of negative news during the COVID-19 pandemic. At Work Visa Lawyers, we aim to take a positive approach. Below are six visa options that you may be eligible to apply for during these uncertain times.  

It is estimated that Australia will face a shortage of nurses in the medium to long term because of the following factors:

1. Retirement of older nurses
2. Increased demand for nurses, especially in aged care (Australia has a growing aged population)

In the immediate and short term Australian states and territories have started to look towards overseas nurses to fill in the demand for skilled professional nurses. Just last month Neroli Ellis from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation told ABC Radio Hobart nursing recruitment agencies were increasingly looking overseas for nurses to work in Tasmania. Hospitals are also competing to attract experienced nurses to work in their establishments.

Nursing occupations which are suitable for migration purposes have been listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL). They include:

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) has announced changes to the English language requirements for skills assessments of overseas qualified nurses and midwives.

The following requirements will apply from 1 July 2016:

PTE ACADEMIC Accepted – effective 1 July 2016

Applicants must achieve a minimum overall score of 65 AND a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills - listening, reading, writing and speaking.

ANMAC only accepts test results from one test sitting OR a maximum of two test sittings, in a six-month period only if the applicant achieves:

a) a minimum overall score of 65 in each sitting, AND

b) no score in any of the four communicative skills is below 58

TOEFL iBT Accepted – effective 1 July 2016

Applicants must achieve a minimum total score of 94 AND the following minimum score in each section of the test:

- 24 listening

- 24 reading

- 27 writing

- 23 speaking

ANMAC only accepts test results from one test sitting, OR a maximum of two test sittings in a six-month period only if the applicant achieves:

a) a minimum total score of 94 in each sitting, AND

b) no score in any of the sections is below:

- 20 listening

- 19 reading

- 24 writing

- 20 speaking

IELTS (Academic module)

Applicants must achieve a minimum overall score of 7 AND a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing and speaking.

ANMAC only accepts test results from one test sitting OR a maximum of two test sittings, in a six-month period only if the applicant achieves:

a) a minimum overall score of 7 in each sitting, AND

b) no score in any component of the test is below 6.5

OET

Applicants must achieve a minimum score of B in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing and speaking.

ANMAC only accepts test results from one test sitting OR a maximum of two test sittings, in a six-month period only if the applicant:

a) is tested in all four components in each sitting, AND

b) no score in any component of the test is below C

Overseas nurses and midwives should note that Modified skills assessments do not require the submission of English language test results. To find out more about the Modified skills assessment and our recommended registration pathway for overseas qualified nurses and midwives, please refer to our earlier blog here.

Sources:

1. http://www.anmac.org.au/international-services
2. http://www.anmac.org.au/sites/default/files/documents/Communique_ELP_requirements_1_July_2016.pdf

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

ANMAC has now joined a list of skills assessment authorities which are accepting the PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT test results as part of the English requirements for a successful skills assessment outcome. This is a favourable movement for applicants who might have struggled with the format of the IELTS or OET exams.

You are reminded that English is only part of the skills assessment criteria and you need to make sure all criteria are met before you submit your skills assessment. If you are unsure whether you are able to meet the requirements, speak to a Registered Migration Agent to find out more.

This information is accurate on 30 June 2016

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in all matters relating to Australian visa applications. Our areas of expertise include Skilled Migration visas, Business Skills Migration visas, Employer Sponsored Work Visas, Partner and other Family Migration visas as well as the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) Review, Judicial Review and Ministerial Intervention.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 2018 UPDATE:

How to Increase Your Points for Employer Sponsored (RSMS 187, ENS 186), Independent (189, 489), and State Nomination (190) Skilled Visas

Australian SkillSelect Round Results September/August 2018 - Skilled Independent & Regional Visa Occupation Lists

Medical and health professionals are always in demand in Australia. To apply for an Australian visa via the General Skilled Migration programme (which includes the Skill – Independent Subclass 189 visa, the Skill – Nominated Subclass 190 visa and the Skill – Regional Sponsored Subclass 489), a positive skills assessment is required. Skills assessments for health professionals can be complicated and confusing as registration with the relevant health authority in Australia is required before a positive skills assessment result can be issued.

We constantly receive repeated queries about the migration skills assessment and registration requirements from overseas nurses and midwives, as well as from international students who are completing nursing studies in Australia. As such we hope to provide more helpful information in relation to the topic at hand.

In this article we will be looking at the registration process for registered nurses, enrolled nurses and midwives, as part of the process of obtaining a positive skills assessment for migration purposes. The questions we will be answering include:

• What is the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)? How is it different from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)?
• So where do I start to have my skills assessed as a nurse or midwife?
• What are the English requirements for NMBA?
• I have the required English exam results. What else is required for the NMBA registration?

What is the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)? How is it different from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)?

ANMAC is responsible for making an assessment on an applicant’s work experience and qualifications to determine the applicant’s suitability for skilled migration. A health professional would obtain the migration skills assessment from ANMAC before lodging a visa application.

NMBA is the registration body in Australia which manages the registration of nurses and midwives in Australia. It is compulsory for nurses and midwives to be registered in Australia. You cannot work in Australia as a nurse or midwife unless you are registered with NMBA. NMBA also sets policies and standards for the nursing and midwifery profession. You can find out more about the NMBA from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website here.

In other words you will need to:

• apply for the skills assessment with ANMAC to apply for Australian work visas or the General Skilled Migration visas; and
• apply for registration with NMBA to work as a nurse or midwife in Australia.

So where do I start to have my skills assessed as a nurse or midwife?

The migration skills assessment is processed by ANMAC. The key point to note is that ANMAC offers different pathways for the migration skills assessment. The different pathways are:

• Full skills assessment
• Modified skills assessment

If you have registration with NMBA you can apply for a modified skills assessment. It is advisable to obtain registration with NMBA first and apply via the ANMAC modified skills assessment because of the following reasons:

1. You automatically meet the assessment standards for the modified skills assessment if you are registered with NMBA
2. You do not need to provide English test results if you are already registered with NMBA
3. ANMAC only accepts IELTS or OET for the full skills assessment whereas NMBA accepts IELTS, OET, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT for registration
4. You can combine scores of TWO English exam sittings to meet the English requirements for registration with NMBA (ANMAC only accepts scores in a single sitting)
5. A modified skills assessment costs A$330 whereas a full skills assessment costs A$900

What are the English requirements for NMBA?

For initial registration with the NMBA you can use different English exams to demonstrate the meeting of English requirements for the registration. The scores required for the different English exams are listed below. You should note that as mentioned above, you can COMBINE scores from two sittings of the same exam, as long as they are within a six-month period.

You can meet the English requirements for registration with NMBA without taking an English exam but you will need to show education in English and work in one of the following recognised countries:

• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Republic of Ireland
• South Africa
• United Kingdom, or
• United States of America.

The following is a detailed description of what scores are required for the different English exams accepted by NMBA.

IELTS Academic Module

Minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking

If combining scores from two sittings, the following is required:

• The two exam sittings are within a 6-month period
• Both exams achieved a minimum overall score of 7
• There are no components in the two exams with a score lesser than 6.5
• By using the two exam results you will have a minimum score of 7.0 in all components

Examples:

OET

Minimum score of B in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking)

If combining scores from two sittings, the following is required:

• The two exam sittings are within a 6-month period
• All four components were tested for the two exams taken
• There are no components in the two exams with a score lower than C
• By using the two exam results you will have a minimum score of B in all components

Examples:

PTE Academic

Minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking)

If combining scores from two sittings, the following is required:

• The two exam sittings are within a 6-month period
• Both exams achieved a minimum overall score of 65
• There are no components in the two exams with a score lower than 58
• By using the two exam results you will have a minimum score of 65 in all communicative skills

Examples:

TOEFL iBT

Minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test:

• 24 for listening
• 24 for reading
• 27 for writing, and
• 23 for speaking

If combining scores from two sittings, the following is required:

• The two exam sittings are within a 6-month period
• Both exams achieved a minimum overall score of 94
• Minimum score of 24 for Listening, 24 for Reading, 27 for Writing, 23 for Speaking across the two sittings
• For the two sittings all sections are at the minimum score or above:
  • 20 for Listening
  • 19 for Reading
  • 24 for Writing
  • 20 for Speaking

Examples:

The additional choices for English exams and the ability to combine test scores from two different sittings are huge advantages for registering with NMBA when compared with the criteria for a standard migration skills assessment with ANMAC.

Therefore as a nurse or midwife, the first step you should take is to find out the registration process with NMBA. You can find out more here. Alternatively, contact Work Visa Lawyers to make an appointment and have your visa options assessed.

I have the required English exam results. What else is required for the NMBA registration?

Other than meeting the English requirements, applicants will also need to show the following:

• Your qualification makes you eligible to apply for registration to practise as a registered nurse in the country where you completed the program of study
• The education institute and study programme needs to externally accredited during the period of studies (If you are unable to meet this requirement, you may be referred to an NMBA-approved bridging program to facilitate the meeting of this requirement)
• Your nursing qualification is deemed to be equivalent to an Australian nursing bachelor’s degree
• Your overseas study programme included a minimum of 800 hours of supervised workplace experience in an actual practice setting
• Confirmation from your education institute that you have, as part of your study programme, completed an assessment in medication management for the following:
  • Administration of medication
  • Pharmacokinetics
  • Pharmacodynamics

It is possible for Work Visa Lawyers to conduct a preliminary assessment as to whether you will be able to meet the requirements for registration with NMBA, before you begin the registration process. If you are keen to find out more about your options, please contact us to arrange an appointment.

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

Health professionals are always asked to obtain registration in Australia first before they can receive a suitable skills assessment for their Australian skilled visa application. While the assessment and registration process can be confusing with two different agencies managing the profession, this article is produced with the aim of simplifying and explaining the necessary steps.

The English requirements of registration with NMBA is more advantageous for potential migrants with more English exams being accepted as well as the option to combine scores from 2 separate sittings. Nurses and midwives are strongly encouraged to register with NMBA first before submitting a migration skills assessment with ANMAC.

Do note that a positive skills assessment is only part of the Australia visa application requirements. Applicants will need to meet other criteria such as age, qualifications, English, work experience, health and character. Depending on the points total and occupation a state nomination may be required as well.

As such always check and verify that you meet all requirements before submitting a visa application. Be in touch with Work Visa Lawyers if you require such professional services.

This information is accurate on 6 January 2016

Source:

1. http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx
2. http://www.anmac.org.au/nurse-or-midwife-registered-australia-or-new-zealand
3. http://www.anmac.org.au/faqs
4. https://www.ahpra.gov.au/

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in all matters relating to Australian visa applications. Our areas of expertise include Skilled Migration visas, Business Skills Migration visas, Employer Sponsored Work Visas, Partner and other Family Migration visas as well as Migration Review Tribunal, Judicial Review and Ministerial Intervention.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.