
In January this year, I published a predictive analysis of the removal of the requirement to nominate an MLTSSL occupation for the 485 Graduate Work visa (old TR). The removal of this requirement directly affects certainstudents studying vocational programmes in Australiaand how to apply for the Subclass 485 — and for those looking to make the most of this policy change, how to choose their courses.
Interested readers, please see:What Recent 485 Policy Benefits Really Mean From a Migration Perspective — Vocational Graduates May Be the Biggest Winners!
It is now late March. Although the specific legislative provisions have not yet been released, we can already glean insights from recently updated official documents.
QLD
Official website
First, the Queensland Government’s official website states it has received a notice from the Department of Home Affairs: “In the 2022–23 financial year, the 485 Graduate Work visa (old TR) will temporarily remove the requirement to nominate an MLTSSL occupation.” “This meansthat applicants who have studied any Diploma or Advanced Diploma, completed at least 92 weeks of study, and graduated before the end of June 2023 may have the opportunity to apply for a two-year 485 Graduate Work visa.”
Source:https://migration.qld.gov.au/news/visa-updates-from-the-department-of-home-affairs
Federal
Updated “International Education Strategy 2021–2030”
At the same time, the Federal Department of Education, Skills and Employment released an updated “International Education Strategy 2021–2030” as early as 7 December 2021, explicitly stating“In the 2022–23 financial year, temporarily remove the requirement for a skills assessment & nominated occupation, giving more applicants the opportunity to apply for the 485 Graduate Work visa”. However, this document did not go as far as the Queensland Government website in hinting at what qualifications applicants will need.
https://www.dese.gov.au/australian-strategy-international-education-2021-2030/resources/australian-strategy-international-education-2021-2030
Students studying vocational or trade courses who haven’t yet heard about this new policy,
feel free to reach out to me directly!
My Analysis
1 ► First, under the current485GWrequirements, applicants need two years of CRICOS-registered courses, obtaining at least one Cert III or above trade course/Diploma/Advanced Diploma/Degree, with the course closely related to the nominated occupation.
2 ► Based on the hints provided in the official documents outlined above, the mostlikely course combination is that applicants will need two years of CRICOS-registered courses, obtaining at least one Cert III or above trade course/Diploma/Advanced Diploma/Degree.
So, for those looking to take advantage of this potential new policy in the 2022–23 financial year, applicants may wish to consider the following (for general interest only — not to be taken as professional advice):
– Check the CRICOS weeks of your completed courses; if you fall short of the threshold, plan to study additional courses to reach the 92-week requirement.
– Review the types of courses you have completed; if you haven’t obtained the above qualifications, plan to study additional courses to gain at least one Cert III or above trade course/Diploma/Advanced Diploma/Degree.
– Plan your schedule to ensure you can graduate and apply for the Subclass 485 before the end of the 2022–23 financial year.
3 ► The advantages of doing so are:In addition to being able to apply for the two-year Subclass 485, you will also have the opportunity to use those two years to complete your skills assessment in preparation for future skilled migration.Recommended one-year courses mentioned earlier:
A. Diploma in Community Service
B. Cert 3 in Commercial Cookery
C. Cert 3 in Patisserie
D. Cert 3 in Baking
E. Cert 3 in Wall and Floor Titling
F. Cert 3 in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
G. Cert 3 in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
H. Cert 3 in Hairdressing
I. Various other one-year trade/vocational courses
J. Diploma of Translation
For those concerned that the policy has not been fully disclosed,you may also consider applying for the Subclass 408 first as a holding visa, then commence study once the policy is formally announced,with the option to apply for a student visa to complete your studies in due course.
I hope everyone takes this opportunity seriously — it can ease the financial burden and smooth your path to skilled migration! If you have any questions, please feel free to discuss them with me!
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NSW quotas still plentiful! Net overseas migration forecast to return to positive numbers next financial year!
NSW quotas still plentiful! Net overseas migration forecast to return to positive numbers next financial year!
Thinking of cancelling your student visa after lodging a migration visa? Converting your student visa to a Subclass 408? Proceed with caution!
Thinking of cancelling your student visa after lodging a migration visa? Converting your student visa to a Subclass 408? Proceed with caution!
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