Working Holiday to Student Visa?

Hey there,

I am hoping to go over to Australia to work and study. I would like to enter on a working holiday visa to spend some time over there, travel and get settled before going back to school. I was wondering if anyone knew if I could change my visa status while over there from working holiday to a student visa. Also, do I have to leave at the end of each school year and return home or can I stay in Aus? My brother is already in Perth and getting his perm. residency... Does that help me any?

Any info would help!

Thanks

Have you talked to the Australian embassy? They could probably let you know for sure. I would imagine you could apply to change your status while there, but it's best to find out for sure from the source. It probably doesn't make a difference that your brother is getting his permanent residency, but if he officially has it now, that might help.

Your best bet would be to apply for a student visa and that would entitle you to work for up to 20 hours per week. Bear in mind that your attendance at the educational institution will be periodically checked. You can apply for a student visa from a WHV but this normally has to be done offshore and is not seamless. There is no guarantee that you will be granted PR from a securing a student visa; for years too many 'students' used this route to gain PR under fly-by-night academic courses such as hairdressing.

Your brother cannot sponsor you unless it is under the last remaining relative visa and that takes years to be granted. I believe you can be sponsored by a relative under a regional skilled program but you would have to have a minimum number of points to be eligible ... and DIAC has really cut those visa grant numbers.

Peruse this link and you can narrow down your eligibility and choice(s):

http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/students.htm