Western Australia has seen a decline in the number of international students since it was declassified as a 'regional area' in 2017. Along with reversing this decision, the government is extending the skilled migration program to include vocational education and training.
Changes in educational qualification criterion
In addition to university graduates, Graduate stream Skilled Migration Program is now open to students studying vocational courses in Western Australia.
The new rules are applicable to the 190 Skilled Nominated visas and the 491 Regional Work Visa implemented recently.
From December 2019 students enrolled in Certificate III or above and diploma vocational training courses in Western Australia will be able to take advantage of the Graduate stream Skilled Migration Program.
Under the current rule, international students who complete a two-year course nominated in Graduate occupation list (GOL) at a Western Australian university are eligible for this category.
The skyline of Perth city seen from riverside of South Perth, Western Australia(Image/Richard Wainwright) Source: AAP
However, from December 2019, students will be able to add their Certificate III or above vocational training courses completed in Western Australia towards the two-year study requirement.
The new Graduate Occupation List and updated requirements for the Graduate Stream will be published on the Western Australia Migration portal prior to the first round of invitations in December.
"Students who have completed coded vocational education, English language intensive and other higher education qualifications will also count towards the study requirement for state nomination in Western Australia," says Perth based migration agent Kaushal Jhaveri from Horizon Australasia.
Changes to employment criteria
The 12-month Australian work experience or a 12-month contract of employment in the nominated or closely related field is being cut by half.
Applicants will now be eligible for a nomination even with a six-month Australian work experience or a six-month contract of employment.
"Applicants will be required to show six months of post-study work experience for a genuine vacancy in the nominated skill." says Kaushal Jhaveri.
Source: Getty Images
The job of kitchen hand, waiter or accountant at a restaurant is not considered work experience for a student enrolled in commercial cookery.
English Language Qualification
Applicants who demonstrate 'Proficient' level of English will have 10 points added to their skilled migration application.
Source: WA migration website
Other Australian states
Students currently residing and studying in NSW, VIC and other states of Australia would have to move to Western Australia and complete two years of study in order to be eligible.
But migration agent Kaushal Jhaveri says one's eligibility might change depending on the changes in the skilled occupation list and the immigration rules during these two years.
International students should not pursue Australian State and Territory migration occupation lists as they can change anytime, instead they should follow their career pathways which can lead to temporary and/or permanent employer sponsored migration pathways.
There is an additional requirement for students living outside Western Australia. They will have to prove that they have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves during the move and initial settlement in Western Australia.
The minimum amount of funds required is:
- for a single person – $20,000 (AUD);
- for a couple – $30,000 (AUD); and
- for every additional dependant – $5,000 (AUD).
The first invitation round to include VET graduates will be issued in December 2019.
Disclaimer: This content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional advisors.
