Sep152025

Introduction

Australia’s construction industry is booming, and skilled tradespeople are in high demand. For students from Fiji, this demand creates not only career opportunities but also a clear and structured pathway to Australian Permanent Residency (PR). Among the most in-demand trades, carpentry stands out as both lucrative and future-proof, with carpenters earning a median of AUD $1,787 per week and enjoying long-term career security.

A Certificate III in Carpentry is more than just a qualification it is the cornerstone of a step-by-step migration journey. This blog provides a comprehensive 2025 guide for Fijian students, covering everything from obtaining a student visa to securing PR.

Step 1: Laying the Foundation – Student Visa (Subclass 500)

The journey begins with the Student Visa (Subclass 500), which allows you to study in Australia while laying the groundwork for future migration.

Key Requirements for 2025:

  • Enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course (e.g., Certificate III in Carpentry at TAFE Queensland).

  • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your chosen institution.

  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your stay.

  • Health and character checks, including medical exams and police certificates.

The Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

Since March 2024, the GS requirement has replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE). Unlike before, you can now openly state your long-term migration plans. This makes it easier for Fijian students to link their carpentry studies with Australia’s skills shortage.

Tips for a strong GS statement:

  • Connect your course choice to Australia’s construction demand.

  • Show research about your institution (mentioning specific carpentry units adds credibility).

  • Highlight family/community ties to Fiji, while still expressing long-term goals.

  • Back every claim with evidence (bank statements, employer references, property deeds).

Financial Capacity – Updated for 2025

To apply, you must prove:

  • Living expenses: AUD $29,710 for 12 months.

  • First-year tuition fees (approx. AUD $13,900/YR at TAFE QLD).

  • Travel costs: around AUD 2,000 from Fiji.

Alternatively, you can show a parent/partner’s income of at least AUD $87,856 per year.

Step 2: Mastering the Trade – Certificate III in Carpentry

The CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry is your official entry into Australia’s construction workforce.

Why Carpentry?

  • High demand: Thousands of job openings expected over the next five years.

  • On the MLTSSL: Carpenters are listed on the Medium & Long-Term Strategic Skills List, giving access to top PR visas like the 189, 190, and 491.

Where to Study

  • TAFE Queensland (Brisbane, Acacia Ridge Campus) – 2 years, approx. AUD $27,800.

  • TAFE SA (Adelaide) – approx. AUD $36,105.

  • Private VET providers – Ask our education consultant 

Practical Benefits

  • Hands-on training in simulated construction environments.

  • Mandatory vocational placements to meet future skills assessment requirements.

Step 3: Bridging to Work – Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

After completing your carpentry course, the next step is the Temporary Graduate (485) visa, which lets you stay in Australia to gain practical experience.

Key Details (2025):

  • Stream: Post-Vocational Education Work (for trade graduates).

  • Duration: 18 months.

  • Age limit: Must be 35 or under.

  • English requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall.

  • Application fee: approx. AUD $2,300.

This visa is essential because you need at least 12 months of paid work to qualify for the skills assessment.

Step 4: Proving Your Skills – The Job Ready Program (JRP)

The TRA Job Ready Program (JRP) confirms your carpentry skills through real workplace experience.

Four Stages of the JRP:

  1. Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA) – after graduation.

  2. Job Ready Employment (JRE) – 12 months of full-time paid carpentry work.

  3. Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA) – onsite evaluation of your carpentry skills.

  4. Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA) – your official skills assessment outcome.

Cost: approx. AUD $3,540 over 12–14 months.

Step 5: Achieving PR – Skilled Migration Pathways

With your positive skills assessment, you can apply for PR through the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.

Points System Highlights (2025):

  • Age (25–32 years): 30 points.

  • Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each): 10 points.

  • Australian trade qualification: 10 points.

  • Australian study requirement: 5 points.

  • 1 year of Australian work: 5 points.

  • Single applicant bonus: 10 points.

➡️ Total = 70 points (with potential boosts from state or regional nomination).

Visa Options for Carpenters:

Conclusion: Your Blueprint for Success

For Fijian students, carpentry is more than just a trade—it is a fast-track pathway to Australian PR. The steps are clear:

  1. Secure a student visa.

  2. Complete the Certificate III in Carpentry.

  3. Apply for the 485 Graduate Visa.

  4. Complete the Job Ready Program.

  5. Lodge your PR application through 189, 190, or 491.

With Australia actively inviting carpenters at the minimum points threshold, 2025 presents the best opportunity in years.

👉 Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact SOL Edu & Migration today for a personalized consultation and let us help you build your future in Australia.