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Am I Overlooking Key Factors in My Australia Migration Journey? Should I Persevere?
Hello everyone – I’m reaching out to share my experience and seek advice regarding Australian migration processes. I have been residing in Australia since 2013, initially attending boarding school here. Afterward, I completed a three-year degree at a top-tier university. Unfortunately, my journey took a detour when the COVID-19 pandemic forced me to return to my home country for approximately three years.
Upon my return, I obtained a graduate visa and worked for a multinational investment firm for two years, even relocating to a different state for this opportunity.
As my graduate visa was nearing its end, I inquired about the possibility of employer sponsorship. Regrettably, I was informed that sponsorship wasn’t an option due to my position in marketing. Following this, I applied for a skilled visa but had low expectations since I didn’t accumulate many points in the system.
In pursuit of better job prospects and visa options, I decided to return to university to pursue a Master’s degree at another prestigious university, which I am currently completing. I have about a year remaining in this program and have been actively searching for graduate roles, but opportunities for non-permanent residents seem quite limited.
Without going into too much personal detail, my Master’s degree is in a field that I believed would enhance my employability and visa chances.
However, I find myself questioning what steps I might be overlooking. I’ve encountered numerous individuals with permanent residency who have been in Australia for a shorter duration than my tenure here. I’ve lived in Australia for over a decade, built close friendships, and even own property here.
Why is securing a permanent residency proving to be such a challenge? Should I consider returning to my home country? I genuinely love living in Australia, and it’s disheartening to feel this way. I apologize if this comes off as a lament, but I’m struggling to understand my current situation.
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1 Reply
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Hey Lilly, and welcome!
I understand your frustration. Navigating the Australian visa system can be complex, especially when uncertain pathways seem to exist. You’ve invested significant time, education, and work experience in Australia, so it’s worth exploring every possible option before deciding to leave.
Key Factors to Consider:
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Skilled Visa Pathways – Since you previously applied for a skilled visa with low points, it might be worth reassessing your eligibility. Have you explored:
- The points test to see if additional qualifications, English test scores, work experience, or state nomination could boost your score?
- State and Territory Nominations (subclass 190 or 491) that may have lower requirements for in-demand occupations?
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Employer-Sponsored Options – While your employer declined sponsorship, have you explored roles in regional areas where sponsorship conditions may be more flexible? Depending on your occupation and location, the DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) is another potential option.
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Post-Study Work Rights & PR Pathways – Your Master’s degree may allow you to apply for another post-study work visa (subclass 485), giving you more time to find PR pathways. Some states also have pathways for international graduates.
Should You Persevere?
Since you’ve already invested a decade in Australia, exhausting all possible visa options before considering leaving makes sense.
Given that you have a year left in your Master’s, this time could be crucial for networking, finding employer sponsorship, or increasing your points score.
I’d recommend consulting a registered migration agent to explore state nomination, DAMA, or lesser-known pathways that might suit your situation.
You’re not alone in this challenge 🤗 many long-term residents struggle with the system, but persistence often pays off. Don’t lose hope just yet!
I can help you check state nomination options or strategies to increase your skilled migration points if you’d like. Let me know how I can assist you.
All the best
Mark
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