EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Migration Regulations 1994
PROFESSIONAL YEAR PROGRAMS
(SUBREGULATION 2.26AA(6) DEFINITION OF “PROFESSIONAL YEAR”)
- This instrument is made under subregulation 2.26AA(6) of the Migration Regulations 1994 (‘the Regulations’).
2. Subregulation 2.26AA(6) of the Regulations provides that “professional year” means a course specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this definition.
3. A “professional year” is intended to be a formally structured program that usually involves both study and work experience. It serves to provide overseas graduates with an introduction to their chosen occupation. In recognition of the value of these programs in assisting former overseas students to become job ready, the Minister specifies certain professional year programs as being acceptable for migration purposes. The professional year must be specifically relevant to the occupation nominated in the graduate’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa application. Not all occupations will have a professional year that is recognised for migration purposes.
4. Applicants who have completed a specified professional year in their nominated occupation or a closely related occupation will be awarded 10 points under the GSM points test.
5. The purpose of the Instrument is to specify the professional year program run by Engineers Australia which is available to engineering graduates for the purposes of subregulation 2.26AA(6).
6. The professional year for engineering graduates is available to overseas students who have obtained an Australian qualification in Australia as a result of at least two years of study.
7. Consultation was undertaken with Engineers Australia to create the professional year for overseas engineering graduates.
8. The Instrument, IMMI 08/074, commences on 27 October 2008.