Student Visa (Step by step)

juleikha_10 · September 2012

ok lang ba kung ang sponsor ko hindi ko relative?

logic420 · September 2012

@juleikha_10 Hi u need to have COE first prior lodgement of ur application. About refund if u didnt successfully get the visa they will refund ur full tuition fee but not the enrollmentfee (usually 150-200bux depende sa uni/college) if u apply in any uni/colleges na included sa
SVP they will do the 1st assessment on behalf of DIAC so most likely if u've received ur COE your chance to obtain the visa is malaki. Unlike sa mga private colleges d2 na hndi ksama sa SVP it will take 3months and mahigpit sila for all the requirements.

logic420 · September 2012

Yes ok lang na hndi relatives mo
As long as na my statutory declaration sila.

ljust · September 2012

Rarely does 3months waiting time happen naman. I got my visa in less than 2wks. Technically, whether you are eligible for SVP or not, you go through the same process, submit the same documents (except for proof funds) and all that. As long as your documents are complete and believable, you're good to go.

Cheers25 · September 2012

beaj, kamusta?

audrey26 · September 2012

Hi, new member po ako dito sa forum. I don't know where to post about my case, pero since I'm planning on going to Oz on student visa, I guess dito nalang.

I'm a 25 y/o Filipina currently residing and working here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I have a bachelors degree in Marketing Communications from UA&P (Pasig, Philippines) obtained in 2008. I very would like to make a life for myself in Oz, and most people tell me that through student visa is the best and quickest way. I have some background in graphic design, so I would like to pursue that (despite the fact that mostly hospitality and health care jobs are said to be most in demand). Unfortunately, because of the limited work opportunities for women here in Riyadh, my experience in unrelated to my marketing degree, so that makes me unqualified for a masters program. the choice I'm going for is study graphic design and hopefully be able to find work and permanent sponsorship in Oz afterwards.

What do you guys think? Is this a feasible plan kaya? I already took my IELTS last Feb.. I got an 8.5 overall so no problem in that area na. I also have an acceptance in Grenadi Design School na for a two year advanced diploma program. Kaso since advanced diploma lang siya and not a bachelor's degree, hind ako magiging qualified for the post-study work visa. So my questions are:

1. dapat ba ako kumuha ng three year bachelor's program or ung advanced diploma would do?
2. does anyone how is the demand for graphic design or related field there? most people are advising me to get something that is in demand, pero I really don't want to veer to far from my interest.
3. graphic designer in included in CSOL schedule 2 pero not in SOL.. is this a disadvantage when I eventually want to apply for PR?

Sorry for the long post, I've had this plan for a while now and I'm glad I came across this forum. I'm hoping someone can give me some advise and clarifications.

Thank you in advance

juleikha_10 · September 2012

i believe most of us here the main aim of gaining entry is to work. tanong ko lang po, pag student visa ako at makakapag work naman, maccover ba ng kita ko ang lahat ng na gastos ko plus ang pag stay ko jan, plus i need to send remittence as well? nag inquire ako thru email, nakareceive ako ng tawag from ICAE, diploma in hospitality, tuition fee is AUD9,500, 1 yr. course. eligible naman daw ako to apply sa kanila, i wander kung mababawi ko ang gastos ko sa pagwwork while studying.
pls advice naman po the best course/college/uni sa case ko. Front lang po talaga ang student visa, i am seeking work in AU.
my ielts is 6.5/GT/i am 35 y.o/graduated 2 yr. medical secretarial course/worked in Dubai for 5 and half years in Travel Agency/i resigned 6 mos. ago and currently in PI.

ang sarap basahin ng last part ng post nyo.. VISA GRANTED.. very insipiring sa mga baguhan tulad ko.

thank you po in advance sa lahat ng sagot nyo.

simpleman · September 2012

i believe most of us here the main aim of gaining entry is to work. tanong ko lang po, pag student visa ako at makakapag work naman, maccover ba ng kita ko ang lahat ng na gastos ko plus ang pag stay ko jan, plus i need to send remittence as well? nag inquire ako thru email, nakareceive ako ng tawag from ICAE, diploma in hospitality, tuition fee is AUD9,500, 1 yr. course. eligible naman daw ako to apply sa kanila, i wander kung mababawi ko ang gastos ko sa pagwwork while studying.
pls advice naman po the best course/college/uni sa case ko. Front lang po talaga ang student visa, i am seeking work in AU.
my ielts is 6.5/GT/i am 35 y.o/graduated 2 yr. medical secretarial course/worked in Dubai for 5 and half years in Travel Agency/i resigned 6 mos. ago and currently in PI.

ang sarap basahin ng last part ng post nyo.. VISA GRANTED.. very insipiring sa mga baguhan tulad ko.

thank you po in advance sa lahat ng sagot nyo.

Marami nang ng tanong dito regarding "working while studying income to pay for your schooling " and the answer is a big NO. You are only allowed to work 20hrs per week then meron pa tax deduction, then your food and accommodation, then ang mahal nang tuition. You must have enough money to finish your schooling and then find a good job afterwards and by then you will recover your investment. Try to search the forums and you can read more answer to your questions.

ljust · September 2012

@Cheers25 hello! how are you din?? Are you in Melbourne na? I'm good. Naghahanap ng work kasi parang wala atang bagets dito sa area ko. haha so minsan lang ako naboobook for casual teaching. Is it still cold in Melbourne? I might visit early next year, we should meet up since you helped me a lot here

@audrey26 TBH, I don't think graphic design will do you any good if your long term goal is to be a permanent resident here. I get your point of not wanting to veer away from what you want. If I had the choice, I would do the same. As they've said nga, It's not "love what you do, but do what you love." Pero, if your goal is to become a permanent resident, aside from being sponsored by an employer which is the best thing, your only choice is to study a course which is in demand here because in that way, you can still nominate yourself for skilled independent or sponsored by a state visa. Also, the SOL and all the other rules change yearly. So you'll never know talaga. It's weird that I'm giving you such advice coz I myself didn't listen to what people told me. LOL I'm studying a completely different course which I've come to like but wont do me any good. I do believe na it's nice that you want to continue on with what you love, pero we're not getting any younger (we're the same age) we should think of our future na eh. Maybe you can study something that's in demand here muna and when all is good, you can always study graphic design again.

simpleman · September 2012

@ juleikha_10 Try to read this thread as well:
http://www.pinoyau.info/discussion/523/2012-student-visa-applicants/p4

Don't be discouraged. Make more research on various forums and Australian immigration DIAC sites. You may be able to weigh your options and make a good decision later.

audrey26 · September 2012

@beaj thanks for your reply. If you don't mind me asking, what course are you taking right now? When you said that it won't do you any good, does that mean that you're also studying something that's not included in SOL or in any other occupations list? So does that mean that if I take Graphic Design, there's absolutely no chance of getting a PR? If that's the case, then what does it mean that a graphic designer is included in the CSOL list?

I was just thinking, maybe it's worth the risk than spending years of schooling plus professional experience in the same field in order to get a PR. Does anyone here know how long does it usually take in order to be granted a PR?

I'm sorry for the numerous questions. Relying completely on information gathered from the internet can be quite confusing. Most if not all the time, I find myself more confused than enlightened when it comes understand the visas and processes.

jojit05 · September 2012

Mam/sir question po, clarify me po with this one.some said no some say yes. Is it ok po ba pag ang show money namin is naka TIME DEPOSIT? Or do i need to withdraw it and place in a normal bank acount? Thnx po ng madami.

ljust · September 2012

I'm taking up Business, and yeah, it's not included in the SOL list. Apparently, if you want to nominate yourself for skilled independent visa (PR) the school and the course you are taking will play a role, I reckon it'll make you go up a notch when your course is included in the hot skills i.e. SOL
However, in my case, I have a degree in Early Childhood, so right now, all I have to do is have my degree assessed. If it's accredited, I've got better chance to be sponsored by an employer, if by the time I finish my 2 year course, and I don't have a sponsor yet, I can apply for skilled independent, given that I've worked in the education sector here for the 2 years I've spent. My case is a bit complicated kasi, it all boils down to my assessment talaga. I'm pretty sure it'll be accredited or at least a fraction of my subjects would be. If it's not entirely accredited though, then I would shift to children's services which is highly in demand here.

Not really familiar with CSOL, coz I know most people only look at SOL, as I've said in my previous post, these lists change annually. We'll never really know. I'm not saying that you won't be sponsored, what I'm trying to say is go with something that'll give you a likely chance that even if you don't get sponsored by an employer, you can at least apply for a skilled independent visa. Getting a PR here is harder now, I've known some people who have been studying short courses for 4 to 5 years now, just waiting to be sponsored by an employer to get permanent residency.

Think about it. You can continue on with graphic design and if all goes well, you would be sponsored or you could apply for skilled independent. If not, you can always study another course again.

audrey26 · September 2012

@beaj Thanks for your reply. I get it now, so the advantage of SOL pala, you can apply for PR even withouth the sponsorship of an Australian company, as opposed to other courses, you have to wait until you can get sponsored, or find a company who will be willing to do so. Correct my if I'm wrong, pero could you apply for PR right after you studies? Provided that that the field you chose is included in the SOL.

Thanks again, this are becoming more clear. I'm definitely more open now to taking another course. Honestly, I'm weighing my options based on the number of years I'll have to spend on it. I want to make a life for myself kasi outside of Saudi Arabia, so I'm determined to do this. At the same time, I want to pursue something that I love. I guess I would really have to invest some years in order to do both. Do you have an idea of how long before a PR is granted if you did take a course that's included in SOL?

Like you said before, we're not getting any younger, so there's this time pressure on me regarding getting a PR and at the same time making a career for myself and of my choice. All the resources are available for me, so this really is the main roadblock that I'm facing. And it doesn't help that I find all these pathways to Australia confusing and overwhelming even. I've had some experience with immigration lawyers and experters before, and I find that often times they get tired when you have so much questions and they end up telling you just check this websites and so and so forth. So I'm really glad that I found this forum. I sure hope there other other who are willing to share their opinions.

Cheers25 · September 2012

@beaj im looking for part time work din, hindi na masyado compare nung una akong dumating, medjo pa spring na, pero dto sa Melb. parang 4 seasons in one day,

lock_code2004 · September 2012

@audrey26 -

if you are applying for PR (independent) after studying, then you will have to take the same route with those applicatns with skills in SOL

the only difference is that you will have more advantage on skill select points, like you have points for education completed in australia..

the whole processing time varies depending on your assessing authority and completing all the requiremens.. example for engineers, assuming you have all your docs ready:
- Skills Assessment Engineers Australia (assuming you have IELTS results)- average 15 weeks
- EOI lodgement, waiting for invitation (assuming you have >65pts) - around 2 months
- Visa Invitation, completion of POlice Clearance. Medical - approx 1 month

So there.. its approximately 6 months for PR independent..

Now if you want to have State Sponsorship, just add this step after EOI lodgement...
- State Sponsorship (if you want) - approx 1-2 months (some states are faster)

lock_code2004 · September 2012

@audrey26 - as per DIAC, they will stop new applications from 1 January 2013 for these visas:

•Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) Visa (Subclass 886)
•Skilled – Independent (Residence) Visa (Subclass 885)

- these two are normally the permanent visa for eligible overseas students who have obtained an Australian qualification in Australia as a result of at least two years study and for holders of certain temporary visas with skills in demand in Australia

So starting Jan 1, 2013, just like what i've said in my previous post.. you will apply on the same PR visa type as either Independent (189), or Sponsored (190) via Skill Select..

Mga experienced peeps from AU, please correct me if im wrong..
THanks!

audrey26 · September 2012

@lock_code2004 thanks for your reply. At least now I'm getting a clearer picture of the pathway that I'm going to take, like what I've mentioned to @beaj, relying on internet information alone can be confusing. So considering all of what you guys told me, taking a course that's included in SOL is the most advantageous if I'm targetting a PR visa.

I was looking at the current SOL and I saw that Architecture is listed there, I'm actually considerting this as the next best thing since it doesn't veer away too much from the creative career that I want for myself. Plus, my father is an architect as well so it may prove to be useful in the future.

I have a question though, if my student visa/ course is say, two years in duration, would I need to apply for some kind of bridging visa in order for me to apply for the PR? If so, what visa would this be?

I would really appreciate inputs from other members as well. But to lock_code2004 and beaj, thank you again.

lock_code2004 · September 2012

@audrey26 - i replied to you on the other thread.. about choosing courses..
pwede din po ang related occupations sa CSOL.. and then apply for state sponsorship..

ljust · September 2012

@lock_code woah! I totally missed that part abt the changes in 2013. It's getting more complicated now. Bummer.

@Cheers25 here naman it's really spring na. No more winter coldness. Lol Nakakastress maghanap ng work noh. I work as a casual teacher here but i dont get to have jobs everytime Im free. All the jobs are in the northern suburbs, eh sa south ako nakatira. So lilipat nako soon. Hassle din kasi magtravel from south to north, nakakapagod.

lock_code2004 · September 2012

@lock_code woah! I totally missed that part abt the changes in 2013. It's getting more complicated now. Bummer.

So i think, the next possible option for student visa holders is to apply for Skilled – Graduate (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 485) valid for 18 months..

and then apply for PR visas..189, 190...
or employer nominated kung meron employer..

please validate kung tama ang interpretation ko..eto po ang link from DIAC:
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/visa-options-inside.htm

lock_code2004 · September 2012

For explanation and illustration on:
Pathways to Permanent Residency for Students (effective Jan1, 2013)

see this link: http://www.visaguide.com.au/articles/student-pr-and-skillselect

guro_ako · September 2012

patanong lang po...paano po ba malalaman kung yung school na pageenrolan ay assessment
level 1. meron po bang available na list ang diac?

audrey26 · September 2012

@lock_code2004

For explanation and illustration on:
Pathways to Permanent Residency for Students (effective Jan1, 2013)

see this link: http://www.visaguide.com.au/articles/student-pr-and-skillselect

Very helpful to, thanks. Kaso according dito: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/485/

"has the skills, attributes and qualifications that meet the Australian standard for an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)."

So there goes my dilemma again on what course to choose, whether SOL or CSOL included. The only chance I see for getting an bridging visa is taking a bachelors degree so I can qualify for the two year post-study visa as per indicated here: http://www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/2011-post-study-work.pdf

That is of course with the intention for applying for PR while on this temporary visa, yung nga lang, it is much, much more costly

sisa16 · September 2012

@audrey26: I feel for you,Audrey. I finished CE pero hindi ko ginamit technically. Ang karamihan ng experience ko eh sa Administration in a Construction environment. I am more adept in administration and documentation however I had to focus sa pagiging CE kung gusto ko magka PR. Actually, ung course na kukunin ko eh hindi directly technical pero I want to major in project management (that is if I decide to pursue the course na nga). Masyadong magastos and I am not comfortable na ung brother ko magpifinance ng studies ko. You have to think and consider everything. Goodluck! Mabait si lock_code kasi tinulungan nya ko idiscern ung mga kailangan ko.hihihi. Naguguluhan ako ng bonggang bongga eh. Especially, consulting ANZSCO and checking job descriptions, nawiwindang ako. Ask ka lang dito sa forum and everybody will be more than happy to help you.

lock_code2004 · September 2012

@lock_code2004
For explanation and illustration on:
Pathways to Permanent Residency for Students (effective Jan1, 2013)

see this link: http://www.visaguide.com.au/articles/student-pr-and-skillselect
Very helpful to, thanks. Kaso according dito: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/485/

"has the skills, attributes and qualifications that meet the Australian standard for an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)."

So there goes my dilemma again on what course to choose, whether SOL or CSOL included. The only chance I see for getting an bridging visa is taking a bachelors degree so I can qualify for the two year post-study visa as per indicated here: http://www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/2011-post-study-work.pdf

That is of course with the intention for applying for PR while on this temporary visa, yung nga lang, it is much, much more costly

Hi.. dont get confused.. inhale exhale.. relak relak...

a) if you have read the introduction for Visa 485:
This visa allows overseas students who do not meet the criteria for a permanent General Skilled Migration visa to remain in Australia for 18 months to gain skilled work experience or improve their English language skills.. so meaning your course/skill is in SOL, pero hindi lang umabot ang points..

kasi kung mataas nmn ang points nyo, at nasa SOL ang skills, then go straight to PR 189..

b) if you chose to take a course that is in CSOL, then you can go straight from student visa to permanent visa 190 (State Sponsored) and so you have to go through the whole process, skill assessment, ielts and EOI..

c) and ofcourse the best way is to get an employer, who will sponsor you..

sisa16 · September 2012

@lock_code2004 : Pagdating mo sa AU, apply ka na sa MARA. hahahah! peace!

sisa16 · September 2012

I remembered talking with one IDP agent here in Abu Dhabi before and she mentioned that if I take up a two year course, I can stay in AU for another 2 years. Is this the 485 she was talking about? Is this the same with this?

http://www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/2011-post-study-work.pdf

Sa page 3, it mentioned that it should have skills assessment for an occupation on the SOL. What if your occupation eh wala sa SOL? You will not be eligible for temporary stay grant? What if you are not found suitable by the assessing body? You cannot stay for another 18 months?

sagutin ko na din po ung ilan sa mga tanong ko dito: checking FAQs sa VETASSESS website:

I need to apply for a 485 visa. Do I need to get my employment assessed by VETASSESS?

No, the skills assessment to support an application for a Skilled – Graduate (Temporary) visa (subclass 485) does not require an assessment of employment. You only need to get your qualification(s) assessed for this visa.

lock_code2004 · September 2012

@lock_code2004 : Pagdating mo sa AU, apply ka na sa MARA. hahahah! peace!

oo.. sge tpos sisingilin kita.. gusto mo yun ha.. bwahahah...

lock_code2004 · September 2012

@sisa16

i believe this is another pathway for students (Post-study work visa) . if you've read in the introduction, this will be implemented in early 2013.

so iba pa rin ung visa 485..