A record number of international students are choosing to study in Australia. In 2016, just under half a million people from overseas were studying for degrees or vocational education and English language courses.
These students have come here on a temporary student visa, and many will want to remain in this country and become permanent residents. The most common student visa is the subclass 500 which means you can study and work part-time.
The course you select can be the biggest factor in successfully securing permanent residency – so choose your subject carefully.
How does the Student Visa (Subclass 500) work?
This student visa (subclass 500) allows you to study full-time at a recognised educational institution. You can stay for the duration of your course and depending on the conditions, you may also be able to work a minimal number of hours. If you are under 18 years-old, you will have to provide evidence that someone will be looking after your well-being and arrange accommodation.
Which course gives me a better opportunity to secure permanent residency?
Here at Visa Solutions Australia, we always advise people to study a course where there is currently a shortage of skilled expertise, and which will lead to a recognised occupation. Every year, Australia’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection provides a list of occupations which they deem as important to the Australian economy. It is currently known as the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) but next year it will be renamed as the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Here’s our suggested list of current occupations which are in demand. This may help you select the right course.
Nursing
The Australian Government’s Future Health Workforce report outlined a need for 123,000 extra nurses by 2030. Many nurses are aged over 45 and will be retiring. We are a nation which is living to an older age and so more nurses will be needed to care for the elderly. Furthermore, Australia has always had a reputation for delivering high quality training in this area.
Other medical/caring professionals
Medical GP’s and those in specialist health fields are also in demand. These include pathologists, anaesthetists, psychiatrists and orthopaedic surgeons. There will also be future opportunities for social workers, which is one of the fastest growing occupations in Australia. Counsellors are also highly sought after in this country.
IT workers
The expansion of technology and growth of the internet means that IT specialists are also on Australia’s wanted list. A report produced by the Regional Australia Institute suggested that by 2022, 90% of the workforce would need a level of IT proficiency in their everyday jobs and that up to 50% of employees would need to have a high level of programming, software design and coding skills. There will also be a requirement for experienced app and web developers.
Engineers
Australia is a country recognised for its engineering expertise. Those in demand include electrical engineers to aeronautical and mechanical engineers. Civil engineers are currently on the list but have been red-flagged, which means that this profession may be removed in future years.
Migration legislation is changing, and that’s why our advice is to seek professional help before lodging any application. Speak to one of our team here at Visa Solutions Australia and we will be more than happy to help with any of your enquiries. We’re a trusted team of professionals so why not ring us today?
