This is the question that many people ask themselves given the current economic and political circumstances. In the case of Latin American migration, most temporary and permanent residencies are obtained through partner visas and the GSM (General Skilled Migration) program.
For months we have been working with Latin American students who are in Australia and are seeking to obtain temporary or permanent residency through their studies. Due to many circumstances, the vast majority have not yet achieved this, however we have identified four important points, which we want to share with those who are currently planning to come to Australia and wish to stay permanently.
The conditions and requirements for Australian migration are very different from migration to the United States or Europe. One of the main beliefs of those who plan to migrate is to obtain a visa and stay to work illegally so that at some point through massive regulation, asylum or the acceptance of some immigration law, they are protected to become residents. This is very difficult in Australia, since the country’s immigration laws do not contemplate it, and finding work under these circumstances is complex and illegal, and what they would get is totally precarious in every sense. If the authorities were to locate an illegal migrant, detention and expulsion could be imminent, and the possibility of applying for a visa later would be remote.
Other people plan to study English courses or certificates that are not in line with their professional profile and in many cases have no relation to their academic history. Most Latin American students choose courses without having previously analyzed the programs that are most appropriate for their profile and the regions that could provide them with benefits through sponsor programs. They mostly opt for programs that do not allow them to be at the level of competition of Asian or European citizens, for example, which diminishes their chances of obtaining residency.
Many students convince themselves that in one year they will reach a proficient level of English (7 in all bands of the IELTS, or its equivalent in PTE Academic or TOEFL IBT) and this is something that no one can affirm, since it is linked to the skills and empathy that the applicant has had with the language. It is true that in an English-speaking environment they can perform better and train their ears, but we still have many deficiencies in Reading and Writing. These are two of the most difficult skills to master for Spanish speakers. One factor that slows down learning is the habit of living or working with Hispanics, doing jobs with little contact with Australians, making the level of learning slower.
The migration program to Australia is not the same as it was 20, 15, 10, or 2 years ago; it is becoming more competitive every day and requires greater efforts. Statistically, China, India, Nepal, European countries, among others, are the countries that provide the largest number of residents through skilled migration programs (GSM).
After this information, which is already known to many, we want to give you some tips before making such an important decision as moving permanently from your country of origin:
Take into account your capabilities, skills, level of commitment, discipline and goals to carry out a migration plan.
Be realistic about obtaining a proficient level of English (7 in all bands of the IELTS, or its equivalent in PTE Academic or in TOEFL IBT). In most cases, whether due to a score or due to the requirement of the occupation or the State that sponsors you, you would require a level of English that exceeds the positivity and enthusiasm that you have to carry out your migration action plan. There is no mathematical formula to achieve it, nor to know the time it will take you. In most cases, one year or less is not enough to achieve this, that is if you have not had a solid foundation in this language.
Before making a decision about the studies and the State where you are going to carry them out, review the lists of occupations, demand histories for the same, requirements for validation of your studies before the relevant entity, work experience and necessary level of English. Know the State or Territory where you should go to study and where you will have to reside for a time, if the rules of the chosen State so require.
Keep in mind the resources you must allocate for the process and to support yourself while studying in Australia. We know many applicants who have sold everything in their country of origin to achieve this dream and unfortunately have not achieved it, having to start from scratch in circumstances different from those they left behind in their country of origin.
All this information can be provided by a registered immigration agent.