From International Student to Permanent Resident – One of Many Success Stories
This post reflects the legal landscape as of the date of publication. Laws may have changed since then. Please consult a legal professional for current information and personalised advice.
Our client studied Commercial Cookery and Diploma in Hospitality Management in Australia. She changed locations few times — Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and finally settled on the Sunshine Coast. After she finished her studies, we were able to help her obtain a Graduate Visa which got her a visa with full-time work rights for 18 months.
During her graduate visa, she got enough hours to complete her Job Ready Program and to get a full Skills Assessment as a Chef.
We were hoping that we could get her a 190 Visa. However, by the time she had received the skills assessment, Queensland had already used up their invitations for the 190 visa for the financial year. And her 485 graduate visa was expiring before the new quota for the new financial year would start.
Whilst technically the 189 visa was an option, realistically, we knew that she didn’t have enough points to get that visa. Luckily, she had fallen in love with the regional area, Noosa. And her having worked in the regional area meant that she met the criteria for a 491 Visa.
The 491 visa allows her full-time work rights and access to Medicare for the next five (5) years. After she has lived and worked in the regional area in any occupation full-time earning at least TSMIT (currently $53,900 p.a.), then hopefully we will be helping her for her third visa application with us, this time, for permanent residency.
It’s been an absolute pleasure to help her over the years. Whilst its not been without trials and tribulations, we’ve been glad to help her overcome every obstacle to help her reach her goals. We would be glad to offer you a free visa assessment in the hopes that you can become our next success story.