Changing from a WHV to a Training and Research Visa (Subclass 402)

[sbond88]

Hi guys,

 

I am hoping that you can help me!

 

My boyfriend is looking to move to Australia shortly. He has a UK law degree and would like to eventually migrate to Australia permanently. He has 4 months of study to do when he arrives into Australia to 'bridge' his UK degree with the Australian Law degree.

 

After these 4 months of study are over he needs to do some training with a solicitor in order to be able to practice in Australia. My questions is, providing he meets all the requirements of the visa can he change from a WHV visa to a Training and Research (Subclass 402) Visa?

 

This particular visa is for training or practical experience in the workplace required for you to obtain registration for employment in your occupation in Australia, so it sounds perfect! But we want to ensure that he can swap from a WHV to a Training and Research (Subclass 402) Visa? I know that it can sometimes be quite hard to extend your stay after obtaining a WHV. But providing he meets all the requirements I don't believe he should have any issues?

 

The reason he is applying for a WHV is because it allows 4 months study which is all he needs - the student visa seems quite messy and expensive in his circumstance because he only needs to study for 4 months.

Any help or input would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

Steph

[Rupert]

Why doesn't he just stay on the WHV?

 

It looks like a sponsorship is required for this, does he have one?

[sbond88]

Hi Rupert,

 

Thanks for your reply! After reading through my post (and your reply) I have realised that I left out a pretty important portion - after his 4 months study to bidge his Uni Degree, he needs to do 6 months study at Law school. This is the reason that we are not able to stay on the WHV.

 

We were simply trying to avoid getting two student visas because of the funds they require to have on hand to support yourself. We were under the impression that he would have to apply for a student visa for his first 4 months, and once that was completed apply for another working visa for the next 6 months. The IMMI website states he needs money to cover a return flight (which is fine), course fees (which is fine) and AUD18 610 per year to living expenses. Will this decrese if he only needs to study for 10 months? Or 4 months if he's able to get a student visa first, and a 402 visa second.

 

Thanks!!