Onshore Graduate Students

I have completed an Australian post-secondary qualification and would like to live permanently in Australia. What do I do?

Eligible overseas students in Australia wishing to live permanently in Australia may apply under the following categories:

• Skilled - Independent Overseas Students in Australia: this category is similar to the Skilled Independent visa category. You must satisfy the basic and specific requirements and pass the points tests. See: FAQs - Skilled Independent.

• Skilled - Designated Area Sponsored Overseas Student in Australia: this category is similar to the Skilled - Designated Area Sponsored visa. A close relative, who lives in a designated area in Australia, must sponsor you. While you do not have to pass the Points test, you must still satisfy the basic and specific requirements. See: FAQs - Skilled Australian Sponsored.

• Skilled - Onshore Australian Sponsored Overseas Student in Australia: This category is similar to the Skilled - Australian Sponsored visa category. A close relative, who lives outside a designated area, must sponsor you. You must satisfy the basic and specific requirements and pass the points tests. See: FAQs - Skilled Australian Sponsored.

You must be in Australia at time of lodgement of the application and visa grant.

Complete details of the categories are contained in the Migration Booklet 6 General Skilled Migration.

What are the basic requirements for an Onshore Skilled Migration visa to stay in Australia?

To apply for an Onshore Skilled Migration visa to stay in Australia you must be able to satisfy basic requirements:

• be under 45 when you apply;

• have sufficient ability in the English language for working in Australia;

• have completed a post-secondary (such as university or trade) qualifications less than 6 months before lodging your visa application. The 6 months begins from the date of completion of the qualification and not from the date the qualification was conferred;

• your skills must have been assessed by the relevant assessing authority as suitable for your nominated occupation before you apply;

• nominate an occupation which fits your skills and qualifications when you apply. Your nominated occupation must be on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL). If your nominated occupation is not on the list, you cannot apply;

You do not need to meet a work experience requirement if you have completed an Australian post-secondary qualification less than 6 months before lodging your visa application. This exemption can not be used to waive any specific work experience requirement imposed by an assessing body as part of the skills assessment.

Complete details of the requirements are contained in the Migration Booklet 6 General Skilled Migration. If you are not able to satisfy these basic requirements, you should NOT continue with a Skilled Migration application.

What are the specific requirements for an Onshore Skilled Migration visa to stay in Australia?

If you would like to apply for an Onshore Skilled Migration visa you must:

• be in Australia at time of lodgement of the application and visa grant;

• hold a substantive Student visa (exceptions apply);

• have studied for at least 12 months full time (one academic year) in Australia;

• have completed an Australian post secondary course of study (degree, diploma or trade qualification) within the last six months before application;

• complete a criminal records check with the Australian Federal Police;

• undergo a medical examination with Health Services Australia (HSA); and

• lodge the application by mail or courier to the Adelaide Skilled processing Centre.

If you are applying for an Onshore Skilled Independent or Onshore Australian Sponsored visa you must also:

• pass the points test;

• satisfy the basic requirements;

• nominate at least a 50 point occupation from the SOL; and

• hold a satisfactory skills assessment.

If you are applying for an Onshore Skilled - Designated Area Sponsored visa you must also:

• satisfy the basic requirements

• provide a satisfactory skills assessment in any listed skilled occupation from the SOL;

• submit a satisfactory sponsorship form with your application.

Complete details of the requirements are contained in the Migration Booklet 6 General Skilled Migration. If you are not able to satisfy these specific requirements, you should NOT continue with the application.

See also:
Points Test
Skilled Occupations List

Do I need work experience before I can apply for permanent residence in Australia?

You do not need to meet the work experience requirement if you have completed an Australian post-secondary qualification less than 6 months before lodging your visa application.

This exemption cannot, however, be used to waive any specific work experience requirement imposed by an assessing body as part of a skill assessment.

If you intend taking advantage of this concession, you should note that the 6 month period begins from the date of completion of the qualification, not from the date the qualification was conferred. A certified copy of your qualifications and/or notification of your results and a transcript of your academic record should be included with your application.

Complete details of the requirements are contained in the Migration Booklet 6 General Skilled Migration. If you are not able to satisfy these basic requirements, you should NOT continue with the application.

How do I apply for an Onshore Skilled Migration visa to stay in Australia?

Migration Booklet 6 General Skilled Migration contains information on applying for an Onshore Skilled Migration visa. It includes the application forms, sponsorship information, lists the basic requirements that must be met and provides a checklist of supporting documents. The booklet is designed so that you can understand the process of applying for an Onshore Skilled Migration visa, and complete the application form with minimal, if any, help.

You are able to purchase this booklet:

• online:

• in Australia: by telephoning the general inquiry number 131 881; or

• overseas: by contacting your nearest Australian diplomatic office.

When you lodge your application you must ensure that your application is complete, that is:

• application form is signed and every question is answered, in English;

• visa application charge is included. See: Immigration Costs - Information

• supporting documents are attached. It is in your interest to support your application with as much information as possible at the time you apply. A decision may be made on the information you provide at time of application.

Overseas Students in Australia wishing to apply for an onshore Skilled Migration visa must be physically in Australia before they can lodge a valid application. An application sent from overseas cannot be accepted.

Mail or courier your application to the Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre. Note: an application sent to any other address will be returned to the sender.

See also:
FAQ - Where do I lodge an application for a General Skilled Migration visa?
FAQ - How do I pay the visa application charge?

I am an overseas student in Australia but I am unable to meet the requirements for Skilled Migration at this time. What do I do?

If you are an eligible graduate student in Australia but are unable to meet the Skilled Migration visa requirements before your student visa expires, you may be able to apply for the Australia Graduate Temporary visa.

This temporary visa subclass is only intended for eligible overseas students in Australia who genuinely intend to make a valid application for a Skilled Migration visa. It is not available to any other visa holders in Australia or applicants outside Australia.

The Graduate Temporary visa will, if granted, give a six month period of stay from the date of course completion, to allow you to meet the requirements of the Skilled Migration visa. It will also give you, and any dependants included in the application, unrestricted work rights for the period of the visa.

See also:
FAQs - Graduate Skilled Temporary visa
Information form 1187i Graduate Skilled Temporary Stay.

Information form 959i Migrating to Australia - Skill Migration
Information form 1187i Graduate Skilled Temporary Stay
Information form 1121i Skilled Occupations List
Migration Booklet 6 General Skilled Migration

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