What are the visas that I can apply for permanent residency?

Australia has different visas leading to permanent residency available for migrants. These visas are often referred to as skilled-migration visas (Genera Skilled Migration).

Here are some of the well-known visas:

• Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189 *Points-stream.
• Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190.
• Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa – Subclass 489 (State or Family Sponsorship Streams Available).

Occupations that are eligible for these visas are listed out on the Combined Skilled Occupation List on the Home Affairs Website.

What are the courses that will lead to permanent residency (PR) in Australia?

With more than 170 occupations on the Combined Skilled Lists, there are different courses that you can take to gain PR in Australia. Following are the popular courses that lead to a GSM pathway in Australia.

Social Work Course; Pathway to PR

Considered one of the fastest growing occupations in Australia, social work courses attract international students who want to work closely with people afflicted with personal or social issues. Often described as the unsung heroes of modern times, social workers are empowered ordinary individuals are making an extraordinary impact in the lives of others by giving advice, support and provides help to reintegrate socially displaced individuals into the society. Social workers can apply for various permanent residency visas (189, 190, 489 visas and more). For the 2018 – 2019 period, the occupation ceiling is 2,125. A Bachelor or Master of Social Work will be needed to apply.

Nursing Course; Pathway to PR

Australia’s ever-growing population depends on its highly skilled medical staff in providing healthcare. Medical and nursing courses attract thousands of local and international students determined to profess their passion and lay foundations to a promising career. Consistently being included in the skills lists, nursing is one of the desired courses in the medical field. The 2018 – 2019 occupation ceiling for registered nurses is 17,322. Nursing graduates will be able to apply for various permanent residency visas (189, 190, 489, & more). Registration is required to be eligible. Overseas registered nurses can take bridging courses to get registered.

Information Technology Course; Pathway to PR

The rapid changing pace of technology has brought about the creation of numerous computer and information technology courses. Specialising in hardware, software, network, security, website development courses, universities around the country including the professional arm, Australia Computer Society, continuously update the courses to maintain its competitiveness in the digital field. The demand for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) graduates is consistently in the rise to cope with the growing need of the industries. ICT occupations in the skills list are ICT Business & Systems Analyst, Analyst Programmer, Developer Programmer, Software Engineer, Computer Network and Systems Engineer, Software Tester, ICT Support Engineer, Web Developer, and Software and Applications Programmer. ICT graduates might be required to either have one year of work experience in Australia or to apply for a Professional Year program to be eligible for a skilled visa.

Engineering Course; Pathway to PR

Australia is one of the frontrunners in the field of engineering. International students are drawn to the country to learn and kick-start their careers in various specialisation. Engineers provide solutions, innovations and practical solutions to day to day challenges. They also design, create, built, manufacture, innovate and invent. Our world is better because of the creative minds and hard work of the engineers. Engineers are sought after in Australia to address the needs of the country in various aspects. Occupations needed in Australia are Chemical Engineer, Materials Engineer, Civil Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Aeronautical Engineer, Agricultural Engineer, Environmental Engineer, and Industrial Engineer.

Accounting Course; Pathway to PR

Amongst the top course choices for international students, accounting course receives thousands of students aspiring to become successful accountants or auditors. Australia’s strong and improving economy provides opportunities for international graduates to follow their career path. Accountants are involved in forecasting budget, making decisions on company investments, research and development. In the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the combined list of eligible skilled occupations are Accountant (General), Management Accountant, Taxation Accountant, External Auditor, Corporate Treasurer. The 2018 – 2019 occupation ceiling for accountants is 3,753.

Education and Teaching Course; Pathway to PR

Pursuing a career in the field of education holds power in making differences by inspiring students’ curious minds. Australia is regarded as one of the powerhouses in having excellent education standards known worldwide. International graduates pursuing teaching occupations enjoy the high demand in education institutions. The teaching profession in the skills lists are Early Childhood (Pre-Primary School) Teacher; Primary School Teacher; Secondary School Teacher; Special Needs Teacher; University Lecturer; Vocational Education Teacher; and Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages.

Automotive Course; Pathway to PR

There are plenty of automotive courses available for international students. The most popular among international students are Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis. Taking these courses can lead to a career as a light vehicle mechanical technician, automotive technician, or automotive technical adviser. Graduates also gain hands-on experience through placements. The 2018 – 2019 occupation ceiling for an Automotive technician is 1,000.

Cookery & Hospitality Course; Pathway to PR

Courses under the Cookery and Hospitality field not only promise an exciting career but also hold potential in obtaining permanent residency status. Passionate students invest in their career through quality Australian education and hands-on work experiences. Whether your passion is in cooking, baking or managing hotels, Australia’s booming tourism industry is always in need of hospitable and passionate persons making a difference in their job. Cookery and Hospitality jobs on the list are Chef; Cafe or Restaurant Manager; Hotel or Motel Manager; Licensed Club Manager; Bed and Breakfast Operator; Accommodation and Hospitality Managers; and more.

Building and Construction Course; Pathway to PR

Trade courses like carpentry, joinery, and bricklaying are now available to international students. International students can now pursue a career as a carpenter, joiner, and bricklayer. These occupations have a high occupation ceiling. The 2018 – 2019 occupation ceilings for Carpenters and Joiners is a combined 8,372 while Bricklayers and Stonemasons are a combined 1,594.

Business Administration Course; Pathway to PR

Studying a Bachelor of Business Administration or Master of Business Administration (MBA) will make you eligible to apply as a management consultant providing you meet the additional criteria to meet the eligibility requirements. Generally speaking, you need at least one year of experience as a management consultant role to meet the skill assessment criteria. The 2018 – 2019 occupation ceiling for management consultants is 3,894.