Forum Replies Created

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  • Mark

    Mark

    Administrator
    March 8, 2025 at 8:12 am in reply to: Duration of Work Permit After Completing Studies

    Hi Emma, sorry for the delay and getting back to you and welcome to our community. 🙂

    This is a great question! Your post-study work visa duration depends on where you complete your studies. Here’s how it works:

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

    Since you are completing a Bachelor of Nursing, you qualify for the Post-Study Work stream of the 485 visa.

    Normally, a bachelor’s degree holder gets a two-year post-study work visa if they study in a non-regional area.

    If at least two years of your study (four semesters) are completed in a designated regional area, you may qualify for an additional one-year extension, making it a three-year visa.

    Canberra (ACT) is classified as Regional (Category 2) under the Australian Government’s definition.

    Based on your study plan (one year in Sydney and two years in Canberra), you should qualify for the three-year post-study work visa since you have completed at least two academic years in a regional area.

    2. Regional Migration Points

    To get the five additional points for regional study when applying for permanent residency, you must have completed at least two years of study in a designated regional area.

    Since you are completing two years in Canberra, you should be eligible for these points.

    Make sure your course meets the Australian Study Requirement (ASR) and that you apply for the correct regional classification when lodging your visa application.

    I hope this clears things up! Let me know if you have any other questions.

    Regards,

    Mark

  • Mark

    Mark

    Administrator
    March 8, 2025 at 8:08 am in reply to: Switching from the Student Visa 500 to the 485 Visa

    You are very welcome Liam. Keep in touch mate and let us know how you get on. 👍🏻

  • Mark

    Mark

    Administrator
    March 8, 2025 at 8:05 am in reply to: Materials Engineer: My Opportunity – What Are Your Thoughts?

    Hi Davey, welcome to our community and thank you for your question. 🙂

    Your qualifications put you in a strong position for Australian migration, but there are a few key things to consider for your Engineers Australia (EA) skills assessment.

    1. Skills Assessment Feasibility:

    Engineers Australia assesses qualifications based on the Washington Accord or through the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) pathway.

    Since you completed your Honours degree in Australia, it should be recognised without requiring a CDR, provided your university is accredited by EA.

    Your PhD, while valuable, won’t necessarily add to your assessment unless it includes industry-relevant experience.

    2. Relevant Work Experience:

    Unfortunately, casual academic roles (tutor, lab demonstrator) are generally not considered skilled work experience for migration points. However, they may help in proving practical engineering exposure.

    If your research assistant role involved engineering tasks, you might be able to argue for its inclusion.

    3. Choosing Between Mechanical or Materials Engineering:

    Mechanical Engineer (ANZSCO 233512) is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making it a solid choice for general skilled migration (189, 190, 491 visas).

    Materials Engineer (ANZSCO 233112) is also on the MLTSSL, but it is a more niche occupation. If your PhD is highly specialised in materials and aligns well with this code, you may get a better case for a positive assessment under Materials Engineering.

    4. Next Steps:

    Consider applying for a Temporary Graduate Visa (485 – Post-Study Work Stream) to gain industry experience before applying for PR.

    If aiming for skilled migration, ensure your EA assessment aligns with the occupation on the MLTSSL.

    If possible, seek engineering-related work (internships, entry-level roles) to improve your application.

    You have strong credentials, but industry experience will significantly boost your visa prospects. I’d recommend exploring job opportunities to strengthen your case.

    Let me know if you need further guidance and please keep in touch. 👍🏻

    All the best

    Mark

  • Mark

    Mark

    Administrator
    March 7, 2025 at 11:13 pm in reply to: Australian Permanent Residency

    Hi Tony and welcome to our community 🙂.

    The incorrect phone number in your reference letter might not necessarily cause a major issue, but it’s always best to ensure that all details in your application are accurate.

    The Department of Home Affairs may conduct verification checks, including contacting referees.

    If they attempt to call and the number is incorrect, it could raise concerns. If you realise an error after submission, you can notify the Department through ImmiAccount and provide the correct details.

    Regarding job opportunities as an SAS programmer, Australia has demand for data analysts and statistical programmers, especially in finance, healthcare, and government sectors.

    You can check our website at https://482jobs.com (all jobs listed there offer visa sponsorship) as well as https://seek.com.au and https://indeed.com.au for job listings.

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

    All the best

    Mark

  • Mark

    Mark

    Administrator
    March 7, 2025 at 11:10 pm in reply to: Second-Year Working Holiday Visa Application Still Under Review

    Hi Janet and welcome to Oz Visa Forum. 🙂

    Sorry to hear about your visa delays. Here are some things you can do:

    1. Check ImmiAccount for Updates – Sometimes applications get stuck due to missing documents or pending verifications. Make sure your application has all required documents and that no additional requests are waiting for a response.

    2. Contact Home Affairs Again – Since you’ve already inquired, try calling again and specifically ask if they need further proof of your departure or if there are any other outstanding requirements. If urgent, consider requesting priority processing due to your family event.

    3. Bridging Visa Possibility? – If you had a valid visa before leaving, check if you’re eligible for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) to allow re-entry while waiting for your WHV decision. This is likely a long shot (bit worth putting it out there) as BVBs are usually for applicants who applied for another visa while onshore.

    4. New E-Visa Application? – If you apply for a new visa (such as another eVisitor visa), it may not necessarily restart your WHV processing, but there is a risk of refusal if Home Affairs sees multiple pending applications. You may want to clarify this directly with them.

    Since your situation is time-sensitive, I recommend escalating your inquiry with Home Affairs.

    You can also consider seeking help from a registered migration agent if necessary. We have a registered agent we can refer you to if you don’t have one though they will charge for this engagement.

    I hope this helps, and I wish you a smooth return to Australia!

    Best of luck!

    Regards

    Mark

  • Mark

    Mark

    Administrator
    March 7, 2025 at 7:15 pm in reply to: 491 ViSA NT

    Welcome to our community, Aasheesh! 🙂 I understand how frustrating the waiting period for your Subclass 491 visa can be.

    The processing times for the 491 visa can vary depending on factors such as application volume, security checks, and individual case complexity.

    Since it has been over 18 months (I assume you mean 18 and not 1.8) since you lodged your application, here are some steps you can take:

    1. Check Current Processing Times – Visit the Department of Home Affairs website visa processing times page to see the latest estimated processing times for the 491 visa.

    2. Submit a Visa Enquiry – If your application has exceeded standard processing times, you can submit an enquiry through the ImmiAccount.

    3. Contact the NT Government (if needed) – Since your nomination was from the Northern Territory, you can check with them to see if they have any updates.

    4. Seek Assistance – If your application is significantly delayed without explanation, consider consulting a registered migration agent for advice. We have an agent we can refer you to (they will charge for a call).

    I know the waiting period is stressful, but hopefully, you will receive good news soon.

    Let us know if you have any further questions!

    All the best

    Mark

  • Mark

    Mark

    Administrator
    March 7, 2025 at 1:47 pm in reply to: Switching from the Student Visa 500 to the 485 Visa

    Hi Liam, and welcome mate! 🤗

    It’s good to see you’re planning ahead for your Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)! Here are the key steps and considerations for your situation:

    1. Applying for the 485 Visa Timing

      • You can apply for the 485 visa once you receive official confirmation that you have completed your course.
      • Your academic results becoming available on July 14 should be sufficient, as long as your university provides official confirmation of course completion.
      • You must apply for the 485 visa before your student visa expires on July 30, 2025, to remain lawfully in Australia on a bridging visa.
    2. Extending Your Student Visa?

      • Extending your student visa is unnecessary unless you need extra time to complete your studies.
      • Once you apply for the 485 visa before July 30, you’ll automatically be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA), allowing you to stay in Australia while your application is processed.
    3. Job Before Lodging the 485 Visa?

      • It’s not a requirement to have a job before applying for the 485 visa.
      • However, securing employment early can help you gain experience, which is valuable if you transition to employer-sponsored or skilled migration pathways later.
    4. Graduation Ceremony Timing

      • Your graduation ceremony in September 2025 is separate from your 485 visa eligibility. The Department of Home Affairs assesses your application based on when you have completed your course, not when you officially graduate.

    Next Steps:

    • Confirm with your university when they can issue your completion letter.
    • Prepare your English test results and health insurance, as these are required for the 485 visa.
    • Lodge your 485 visa application before July 30 to ensure a smooth transition.

    I hope this helps! Please let me know if you need more details.

    All the best

    Regards,
    Mark

  • Mark

    Mark

    Administrator
    March 6, 2025 at 9:05 pm in reply to: introduce

    Welcome to the community, Muhammad! 🤗

    No need to treat this like a job interview, please feel free to kick back and explore. When you’re ready, post any questions, and we’ll be happy to help!

    Link for new posts here: https://ozvisaforum.com/post-new-topic/

    All the best

    Mark

  • Mark

    Mark

    Administrator
    March 6, 2025 at 8:59 pm in reply to: Introducing myself

    Welcome to our community, Lee!

    Have a look around and make yourself at home 🙂

    If you have any questions about visa options, job opportunities, or migration pathways for diesel mechanics or agriculture equipment service technicians, feel free to ask. We’re here to help!

    Click the link here to post a new thread with any questions:

    https://ozvisaforum.com/post-new-topic/

    All the best

    Mark

  • Mark

    Mark

    Administrator
    March 6, 2025 at 8:51 pm in reply to: Student visa need

    Hi Muhammad and welcome to Oz Visa forum

    To apply for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500), follow these steps:

    1. Choose a Course & Institution – Enrol in a course with a CRICOS-registered institution: https://cricos.education.gov.au

    2. Receive Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) – Your institution will issue a CoE after you accept their offer and pay any required deposit.

    3. Meet Visa Requirements – You need:

    Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement

    English proficiency test (e.g., IELTS, PTE)

    Financial evidence to cover tuition, living costs, and travel

    Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

    4. Create an ImmiAccount & Apply Online – Apply via the Department of Home Affairs website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

    5. Attend Biometrics & Health Check – If required, complete a medical examination and submit biometrics.

    6. Wait for Decision – Processing times vary, so check the latest timelines on the Home Affairs website.

    Let me know if you need help with any of the specific requirements I’ve mentioned above.

    Good luck with your application! 🙂

    All the best

    Mark

  • Mark

    Mark

    Administrator
    March 6, 2025 at 5:45 pm in reply to: Partner Visa Alternatives: Student Visa Expiring Soon in Australia

    G’day Lucy and welcome to Oz Visa Forum 😊

    I completely understand your concern about staying together while navigating the partner visa process. 😓

    Since you are not yet eligible to sponsor your partner, he will need a valid visa to remain in Australia lawfully until you can submit the partner visa application.

    Here are some possible options:

    1. New Student Visa (Subclass 500) – If your partner is genuinely interested in continuing studies, applying for a new student visa with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a registered course could be a viable option. However, the application must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria.

    2. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – This could allow him to stay longer, but visitor visas come with restrictions, such as no work rights.Additionally, if he applies onshore, he may only be granted a shorter stay (e.g., 3 or 6 months). The Department of Home Affairs may also question the genuineness of the visitor visa if it appears to be a way to extend his stay for migration purposes.

    3. Bridging Visa (BVA or BVB) – If he applies for another substantive visa before his student visa expires, he will be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) while awaiting a decision. If he needs to travel, a Bridging Visa B (BVB) can be requested.

    Given the urgency with his visa expiring soon, I strongly recommend seeking personalised advice from a registered migration agent to explore the best course of action tailored to your situation.

    We have a registered migration agent we can refer you to if required.

    I hope this helps, and I wish you both the best in staying together!

    Regards

    Mark

  • Mark

    Mark

    Administrator
    March 6, 2025 at 5:42 pm in reply to: Eligibility for 838 Visa: financial eligibility requirements

    Hi Ava and welcome to our forum! 🤗

    The key financial eligibility requirement for the Subclass 838 Aged Dependent Relative Visa is that the applicant must have been wholly or substantially financially dependent on their Australian relative for at least three years before lodging the application.

    Regarding property ownership overseas, owning assets in another country does not automatically disqualify an applicant. However, the Department of Home Affairs will assess:

    • Whether the applicant derives any income from the property (e.g., rent).
    • Whether they have accessible financial resources that could support them independently.

    If the property is not generating income and is not easily accessible for financial support, then it may not negatively impact their eligibility. However, if the applicant has substantial financial resources, this could lead to questions about whether they truly meet the dependency requirements.

    To strengthen the application, they should provide clear evidence (bank statements, financial support records, etc.) proving that they rely on their sponsor for daily living expenses.

    It may be beneficial to consult a registered migration agent for a thorough assessment based on their specific circumstances. I can refer you to one we work with if required.

    I hope this helps! Let me know if you need more details.

    Regards,
    Mark

  • Mark

    Mark

    Administrator
    March 6, 2025 at 5:40 pm in reply to: ACS Letter – Is this employment related to the nominated occupation?

    G’day Rohan and welcome to Oz Visa Forum 😊

    The key detail here is that your ACS assessment states your work experience is assessed as closely related to ANZSCO code 261313 Software Engineer.” This means ACS recognises it as relevant experience for your nominated occupation.

    However, for points-tested visas (e.g., subclass 189, 190, or 491), only work experience completed after the “Skill Level Requirement Met Date” counts as skilled employment for migration points.

    Your letter does not mention this date explicitly, but generally, it is the date you completed your AQF Bachelor Degree (29-Nov-2021) or your Professional Year (whichever is later).

    Since your work experience (0 years 7 months) appears to have started in 2024, it is likely after your Skill Level Requirement Met Date.

    If this is the case, you can answer “Yes” to the question “Is this employment related to the nominated occupation?” because ACS has confirmed it is closely related.

    That said, this does not necessarily mean it will count for skilled employment points, that depends on whether it meets the minimum 12 months of post-qualification experience required.

    If you are applying for General Skilled Migration (GSM), ensure that your work experience aligns with the points test criteria. If you’re unsure about your exact “Skill Level Requirement Met Date,” I recommend you request clarification from ACS.

    Hope this helps! Feel free to let me know if you need further clarification.

    Regards,
    Mark

  • Mark

    Mark

    Administrator
    March 6, 2025 at 5:37 pm in reply to: Visa 482 migration procedure

    Welcome to our community Ambrose and thank you for your post 😊

    Based on your experience and qualifications, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) is a strong pathway for you, provided you can secure a job offer from an Australian employer willing to sponsor you.

    Steps to Apply for a 482 Visa:

    1. Find an Employer Sponsor – Your employer must be an approved sponsor and offer you a job in an eligible occupation.
    2. Check Occupation List – Electrical Technician roles are often listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), determining the visa duration and pathway to permanent residency.
    3. Skills Assessment – Some employers may request one, which is not always mandatory for the 482 visa. Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is the assessing authority.
    4. English Language Requirement – You may need to prove English proficiency (IELTS or equivalent).
    5. Visa Application – Once nominated by an employer, you can lodge your visa application.

    Where to Find Sponsored Jobs:

    • 482jobs.com – All jobs listed here offer visa sponsorship.
    • Seek – will need to filter sponsored results
    • Indeed – as above

    If you’re looking for a permanent visa pathway, the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) could also be options, but they require a positive skills assessment and points test.

    If you would like help with specific job search strategies or more details on employer sponsorship, please let me know. 👍🏼

    Best of luck with your migration journey.

    All the best

    Mark

  • Mark

    Mark

    Administrator
    March 6, 2025 at 2:05 pm in reply to: Seeking Butcher Job Opportunities in Australia – Visa Sponsorship Inquiry

    Hi Jay, no problems. Your best bet would be to use the job board resources I shared earlier (482jobs.com, seek, indeed, etc).

    If there isn’t anything suitable right now, all of these sites give you the option to set a job alert so you can receive an email when appropriate jobs are added 😊

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