Your immigration questions answered

I am here on an Indian on a student visa subclass 573. I am currently in Melbourne. I have finished my Masters in Professional Accounting and have IELTS of 6.0 overall and all the bands have 6.0 or above score. I have completed my Masters degree 3 months ago and have got a total of 110 points on the DIAC points test. I have lodged an application for a subclass 485 visa. I have been granted a Bridging Visa A. I have heard about the Professional Year Program but cannot attend it multiple days of the week. Is there a distance education option for Professional Year Program? (I have a job where I work 9 am – 5 pm on all weekdays). Could you also explain what is taught in a professional year program?

Anjali Jain, Melbourne

Dear Anjali, You do not have the option for a Professional Year Program in Distance Learning Mode. However I do have an option of a SMPIA program where you will need to only attend on Saturdays. The details of the Professional Year program (PYP) are given below for your understanding.

By Amit Baijal

The Professional Year program (PYP) is a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) approved course that equips students with the professional and practical skills required to work in the computer industry in Australia. This program is one of the pathways from university to employment within Australia. The program has been designed, under DIAC guidelines, principally for international students seeking to gain permanent residence. At the completion of your program you are able to apply to gain 10 additional points towards migration.

The Professional Year Program does not guarantee permanent residence, but does assist in gaining the additional points required.

You need to have ready the following to apply for a Professional Year Program:

• Resume

• Certified copies of all certificates, degrees and transcripts.

• Your IELTS test result.

• Passport copy.

• Confirmation of application and 485 visa copy.

• Skill Assessment code & Professional Membership number, provided by the relevant Professional Body

Course Description

The course covers 4 components

1. The first component is Business Communication including working in teams, planning, problem solving and self management.

2. The second covers Australian Workplace Practice which includes workplace safety issues and other Australian Government regulations.

3. The third component is the Professional Internship. This is where students undertake a 12 week practical work experience (unpaid) program in a company to assist them in developing their employment skills. The internship module is an all important component of the PYP. It allows students to experience work with a credentialed company in a professional environment.

4. The final component focuses on content knowledge within the profession. The PYP in Information Technology covers material approved by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). Graduates of the PYP are entitled to membership of ACS.

Class Timings

One of the providers that I can recommend you provides the above 4 Modules with a total of 44 weeks tuition (11 weeks per module). The mode of delivery is face to face teaching (classroom based only; no distance education option is available) with students attending 9 hours of classes per week. Classes are held only one day a week on Saturdays for the convenience of the students.

Please note that individual circumstances may differ. The above information is generic in nature and it is strongly recommended that you speak to a registered migration agent prior to taking any decision based on the above information. Please visit MARA website for a list of Registered Migration Agents. www.mara.com.au

If you would like your specific question to be answered please email us at amit@visainfo.com.au You may contact Amit Baijal for further information on 02 9233 3128 / 02 9231 2651

Level 9, Suite 3A, 428 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000

MARN: 0746261 MMIA: 3143

QEAC: D019

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