Student Visa (Step by step)

ramones_cmg1925 · April 2022

Anyone here waiting for an offer letter from Macquarie University? I submitted my documents 3 weeks ago. Is this normal?

jrt1114 · April 2022

Hello magandang araw po sa inyo. Balak ko po kasi sanang ituloy ang mag Australia. I'm an electrical engineer with 5+ years of relevant work experience (may positive assessment na rin po ako from EA noong 2019). Ang nakikita ko po ay mag simula sa Student Visa and maka acquire pa sana ng additional points. Possible po ba na mameet ung Australian Study Requirement ng hindi kumukuha ng Masters? Any suggestions po na course na pwede ko itake para mameet ung requirement? Maraming salamat po.

deedee24 · April 2022

Hi. Anyone applying for student visa na nakapagmedical na? Anyone po from Dubai? Saan po kayo nagpamedical? Thanks. ☺️

ina008 · May 2022

Hi po! Hingi po sana ako ng advice. I have 7 years of relevant work experience as software engineer based sa ACS result although more than 10 years na experience ko. Tanong ko lang if mas okay ba i-push ko yung skilled immigrant visa 189/491 OR mag student visa na lang ako para mas mapabilis? Medyo may edad na din po kasi ako malapit ng mag 40 so baka matagalan.

May nakita akong 2-years na diploma course sa IT Web specialization, macredit po ba to para mag apply ng permanent residency later on? OR need talaga Masters ?

Pwede po ba akong mag-apply ng PR while studying? since pasok naman points ko sa EOI which is around 75 points

Bali yung naisip kong pathway is mag student visa ng 2-years diploma sa IT tapos while nagstudy ako mag-apply din ako ng skilled immigration visa. Pwede po ba yun?

Salamat po

lunarcat · May 2022

@ina008 said:
Hi po! Hingi po sana ako ng advice. I have 7 years of relevant work experience as software engineer based sa ACS result although more than 10 years na experience ko. Tanong ko lang if mas okay ba i-push ko yung skilled immigrant visa 189/491 OR mag student visa na lang ako para mas mapabilis? Medyo may edad na din po kasi ako malapit ng mag 40 so baka matagalan.

May nakita akong 2-years na diploma course sa IT Web specialization, macredit po ba to para mag apply ng permanent residency later on? OR need talaga Masters ?

Pwede po ba akong mag-apply ng PR while studying? since pasok naman points ko sa EOI which is around 75 points

Bali yung naisip kong pathway is mag student visa ng 2-years diploma sa IT tapos while nagstudy ako mag-apply din ako ng skilled immigration visa. Pwede po ba yun?

Salamat po

Hi, my two cents, they will advise you to take Masters or any specialisations related sa skills especially sa age. ACS don't accept education lower than Bachelor's degree, so di eligible yong Diploma courses. Try 491 visa regional skilled visa or direct PR application na.

chemistmom · May 2022

@ina008 said:
Hi po! Hingi po sana ako ng advice. I have 7 years of relevant work experience as software engineer based sa ACS result although more than 10 years na experience ko. Tanong ko lang if mas okay ba i-push ko yung skilled immigrant visa 189/491 OR mag student visa na lang ako para mas mapabilis? Medyo may edad na din po kasi ako malapit ng mag 40 so baka matagalan.

May nakita akong 2-years na diploma course sa IT Web specialization, macredit po ba to para mag apply ng permanent residency later on? OR need talaga Masters ?

Pwede po ba akong mag-apply ng PR while studying? since pasok naman points ko sa EOI which is around 75 points

Bali yung naisip kong pathway is mag student visa ng 2-years diploma sa IT tapos while nagstudy ako mag-apply din ako ng skilled immigration visa. Pwede po ba yun?

Salamat po

Madami po ako nakikita na nagagrant na Software Engineer in less than a year kasi nasa PMSOL list yung occupation. For me, mas okay na mag diretso 189/190/491 na po kayo. Kasi kung magstudent ka pa, later on magaapply ka din sa 189/190/491. Kung may assessment ka na at PTE, pwede ka na gumawa ng EOI.

Try niyo po magjoin sa group na to sa FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/skilledvisaaustralia

ina008 · May 2022

Thank you @chemistmom and @lunarcat sa advice. Appreciate it.

jrt1114 · May 2022

Magandang araw po. Nag babalak po kasi ako mag apply ng student visa. Ask ko lang po. Isasama ko po kasi si wife and 4 month old baby, may special process pa po ba kapag may kasamang infant na dependent?

athelene · May 2022

@jrt1114 said:
Magandang araw po. Nag babalak po kasi ako mag apply ng student visa. Ask ko lang po. Isasama ko po kasi si wife and 4 month old baby, may special process pa po ba kapag may kasamang infant na dependent?

I don't think there's any special process if infant ang dependent. Generally any application for student dependent visa will require an additional amount of money for living expenses, documents showing relationship, and of course health insurance. As a family of 3, the cost of health insurance will be much higher than if you were applying as a single person with no dependent. You can check the websites for health insurance providers (Medibank, Allianz, nib, etc.) about pricing/quote for health insurance for a family of three for the entire duration of your stay.

jrt1114 · May 2022

@athelene said:

@jrt1114 said:
Magandang araw po. Nag babalak po kasi ako mag apply ng student visa. Ask ko lang po. Isasama ko po kasi si wife and 4 month old baby, may special process pa po ba kapag may kasamang infant na dependent?

I don't think there's any special process if infant ang dependent. Generally any application for student dependent visa will require an additional amount of money for living expenses, documents showing relationship, and of course health insurance. As a family of 3, the cost of health insurance will be much higher than if you were applying as a single person with no dependent. You can check the websites for health insurance providers (Medibank, Allianz, nib, etc.) about pricing/quote for health insurance for a family of three for the entire duration of your stay.

Maraming maraming salamat po sa info ma'am.

Kape · June 2022

Hi. May nakaexperience na po sa inyo na nagrantan ni SV kahit mas beyond pa sa 90 days before intake? Feb pa po kasi ung intake ko pero plan po sana September makapunta na ko dun.

athelene · June 2022

@Kape said:
Hi. May nakaexperience na po sa inyo na nagrantan ni SV kahit mas beyond pa sa 90 days before intake? Feb pa po kasi ung intake ko pero plan po sana September makapunta na ko dun.

You can apply for your visa 5-6 months ahead of intake. In my case (pre-pandemic), the intake was mid-July, and I applied in late January. I got my visa roughly 4 weeks later, and flew out to Sydney 1-2 weeks before start of classes. Nowadays, there are delays in visa processing so apply early as much as possible.

Kape · June 2022

@athelene said:

@Kape said:
Hi. May nakaexperience na po sa inyo na nagrantan ni SV kahit mas beyond pa sa 90 days before intake? Feb pa po kasi ung intake ko pero plan po sana September makapunta na ko dun.

You can apply for your visa 5-6 months ahead of intake. In my case (pre-pandemic), the intake was mid-July, and I applied in late January. I got my visa roughly 4 weeks later, and flew out to Sydney 1-2 weeks before start of classes. Nowadays, there are delays in visa processing so apply early as much as possible.

Thank you very much! Supposedly July 2022 intake kasi ako then because of the additional biometrics and late slots for medical and biometrics hindi ako aabot, kaya nagpadefer kami agad. Then reapplied for Feb 2023 intake agad.

athelene · June 2022

@Kape said:
Thank you very much! Supposedly July 2022 intake kasi ako then because of the additional biometrics and late slots for medical and biometrics hindi ako aabot, kaya nagpadefer kami agad. Then reapplied for Feb 2023 intake agad.

So you've done your biometrics and medicals na? Just apply as early as possible para hindi ma-stress while waiting and you can get cheaper tickets pag hindi last minute flights

Kape · June 2022

@athelene said:

@Kape said:
Thank you very much! Supposedly July 2022 intake kasi ako then because of the additional biometrics and late slots for medical and biometrics hindi ako aabot, kaya nagpadefer kami agad. Then reapplied for Feb 2023 intake agad.

So you've done your biometrics and medicals na? Just apply as early as possible para hindi ma-stress while waiting and you can get cheaper tickets pag hindi last minute flights

Done lodging, biometrics will be this July pa then medical 1st of Aug. As long as may visa grant, I plan to fly na to aus para makasama agad ang family dun.

athelene · June 2022

@Kape said:
Done lodging, biometrics will be this July pa then medical 1st of Aug. As long as may visa grant, I plan to fly na to aus para makasama agad ang family dun.

As far as I know, you can enter Australia on a student visa up to 90 days prior to the start of classes. But I don't know if that has changed due to the pandemic.

Kape · June 2022

@athelene said:

@Kape said:
Done lodging, biometrics will be this July pa then medical 1st of Aug. As long as may visa grant, I plan to fly na to aus para makasama agad ang family dun.

As far as I know, you can enter Australia on a student visa up to 90 days prior to the start of classes. But I don't know if that has changed due to the pandemic.

Thank you. Parang 90 days padin. Pero sana pwede 😩 ang dami kasing paalis ng bansa kaya grabe sa unahan ng slots.

baiken · June 2022

Hello po, just wanted to ask for a friend. If ever gusto mag-apply for SV, san po pwede magbasa-basa to find out ano mga requirements for it?

Brief Info:
Graduated as a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science sa PLM.
Turning 41 years old this year.
Ano po kaya pwedeng pathways for higher learning para sa SV?
Pwede pa ba mag-SV kahit ganun na po age? hehe dami tanong

pasensya na po kayo, di ko alam saan mahahanap sa forum page, baka nag-update na din kasi ng requirements for it.

all the best po!

athelene · June 2022

@baiken said:
Hello po, just wanted to ask for a friend. If ever gusto mag-apply for SV, san po pwede magbasa-basa to find out ano mga requirements for it?

Brief Info:
Graduated as a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science sa PLM.
Turning 41 years old this year.
Ano po kaya pwedeng pathways for higher learning para sa SV?
Pwede pa ba mag-SV kahit ganun na po age? hehe dami tanong

pasensya na po kayo, di ko alam saan mahahanap sa forum page, baka nag-update na din kasi ng requirements for it.

all the best po!

As far as I know wala naman age limit for student visa (although kung skilled migration ang objective, better do it soon para eligible pa sya after grad). How many years of work exp do they have? Ano exactly ba gusto nya aralin? Popular courses nowadays na related to ComSci/IT is Cybersecurity, FinTech, Data Science. When you say "higher learning," I am assuming that it's post-bachelor programs, so the options are going to be Graduate Certificate (1 sem or 0.5 year), Graduate Diploma (1 year), or Master degree (1.5 - 2 years). If your friend wants to access 485 visa, they have to do the 2-year master's degree.

Best resource to find documentary requirements for SV is Home Affairs website.

baiken · June 2022

@athelene said:

@baiken said:
Hello po, just wanted to ask for a friend. If ever gusto mag-apply for SV, san po pwede magbasa-basa to find out ano mga requirements for it?

Brief Info:
Graduated as a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science sa PLM.
Turning 41 years old this year.
Ano po kaya pwedeng pathways for higher learning para sa SV?
Pwede pa ba mag-SV kahit ganun na po age? hehe dami tanong

pasensya na po kayo, di ko alam saan mahahanap sa forum page, baka nag-update na din kasi ng requirements for it.

all the best po!

As far as I know wala naman age limit for student visa (although kung skilled migration ang objective, better do it soon para eligible pa sya after grad). How many years of work exp do they have? Ano exactly ba gusto nya aralin? Popular courses nowadays na related to ComSci/IT is Cybersecurity, FinTech, Data Science. When you say "higher learning," I am assuming that it's post-bachelor programs, so the options are going to be Graduate Certificate (1 sem or 0.5 year), Graduate Diploma (1 year), or Master degree (1.5 - 2 years). If your friend wants to access 485 visa, they have to do the 2-year master's degree.

Best resource to find documentary requirements for SV is Home Affairs website.

thank you so much @athelene, will check out the SV website to find out more. I believe the Master Degree program will be better. My friend would love to get into Software Development/Engineering roles so I believe that will be the best bet!

all the best po!

era222 · June 2022

Hello! My friend and I are looking into doing a 2-year Master's program in ICT, with the ultimate goal of securing permanent residency and working in Oz. We're both experienced professionals, pero torn if we should sit through the 189/190 PR pathway sa STSOL occupation namin or lipat sa MLTSSL via Masters. May kakilala kami na ganun ang ginawa, then just got a job after graduating. Ano po bang pros and cons? Is it better to just aim for straight PR? Thank you!

era222 · June 2022

Also, has anyone done Master's in Australia in any program (whether related sa background or not) specifically to claim more points?
Would you recommend kahit anong Master's course lang, or better target na rin yung mga in-demand fields/occupations?

hikari · July 2022

@era222 said:
Hello! My friend and I are looking into doing a 2-year Master's program in ICT, with the ultimate goal of securing permanent residency and working in Oz. We're both experienced professionals, pero torn if we should sit through the 189/190 PR pathway sa STSOL occupation namin or lipat sa MLTSSL via Masters. May kakilala kami na ganun ang ginawa, then just got a job after graduating. Ano po bang pros and cons? Is it better to just aim for straight PR? Thank you!

Hello!
1. STSOL is not eligible for 189. Some are in 190 depende to sa state na aapplyn mo. You have to check with the state's requirements. Most of the ICT occups are in MLTSSL. Check your occupation if it falls under it.
2. Depende sa situation mo kung makakatulong ba ang Master's sayo. Not all master programs can guarantee a pr pathway.
3. Pros na mag master's sa AU:

you can claim additional points.
You are eligible to apply for 485.
Your partner can work fulltime
Some states give perks to their graduates in applying for PR

Cons:

Tuition fee is no joke! It is too damn expensive. Malaking bagay na may partner ka na may fulltime job at achievable makapagipon ng TF.
You have work restrictions. You can only work 40 hours fortnightly
SV health insurance is pricey

Hindi pwede kahit anong course lang. Kapag nagapply ka ng SV, you need to submit a GTE letter. Kelangan yung aaralin mo, related sa background mo (educational qualification and work experience). Consult ka sa agent

Share ko lang yung story ko. I finished my master of software engineering here in Adelaide. Before my last semester ended, nakahanap agad ako ng work. However, finishing a course here in AU doesn't guarantee you a job right away. Malaking factor na may work experience ako sa pinas kaya nakahanap agad ako ng work. Na invite agad ako dito sa SA via a graduate stream. Mabilis din naapprove PR application namin since I'm working in the critical sector.

agentKams · July 2022

@era222 said:

Also, has anyone done Master's in Australia in any program (whether related sa background or not) specifically to claim more points?

Would you recommend kahit anong Master's course lang, or better target na rin yung mga in-demand fields/occupations?

Do your study related sa undergrad mo and work experience, not unless you can justify sa GTE mo ang change of career. May pros and cons din ang pagkuha ng wala sa linya mo if points lang din habol mo. Lalo ngayon naghigpit sila ng policy regarding changing courses for post graduate studies.

era222 · July 2022

@hiraki Thank you, sobrang helpful nito. I'm thinking of changing to Computer Science/Software Engineering via Masters kasi, pero marketing ang background at experience ko. I deal with tech though so genuine interest din at aligned somehow, kaso end goal ko ay PR kaya torn ako if better ba ilaan ko yung ipon sa pagaaral and upping my chances (and job prospects) or sa waiting game ng visa 190 process.

Will keep these in mind. Salamat!

era222 · July 2022

@agentKams said:

@era222 said:

Also, has anyone done Master's in Australia in any program (whether related sa background or not) specifically to claim more points?

Would you recommend kahit anong Master's course lang, or better target na rin yung mga in-demand fields/occupations?

Do your study related sa undergrad mo and work experience, not unless you can justify sa GTE mo ang change of career. May pros and cons din ang pagkuha ng wala sa linya mo if points lang din habol mo. Lalo ngayon naghigpit sila ng policy regarding changing courses for post graduate studies.

@agentKams Malayo undergrad ko eh... Work experience somehow related, since I deal with tech. I'll research more about sa policy for changing courses, did not know about that! Yung ka-coursemate ko kasi nagMasters in Accounting.

Maraming salamat!

era222 · July 2022

@hiraki *Waiting game ng offshore visa 190 process I mean

hikari · July 2022

@era222 said:
@hikari Thank you, sobrang helpful nito. I'm thinking of changing to Computer Science/Software Engineering via Masters kasi, pero marketing ang background at experience ko. I deal with tech though so genuine interest din at aligned somehow, kaso end goal ko ay PR kaya torn ako if better ba ilaan ko yung ipon sa pagaaral and upping my chances (and job prospects) or sa waiting game ng visa 190 process.

Will keep these in mind. Salamat!

Totally switch career ka ba? Akala ko kasi ICT din occup mo. If you're from a different background and considering switching to ICT, please be familiarised with the ACS skills assessment first. May work experience na requirement si ACS para mabigyan ka ng positive skills assessment. If you are an AU graduate, then either you need to finish the professional year or have at least a 1 year AU work experience in your related occupation. Mejo competitive din ang ICT occup dito. Abang ka na lang din sa changes this July Goodluck po

era222 · July 2022

@hiraki Yes, career switch. I saw nga yung ACS requirement, plano ko sana ay SV then GV para makapag-work. Then if palya, just use my Masters para maka-add ng points for STSOL PR. Thank you for all the information — will help me make an informed decision!

ligthingzaix · July 2022

Hello, so plan ko mag master's sa sydney. Plano kong course is IT related and 2 schools pinagpipilian ko, UTS and Macquarie Uni. Mas mura kasi sa MU compared sa UTS (Around 1 million less) gaano kahalaga ung pangalan ng school sa mga Job Interviews? Mas maganda daw kasi UTS for IT courses and gusto ko ma maximize chance ko na makakuha ng trabaho and eventually PR pero di ko alam kung worth ung cost sa tuition.