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  • Is it challenging to obtain a work visa or permanent residency in urban planning?

    Posted by John on March 10, 2025 at 11:58 pm

    Hi there! I’m an international high school student exploring the possibility of pursuing higher education in Australia, specifically in urban planning.

    I’m weighing my options between studying for my bachelor’s degree abroad and then coming to Australia for my master’s program. My ultimate goal is to live and work in Australia for several years, ideally a decade or more, after completing my studies.

    I’m curious to know if employers in Australia might be less inclined to hire me if I’ve only obtained my master’s degree from an Australian university while having completed my bachelor’s degree elsewhere.

    Will this background affect my chances of obtaining a work visa or job opportunities in Australia?

    Additionally, I’d love to hear more about the life and career of an urban planner in Australia.

    What is the job market like for urban planners? Any insights or advice on navigating the Australian migration process and job market would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

    Mark replied 3 days, 21 hours ago 2 Members · 1 Reply
  • 1 Reply
  • Mark

    Mark

    Administrator
    March 11, 2025 at 6:18 am

    Hi John, welcome to our community! ☺️

    It’s great to hear you’re considering a career in urban planning in Australia!

    Urban and Regional Planner (ANZSCO 232611) is currently on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which means there are solid visa options available for both temporary work and permanent residency.

    Study Pathway and Employment Prospects

    If you complete your master’s in Australia, it should not significantly disadvantage you compared to those who studied their bachelor’s degree here.

    Many international students take this route, and employers primarily focus on skills, experience, and accreditation rather than where you completed your undergraduate degree.

    Urban Planner Australia Visa Options

    1. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485 – Post-Study Work Stream)

    After completing a master’s degree in Australia, you can apply for this visa, which allows you to stay and work for up to three years.

    2. Skilled Migration (189/190/491 Visas)

    Urban planning is on the MLTSSL, so you may be eligible for a Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa or a state-nominated (Subclass 190) visa.

    3. Employer-Sponsored Visas (482 Visa leading to 186 PR pathway)

    If you secure a job with an employer willing to sponsor you, the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa is another option, with pathways to permanent residency via the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).

    Job Market for Urban Planners in Australia

    The demand for urban planners is generally strong in Australia, particularly in growing cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, as well as regional areas experiencing expansion.

    Employers do value local experience, though, so internships or part-time roles during your master’s program can help boost your employability.

    Advice for Navigating the Australia Job Market

    Gain practical experience through internships or part-time work while studying.

    Consider networking with industry professionals via Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) – http://www.planning.org.au.

    Look for jobs on https://482jobs.com (our job board featuring visa-sponsored roles), https://seek.com.au, and https://indeed.com.au.

    I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

    All the best

    Mark

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