D2S2- Highlights – Social Work and Community Occupations: Courses and PR Pathway

Welcome to Aussizz Conclave 4.0!
In this session, our experts discussed social work and community occupations, their courses, and pathways to Permanent Residency (PR). Here are the key questions and answers from the session:

Meet the Experts:

• Shailu Maharjan: Education consultant with over four years of experience, helping clients navigate the intricacies of Australian education.
• Vivian Yu: Registered migration agent specializing in employer-sponsored visas, family visas, and skilled migration.

Key Insights from the Session:

Understanding Social Work and Community Occupations: The session covered essential information for those interested in social work and community occupations in Australia. Social work and community occupations are critical fields with significant demand across various Australian states. These occupations provide excellent pathways for individuals looking to secure Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia.

Eligibility and Requirements for PR:

• Qualification and Experience: For social work and community occupations, having the right qualifications and relevant work experience is crucial. Many questions were addressed regarding the recognition of overseas qualifications and the need for additional studies in Australia.
• Skills Assessment: A skills assessment is a mandatory step for PR applications. Candidates must ensure their qualifications and work experience meet the requirements set by the assessing authorities.
• Extra Points: While studying in Australia can provide additional points for PR, it is not always necessary if the candidate’s overseas qualifications and work experience are sufficient. Extra points can also be gained through English proficiency tests and NAATI CCL.

Pathways to PR:

• Employer Sponsored Visas: Vivian Yu explained that if an occupation is not on the standard skilled migration list, it might be eligible under the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). DAMA allows regions with specific labour shortages to sponsor workers for occupations not listed on the standard occupation lists.
• State Nomination: Social work and community work are on the priority list in Western Australia and are expected to remain there in the upcoming financial year. These occupations are in high demand, and eligible candidates receive good invitations for PR.
• Diploma of Community Services: Completing a Diploma of Community Services in Victoria or other states does not directly qualify one for a 485 Visa. Candidates may need to credit their diploma towards a Bachelor’s degree in Community Services for better PR prospects.

Key Questions and Answers:

1. Community Worker and Social Worker Occupations:

Q: Can my wife, who is studying a Master’s in Social Work in India, use her degree in Australia for PR purposes? Should she study a course in Australia for better points?

A: Arth Patel: If her Master’s degree in Social Work from India allows her to register and gain work placements, she can get a skills assessment in Australia. Studying in Australia would not be necessary if she can achieve this with her current qualifications and work experience. Extra points can be gained through English proficiency or NAATI CCL.

2. Diploma of Community Services:

Q: Will completing a Diploma of Community Services in Victoria qualify me for a 485 Visa?

A: Vivian Yu: For a 485 Visa, you must meet several requirements:

• The course should be registered for at least 92 weeks.
• You must have studied for at least 16 calendar months.
• You need a skills assessment before lodging the 485 Visa application.
• Meeting the English language requirement of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6 in any band.

Q: Is a Diploma of Community Services enough to apply for a 485 Visa?

A: Hardik Patel: A Diploma of Community Services alone does not qualify for a 485 Visa because it is not listed on the medium and long-term occupation list. Consider crediting the diploma towards a Bachelor’s degree in Community Services, which could provide a better pathway.

3. High-Demand Occupations and PR Pathways:

Q: What are the prospects for social workers and community workers in WA and other regions?

A: Vivian Yu: Social work and community work are on the priority list in WA and are expected to remain there in the upcoming financial year. These occupations are in high demand, and eligible candidates receive good invitations for PR.

4. Employer Sponsored Visa and DAMA:

Q: Can social workers and community workers apply for employer-sponsored visas?

A: Vivian Yu: Yes, if the occupation is not on the standard skilled migration list, it might be eligible under DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement). For more detailed information, follow our sessions on employer-sponsored visas and DAMA pathways.

Stay tuned for more insights and updates from our experienced migration agents at Aussizz Group. Feel free to get in touch with us for personalized advice and support.