In this video we discuss how studying a trade in Australia can lead to Permanent Residency (PR). There are two different pathways to PR by obtaining work visas – General Skilled Migration or Employer Sponsored Visas. The video focuses on the General Skilled Migration Visas.

What trades can I study that can lead to PR in Australia?

There are several trades that international students can study in Australia that can potentially lead to PR. Some of the more popular ones include carpentry, automotive mechanics, boat building, diesel mechanics, painting & decorating, plastering, commercial cookery and wall & floor tiling. We have a full list on this page

How are General Skilled Migration visas different to Employer Sponsored Visas?

There are a few big differences between these two pathways to PR, however the most important one is that with General Skilled Migration you don’t need an employer to sponsor your visa. You can read more about General Skilled Migration here and Employer Sponsored visas here

What are General Skilled Migration Visas?

They are the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), State Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491).

What steps are involved in studying a trade to applying for PR?

The process of studying a trade through to applying for PR can be quite detailed and tricky to understand, but Pathway to Aus would be on hand to help you through the whole process. In short, there are 4 main steps:

  1. Successfully finish your trade course and apply for a provisional skills assessment through Trade Recognition Australia
  2. Apply for a Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
  3. Obtain a full skills assessment by successfully completing the Job Ready Program and working 1725 hours in your occupation
  4. Apply for a General Skilled Migration visa

How do I apply for a provisional skills assessment through TRA?

If you’re a Pathway to Aus student, our migration team will help you to do this. Some of the main documents you’ll need are:

  1. Evidence that you’ve successfully completed your course. This would include a letter of completion, course transcript and certificate
  2. Evidence of 360 hours of vocational placement or paid work experience in your trade

Is the Graduate Visa (subclass 485) points tested?

No, the Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is not points tested

Do I need an employer to sponsor me for the Graduate Visa (subclass 485)?

No, the Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is not employer sponsored

At what point on the Graduate Visa (subclass 485) can I lodge an application for a General Skilled Migration visa?

You can lodge an application for a General Skilled Migration visa at any time on the Graduate Visa (subclass 485), as long as you meet the requirements and have a full skill assessment obtained by completing the Job Ready Program (this will usually take at least 1 year).

What documents are needed to apply for the Graduate Visa (subclass 485)?

Some of the most important documents you’ll need to provide for a Graduate Visa (subclass 485) application include:

  1. English test report if you’re not from an English-speaking country. Common English tests include IELTS, PTE, TOEFL.
  2. Australian Police Check
  3. Receipt of a provisional skills assessment from TRA
  4. Education certificates and documentation
  5. Proof of Overseas Visitor Health Insurance

What is the visa application charge for a Graduate Visa (subclass 485)?

At the time of writing, the visa application charge for the Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is $1,650 for the primary applicant. If you want to add a dependent, this will cost an additional $875

How long is the Graduate Visa (subclass 485) valid for?

The Graduate Visa (subclass 485) – Graduate Stream is valid for 18 months from the date it is granted.

When do I need to apply for a Graduate Visa (subclass 485)?

As long as you apply for a Graduate Visa (subclass 485) before your student visa expires, you’ll be granted a bridging visa. You’ll have full work rights on the bridging visa as your course will be out of session. From the date you finish your course, you may have 2 months remaining on your student visa and you may be on a bridging visa for 3-6 months before your graduate visa is granted. So, you may have close to 24 months from when you finish your course until the graduate work visa expires.

What is the Job Ready Program?

The Job Ready Program is a four-step employment-based program with Trade Recognition Australia to assist international students who have studied a trade in Australia to get a skills assessment for migration purposes

Can I backdate work experience for the Job Ready Program?

Yes, you may be able to backdate as much as 3 months of work experience for the Job Ready Program

What is the workplace assessment in the Job Ready Program?

Once you have completed half of the 1725 hours (6 months) you can arrange for a representative from Trade Recognition Australia to come to your workplace and ensure you have the skills in the trade.

What happens once I’ve finished my Job Ready Program?

Once you’ve completed the 1725 hours of work experience, you will need to apply to TRA to receive your full skills assessment. This can take some time to be processed by TRA, so we recommend applying for the full skills assessment as soon as possible

What happens once I have a full skills assessment?

Most applicants use their full skills assessment to apply for a General Skilled Migration visa. The most common pathway for Pathway to Aus students is to apply for the State Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) or Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491). The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) may be an option, however you may need a very high number of points for this.