500 Subclass 491 Visa Nomination Places Reserved for International Student Graduates in Victoria!
Opportunities for Victoria’s International Student Graduates
Career Guide for International Students After Graduating
Common Reasons Why 491 Visa Applications Are Declined
Australia is a dream destination for many international students, but the journey doesn’t stop after graduation. If you’re looking to transition from student life to building a long-term career and eventually securing residency in Australia, this article is for you. We’ll walk you through three key areas: new opportunities with the subclass 491 visa in Victoria, career guidance after graduation, and common mistakes that can cause visa applications to be declined.
Opportunities for Victoria’s International Student Graduates
The Victorian Government is making it easier for international graduates like you to stay in Australia by reserving 500 subclass 491 visa nomination places for the 2024-25 period. This means that a significant portion of visa opportunities are now exclusively available to graduates of Victorian educational institutions.
Here’s why this is great news:
More chances for you to stay in Australia: If you’ve completed your studies in Victoria, you’ll have a better shot at securing a visa to live and work in regional Victoria.
Melbourne graduates aren’t left out: Even if you’re currently living in Melbourne, you can apply for a 491 visa and explore new opportunities in regional areas.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: The subclass 491 visa is your gateway to permanent residency if you meet the requirements after living and working in regional Victoria for three years.
Career Guide for International Students After Graduating
After completing their studies, many international students aspire to continue living and working in Australia. With the expiration of a student visa, graduates must seek new visa options to stay. Here are the most common pathways:
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
This is one of the most common options for recent graduates. Depending on your circumstances, this visa lets you stay in Australia for 18 months to 3 years.
Vocational Graduates: If you hold an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification and your field is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), you may be eligible for the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream.
Higher Education Graduates: If you’ve completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, you can apply for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream. For those living in regional Victoria (everywhere outside Melbourne is considered regional), you might also qualify for the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream, which can extend your stay once your first visa is finished.
Employer Sponsorship
Another option is finding an employer willing to sponsor you for a temporary or permanent visa. Many employers in regional areas are eager to sponsor international graduates who can fill skill shortages in their industries. If you land a job in a regional area, your employer could sponsor you for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491), which can lead to permanent residency after three years of living and working in the region.
Common Reasons Why 491 Visa Applications Are Declined
While the subclass 491 visa offers a valuable opportunity, it’s essential for applicants to be mindful of the common pitfalls that can result in their application being rejected. Below are some frequent reasons for a declined visa application:
Modification of SkillSelect EOI Post-Invitation
Once you receive an invitation to apply, it is crucial not to alter your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI). Any modifications made after the invitation can lead to the decline of your application, as the Victorian Government verifies the last modification date.
Residency Requirement
Failing to meet the residency requirement is another common issue. To be eligible for state nomination, you must live in Victoria and, if applicable, meet the regional living requirements.
Points Claims
Be cautious in ensuring that all points claimed in your SkillSelect EOI are supported by adequate evidence. Miscalculating or failing to provide proper documentation for these points can lead to an application being rejected.
DIY Application Without Expert Help
While it's possible to submit a visa application independently, seeking advice from registered migration agents or immigration lawyers can significantly improve the chances of success. Many applicants find themselves overwhelmed by the complexities of the visa process and face rejection due to minor errors that could have been avoided with expert assistance.
If you are having a hard time planning your pathway to Australia, the best thing to do is ask for assistance from certified migration experts. At Think Visa, we specialize in processing visas in these complex situations. By ensuring that all the essential documents, our team of skilled migration consultants can help you get through the process. Start your migration process with people you could trust.
