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Best Path to PR: Finish My Dual Diploma or Use My GIS Background?
Hi everyone! I’m currently living on the Gold Coast with my partner on a student visa, and we’re both planning our future in Australia.
Here’s a bit about my situation:
I’m from Colombia with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and professional experience as a GIS/Geoanalytics Analyst in Latin America.
Right now, I’m studying a Dual Diploma in Engineering – Technical & Civil Construction Design, which finishes in about a year.
I understand I’ll need a high IELTS/PTE score, and I’m actively working on that.
We’re trying to plan our next move and I’m not sure which option is more strategic:
1. Wait until I finish my Dual Diploma, then apply for a graduate or skilled visa.
2. Start the visa process now using my Geographer/GIS background and previous work experience, especially if there are good chances to get nominated or sponsored under current skilled occupation lists.
I’m aiming for PR (189/190/491 or sponsorship like 482), and eventually citizenship.
Questions:
Should I wait to finish the Dual Diploma and apply through that path?
Is it worth applying now with my GIS background while I study?
Which states are more likely to nominate someone with my background?
Can I apply for jobs or sponsorships (482) while on a student visa?
Thanks so much for your help! Any advice or experience would mean a lot.
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1 Reply
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Welcome to our community, Norman! It’s great to have you here, and I appreciate you sharing your background and aspirations with us. Let’s explore your options for obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia.
1. Utilizing Your GIS Background:
Given your Bachelor’s degree in Geography and professional experience as a GIS/Geoanalytics Analyst in Latin America, it’s important to identify the relevant Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) codes:
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Geographer (ANZSCO 272499): This occupation is currently listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making it eligible for various skilled visas, such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
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GIS Analyst: This role typically falls under Cartographer (ANZSCO 232213) or Other Spatial Scientist (ANZSCO 232214). These occupations are also on the MLTSSL, providing similar visa opportunities.
Given that these occupations are on the MLTSSL, you could consider initiating the skills assessment process with the relevant assessing authority, such as the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) or another appropriate body. A positive skills assessment is a prerequisite for applying for skilled visas.
2. Completing Your Dual Diploma:
Your current studies in Engineering – Technical & Civil Construction Design may open pathways to occupations like Civil Engineering Draftsperson (ANZSCO 312211) or Civil Engineering Technician (ANZSCO 312212).
These occupations are also on the MLTSSL, making them eligible for various skilled visas. Completing your diploma and obtaining a positive skills assessment in one of these occupations could provide an alternative route to PR.
3. State Nomination Considerations:
State and territory governments in Australia offer nominations for certain occupations based on their specific skill needs. The availability of nominations can vary, and states periodically update their occupation lists. Given the dynamic nature of these lists, it’s advisable to regularly check the official websites of states or territories you’re interested in for the most current information.
4. Employment Opportunities While on a Student Visa:
While on a student visa, you have limited work rights, typically allowing you to work up to 40 hours per fortnight during study periods and full-time during scheduled breaks. Securing employer sponsorship for a visa like the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) while on a student visa can be challenging but not impossible.
Employers may be hesitant to sponsor someone who hasn’t completed their current course of study. However, if you possess skills that are in high demand and can find an employer willing to sponsor you, it’s worth exploring this option.
Recommendations:
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Assess Your Skills: Consider initiating the skills assessment process for your GIS qualifications and experience. A positive assessment would provide clarity on your eligibility for skilled visas.
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Continue Your Studies: Completing your Dual Diploma will broaden your qualifications and may open additional pathways to PR.
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Monitor State Nomination Opportunities: Regularly check state and territory government websites for updates on occupation lists and nomination criteria.
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Enhance English Proficiency: Achieving a high score on English proficiency tests like IELTS or PTE can significantly boost your points for skilled migration visas.
I hope this information helps you Norman. If you have further questions or need clarification on any point, feel free to ask.
Best regards,
Mark
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