Before you commit to an enrollment offer from the sheer excitement of being accepted into an Australian University, take a moment to see if your course will allow you to apply for Permanent Residency afterwards. It is a common mistake that some students take by studying a course that does not lead to Australian Permanent Residency. Taking a little time before selecting your course can save a lot of stress and headaches a few years down the road.

Australia's General Skilled Migration programme provides students with visa options to remain in Australia Permanently. However, not all courses are recognized under the General Skilled Migration programme. Students must remember that just because their course is a registered course to meet the requirements for a 'Student Visa', it does not mean that their course is a recognized course for 'Skilled Migration'.

There are specific occupations that are recognized under Australia's Skilled Migration programme. These occupations are listed in the Form 1121i which can be obtained from the Australian Government (Immigration Department). The relevant occupations for Skilled Migration are titled as SOL (Skilled Occupation List) occupations in the form.

Now, that doesn't mean that you can just study any of the occupations on the SOL. If you want to maximize your chances of being eligible to apply for Australian Permanent Residency, you should try to be selective in what you study. Each occupation on the SOL is allocated a value of points. These points are supposed to be indicative of the level of demand the Australia job market has for a specific occupation. Depending on your career choices and life goals, you should try to aim for higher points if you can. Why?

Skilled visas are points tested visas. What this means is that in order to apply for a visa under the programme, you have to meet a points pass-mark. You can accumulate points based on your nominated occupation, age, English proficiency, work experience and other areas under the points system. You can find out more information for specific visas under the programme by reading the 'General Skilled Migration Booklet' #6. This is a MUST READ for all students who are serious about becoming an Australian Permanent Resident before deciding what or where to study in Australia.

You must remember though that laws change over time (such as the occupations on the SOL and the pass-mark) and although you cannot rely 100% on your self-assessed points, you can 'maximize' your chances of success by putting yourself in the best possible position to mitigate your circumstances. Taking control of your situation by following the steps outlined in this article will help you to do that.

Studying in Australia can be a rewarding experience. It is a significant investment, yes, but you can make sure that your investment is wisely placed to yield a return that will open more doors for your future.