Most people would complete their formal education first before working in their specific industry. However, there are also some who may have jumped straight to working after completing secondary school and never had the chance to study in a university or in a vocational education provider.
In this article, I will discuss the options for people who have the skills, knowledge and work experience in their nominated occupation but do not have a qualification/s or trade certificate/s.
Option 1. Study to get the required qualification for your nominated occupation
This is the usual path that visa applicants take if their objective is to work or live in Australia permanently. Studies do not have to be taken in Australia as long as the study outcome satisfies the required qualification for the nominated occupation.
For example, Civil Engineering Draftspersons/Technicians are required to have at least a Diploma in a highly related field. Potential visa applicants in this role may choose to study from where they currently are, or they can choose to study in Australia. Upon completion of the required qualification plus the required work experience from the skills assessing body (if applicable), they can claim for the education points for their skilled migration visa under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) stream.
Option 2. Convert your work experience to an Australian qualification through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is a process whereby an authorised assessor looks at the visa applicants’ work experience and ascertain their eligibility in getting an Australian qualification. The usual documents required by the assessor are the applicant’s identity, employment evidence and industry certifications (if applicable).
For example, Carpenters are required to have at least a Certificate III with two years of work experience or Certificate IV in a highly related field to satisfy the qualification requirement for this role. If they can show the work experience required by the RPL provider, then they can be issued a Certificate III/IV in Carpentry. They can then use this certificate for migration points purposes and when applying for a job here in Australia or in other countries.
In some cases, RPL can also consider an applicant’s previous qualification. For example, Registered Nurses who completed a bachelor’s degree in their home country and have the work experience required by the RPL provider, can be issued a Certificate IV in Ageing Support without studying in Australia. Getting this certificate will enable Nurses who may be on a student visa taking up any health related course or who may be on a dependent visa (student/temporary visa with work rights) to work in Aged Care facilities in Australia.
RPL is a more cost-effective and faster option as the applicant does not need to study, saving money on tuition fee and saving months or years that the applicant would have spent in studying. Depending on the RPL provider, the qualifications available include Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Diploma of Mental Health, Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling, Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery, Diploma of Salon Management, Diploma of IT, Certificate III in Fabrication and Trade, and more.
Should you require more information about RPL and how it can affect your visa application, it is suggested that you seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent or an Immigration Lawyer.
