Are you on a Work & Holiday visa and want to stay in Australia without enrolling in expensive studies? You’re not alone. Thousands of visa holders seek permanent residency but are hesitant to invest time and money in new qualifications.

Here’s how you could stay—and succeed—without enrolling in expensive courses:

Option 1: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Have experience as a chef, tradie, or support worker? If you can adequately prove this, you may qualify for a formal Australian certificate without studying again, for example:

  • A chef can obtain Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
  • A carpenter may qualify for a Certificate III in Carpentry

We work with Registered Trading Organisations (RTO’s) to assess your experience and convert it into qualifications that unlock visa options.

You can then proceed to a skills assessment—often a requirement for sponsored and skilled visas.

Option 2: Employer Sponsorship If your current employer values your skills, they may sponsor you directly—especially in sectors like hospitality, aged care, or trades. We can help guide that process and make it happen.

Option 3: Skilled Migration Visas If your occupation is listed on the skilled occupation list https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list, you may qualify for:

  • Subclass 189: Independent
  • Subclass 190: State-sponsored
  • Subclass 491: Regional work

Option 4: Regional Opportunities Work in regional areas to boost your points and open more pathways. Many regional employers are urgently seeking workers and offer faster pathways to sponsorship. We can give you a dedicated consultation to understand if and how this can work for you personally.

Option 5: Partner or Business Visas Some people transition through:

  • Partner Visas (if in a long-term relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident)
  • Business Innovation visas (requires investment and a plan)

At Go Access, we understand that not everyone wants to return to study just to remain in Australia. That’s why we offer practical, customised solutions for Work & Holiday visa holders who are ready to stay permanently. Whether it’s helping you convert your experience through RPL, finding potential sponsors, or developing a strategy based on your skills and goals, we’re here to guide you.

Let’s explore your best pathway together—reach out to Go Access for expert support and a personalised migration plan.