Australia has a system of education that is world class. Many choose to come to Australia to complete their education. In addition Australia has a very systematic approach to the issue of visas to facilitate this. It is not an automatic pathway to a permanent residence visa, but it can be instrumental in possibly becoming eligible to meet, at the time of graduating and holding a skilled occupation, the requirements for later skilled migration.    

At the commencement of 2010, there are between 380,000 and 400,000 international students in Australia studying on student visas with 20 hours work rights. Many of these students have close family accompanying them who can also work in Australia. Between 100,000 and 120,000 international students graduate each year. Of those that complete their studies over at least 2 years and graduate, 30% generally opt to make a further application for permanent residence in the skills stream of visas. In coming years this is expected to be about 20%.  The number of student visas are expected to decline from the current level , particularly in the vocational sector (trades). But the university sector is not expected to see a significant decline.   

The Australian Qualificaton Framework (AQF) involves accreditation of education institutions to offer qualifications, as follows:

 Educational institutions are vetted by the government to determine if their courses are suitable to be the subject of a student visa and those approved are recorded on the CRICOS register. They meet requirements as to the quality of the courses offered and there are further reporting requirements to the Department of Immigration concerning student progression in the course (the PRISM system). Where there are students aged under 18 in schools there are accompanying guardian arrangements or connection to relatives or registered homestay arrangements to be in place.

Students that are in courses over 12 months can be accompanied by a spouse and any children, if any. The student can work part time (up to 20 hours) during term/semester and full time during vacations. Spouses and adult children can also work 20 hours per week. But if the student is at the post graduate level, the spouse can work full time. Those holding a Guardian Student Visa are not able to work.

The main thing for a student is to have a well thought strategy of what is hoped to achieve as regards career choice and general utility. Many students have the firm intention to complete the studies and remain in Australia to apply for permanent residence. Australia’s migration policy provides for that in the skilled visa application process.  A significant proportion of Australia’s skill migrants are graduating students. There is a category that allows a graduating student, after a minimum of two years study in Australia of diploma/s, degree and above, to claim a relevant occupation for a relevant course without work experience in the points system subject to the job ready test in the vocational sector. 

If the objective is permanent residence it is appropriate to obtain a written opinion from Hallmark Immigration at the outset on the migration plan before commitment to the student pathway to residence. You, the client can also retain Hallmark Immigration to monitor the progress of the study and the everchanging immigration regulations that apply to ensure that the objective is secured for students. It is a considerable investment that needs to be protected as the student progresses.

The student visa application process basically is as follows:

• Hold a valid passport.

• The course/s chosen must be CRICOS registered.

• The course enrolment must be commenced but not finalised....a letter of offer obtained from the school, college or university, including if possible a quotation for Overseas Health Insurance Cover Insurance.

• Medical Report showing good health from a Immigration panel doctor.

• Evidence of language ability.

• For some countries of origin the application will be filed to obtain a Pre Visa Assessment first and then the go ahead is given for enrolment to be completed. This includes assurance that the student has funds available to live n Australia during studies.

• For other countries of origin the visa application is lodged with an electronic confirmation of enrolment.

• Other materials supporting the application are to be provided again depending on the country of origin. Immigration Assessment Levels 1-4 have a graduated scale of required documentation, depending on the courses enrolled and the length of the courses and the inclusion of a partner.

Hallmark Immigration can also advise and assist students and their families concerning the student visa application itself, ensuring it is accurate and meets long term immigration requirements.  To assist with good planning with your interests in mind so as to avoid surprises and disappointment at the conclusion of studies. Hallmark Immigration can provide good case management from start to finish.