12 May 2008

Student applicants for Australian permanent visa on the increase

The number of foreign students choosing to stay in Australia after completing their education in the country has increased rapidly in the last year. From the previous figure of 8,200, there were 20,900 students who chose to do so last year, reports the Herald Sun.

Many of these students enter the country just to learn and then complete their course and choose to stay in the country on an Australian visa. They come from a variety of 95 courses in wide subject areas like banking, accountancy, IT and hairdressing, said the newspaper, many of which provide a direct route to occupations which are featured on the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL). Studying in Australia also grants visa applicants additional points towards the points test, which is the required route to gaining a permanent Australian skilled visa.

Up to 60 points are granted to skilled migrants in Occupations in Demand, with Australian visa requirements stipulating that further points be awarded for fluency in the English language, age and employment in regional areas.

Following recent changes to students' Australian visas it is now easier for them to boost their points total, as they are automatically granted the right to work part-time while completing their studies. Those needing to check their suitability for immigration to the country can take an Australian online visa assessment.

Australia needs skilled workers: Anyone applying for an Australian visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.