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Studying for a trade
Are you despairing because you don’t have enough points to qualify for migration to Australia, asks Riborg Andersen?
Have you gained migration to Australia, only to find your young adult children can't be included as dependants? Do you have skills, but can't get recognition because you lack the official paper qualifications or the necessary work experience to qualify for migration? Before you despair totally, there may be another option you can consider. Studying in Australia to gain recognition in a skilled occupation opens up new opportunities for would-be migrants. This 'study and stay' option is not for everyone, but it does offer exciting opportunities for both an enhanced chance of gaining skilled migration, and interesting, well-paid work.
Australia's economy is booming, but the growth is being restricted due to shortages of skilled people across most industries. Major infrastructure developments are on hold due to shortages of skilled people while many companies are unable to service demand due to their inability to attract and keep skilled workers. What's more, tradespeople are earning much more than graduates, due to the high demand for their skills. The good news is that there are study options open to international students to allow them to gain skills to qualify in many occupations in demand. Those who already hold a degree can gain admission to two-year postgraduate courses to gain recognition as accountants, teachers, nurses and IT specialists. Those with a HND can gain credit into a Bachelor degree to qualify in a wide range of occupations, enhancing their chances of gaining skilled migration. Those with no academic background, as well as those in the above two categories, can choose to train as cooks, hairdressers, bricklayers, automotive mechanics, cabinet-makers, bakers and many others... all in demand. In fact, over 30 per cent of students in many TAFE (Technical and Further Education) colleges in Australia already hold Bachelor degrees, but want trade skills to gain lucrative jobs.
So, how does it work? Skilled migration to Australia aims to attract young people, with good English who are qualified in skilled occupations, and who will preferably settle in regional areas. It is based on an eligibility points test, which allocates points to applicants based on age, skill, English language ability, work experience, and other factors. (see Main Applicant Eligibility).
The total required for skilled migration under the current rules is 120 points. Studying specific programmes in Australia for at least two years allows prospective migrants to gain points for:
Skilled occupations which give 40, 50 or 60 points;
Studying in Australia for two years also gives applicants five points;
Having studied in a regional area in Australia gives a bonus five points; while
Students who graduate with qualifications included on the Migration Occupations In Demand List (MODL) may attract an additional 15 points.
A person under 30 years of age, who has good English skills, and is qualified in a 60-point occupation through two years of study in a regional area in Oz would be set up to get 120 points, the current target. The points allocated to various occupations are shown on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL).
Currently, occupations such as nurses, accountants, cooks, hairdressers, and bricklayers are on the MODL. However, students are urged to be cautious as the MODL is reviewed at least every six months in line with the current workforce demands. Therefore, students can't be sure that if they commence a cookery course now, that when they finish in two years it will still feature on MODL. Not every course will qualify applicants for a migration outcome. To be granted the points for a particular occupation, a student needs to meet the criteria set down by the relevant assessing body for that particular occupation, as shown on the SOL. This may require candidates to have:
A degree or postgraduate qualification on the assessing body's accredited list (for example, IT specialist, accountant);
A Certificate III in a particular subject, plus 900 hours recognised and relevant work experience (for example bricklayer, hairdresser or automotive mechanic);
A recognised qualification incorporating a minimum number of days supervised work experience;
A high English score (for example, teachers and nurses require 7.0 on the International English Language Testing System test); or
A diploma or degree on the accredited list (for example, welfare worker).
Those taking the 'study and stay' pathway, must ensure that the programme they study will meet the criteria of the relevant assessing body.
Students should also know that these requirements for recognition may change. For example, over the past five years to qualify as a cook and collect the 60 points, at various stages the relevant assessing body, TRA, has required students to:
Hold a one-year Certificate III in Commercial Cookery;
Hold a one-year Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, and pass a skills test; and
Hold a Certificate III (as all or part of a minimum two-year study package), in addition to 900 hours relevant work experience.
More often than not, those who apply under one set of rules are assessed by these rules, regardless of whether they then change after the application is lodged. However, there is no guarantee that this will always be the case. Those looking for a 'study and stay' opportunity should either play very safe by maximising their points, or ensure that they have a Plan B, in case there are changes in the rules during the period of their studies. The more cautious students should not rely on MODL points, but ensure that they finish their studies to set them up for recognition in a 60-point occupation before they are 30, and do so in a regional area. This will ensure that they maximise their points. For students holding a UK passport, getting a student visa is not complex. However, applicants must demonstrate that they are 'genuine students', meaning that their main intention is to come and study to return home to use their skills. If migration is a possibility at the end of their studies, then their intentions may change. Student visa applications can be done online, and can be granted up to three months before courses commence. Immediate family members dependent of the student visa holder are generally included on the student visa. Child dependants of school-age must be enrolled in a school, prior to the visa being granted.
Student visa holders need to be aware that though they may come to Australia early and get settled in, they will not be allowed to work until they have commenced the course and applied for work rights. Generally students are then permitted to work for 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays. Their spouse can work 20 hours a week during the entire student visa period, once work rights have been granted. Spouses of those undertaking a Masters by coursework, or research Masters or PhD are permitted to work full-time. Work that is a registered part of your course is not included in this limit of 20 hours. Other important visa conditions are that students attend at least 80 per cent of their classes, and meet course requirements.
So, whilst 'study and stay' does offer great opportunities for would-be migrants, caution should be exercised in taking this route. You should seek professional advice to determine how many points you need, ensure that the course you wish to study will get you the points you need, and understand and manage the risks that this pathway holds through having a Plan B!
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