You've secured your Australian student visa and arrived in Sydney, Canberra, or Adelaide—congratulations! But the journey doesn't end there. The real challenge begins: navigating your studies, maintaining visa compliance, building your career pathway, securing accommodation, and planning your transition to permanent residency. This is where Right & Associates' onshore offices make all the difference.​

Since establishing our first Australian office in Sydney in 2009, Right & Associates has become the trusted partner for international students and temporary visa holders across Australia's major cities. Today, with physical offices in Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Rockdale, we provide comprehensive onshore support that transforms temporary visas into permanent pathways and student dreams into established careers.

Our Strategic Onshore Network: Where You Are

Sydney Office: Your Gateway to Career Opportunities

Location: Suite 12, Level 1, 301 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000​

Contact: +61 2 9281 1464 | admissions@rassociates.com.au​

Sydney, home to Australia's most vibrant job market and diverse international community, is where thousands of our clients begin their permanent residency journey. Castlereagh Street, in the heart of the Sydney CBD, puts our office steps away from major universities, employer offices, and government services. Whether you need urgent visa advice, job placement guidance, or course change support, our Sydney team is physically accessible and immediately available.​

Canberra Office: Specialized Skilled Migration Experts

Location: Suite 1A, Level 3, 17-21 University Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601​

Contact: +61 2 6179 6786 | canberra@rassociates.com.au​

Canberra is Australia's capital and home to unique visa opportunities through the Canberra Matrix and ACT state sponsorship pathways. Our Canberra office specializes in skilled migration strategies, particularly the 190 (Skilled Nominated) and 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas, where ACT nomination can be your golden ticket to permanent residency. We understand Canberra's specific occupation lists, points system variations, and employment landscape—advantages you simply won't get from offshore consultants.​

Adelaide Office: South Australian Opportunities

Location: Level 3, 18-20 Grenfell Street, Adelaide SA 5000​

Contact: Available through main admissions line​

Adelaide offers excellent quality of life, lower living costs than Sydney, and strong industry connections for international graduates. The University of Adelaide, University of South Australia (UniSA), and Flinders University welcome thousands of international students annually. Our Adelaide office connects you with local employers, skill assessment providers, and state sponsorship pathways unique to South Australia.​

Rockdale & Brisbane Offices

Rockdale: Level 2, 552 Princes Highway, Rockdale NSW 2216​

Contact: +61 2 8057 0785 (WhatsApp: +61 405 866 570) | rockdale@rassociates.com.au​

Brisbane: Suite 4, Level 5, 241 Adelaide St, Brisbane QLD 4000​

With offices in strategic locations across New South Wales and Queensland, we ensure you're never far from expert support.​

Navigating Your Onshore Student Journey: Key Milestones

1. Arrival & Visa Compliance Support

Your first weeks in Australia are critical. Many international students unknowingly breach their visa conditions through simple misunderstandings about work hours, course load requirements, or travel restrictions.​

Right & Associates Onshore Support:

✓ Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) Management: Ensuring your CoE remains valid and compliant​

✓ Visa Condition Clarification: Clear explanations of your specific visa conditions—work hour limits, study load requirements, health insurance obligations​

✓ Course Confirmation & Changes: Need to change courses or study load? We handle the paperwork with university liaison​

✓ Health Insurance Verification: Ensuring your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) meets requirements​

Our team has guided hundreds of students through immediate post-arrival challenges, preventing costly compliance violations that could jeopardize your visa status and permanent residency pathways.​

2. Accommodation & Settlement Support

Finding safe, affordable accommodation in Sydney, Canberra, or Adelaide is overwhelming without local guidance. Purpose-built student accommodation options range from AU$269-AU$415 per week, while private accommodation varies by location and amenities.​

Right & Associates' Accommodation Services:

✓ Vetted Housing Partnerships: We work with trusted providers like UniLodge, Scape, and Y Suites across Australia​

✓ Homestay Arrangements: Connect with genuine local families for immersive cultural experience​

✓ CBD vs. Suburban Guidance: Advice on living near universities (Sydney CBD, Canberra Bruce campus, Adelaide North Terrace) vs. affordable outer suburbs​

✓ Shared vs. Private Accommodation: Helping you balance budget, privacy, and community​

In Sydney's Castlereagh Street location, we're minutes from multiple accommodation options and can connect you with providers immediately upon arrival.​

3. Part-Time Work & Career Development

International students on a student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during teaching periods and unlimited hours during semester breaks. This work experience is gold for your permanent residency pathway.​

Career Development Services:

✓ Career Counselling: Aligning part-time work with your academic field and permanent residency goals​

✓ Resume & Interview Coaching: Preparing you to compete in the Australian job market​

✓ Employer Connections: Network with Australian employers seeking international talent​

✓ Professional Development: Workshops on Australian workplace culture, networking, and industry certifications​

This is where onshore support matters critically—we understand local employment markets, skill demands, and which employers sponsor permanent visas in your field.​

Your 485 Visa Pathway: The Onshore Advantage

Understanding the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Once you graduate, your student visa (Subclass 500) expires. The 485 Temporary Graduate visa is your bridge to permanent residency—and this is where Right & Associates' onshore expertise becomes invaluable.​

The 485 visa has multiple streams:​

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: For vocational graduates, lasting up to 24 months​

Post-Higher Education Work Stream: For bachelor's, master's, or doctoral graduates, lasting 2-4 years (increased from 2 years under recent changes)​

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: For regional graduates, providing an additional 1-2 years onshore​

Why Onshore Application Matters:

Applying for your 485 visa while already in Australia—with our onshore team's support—is infinitely more strategic than attempting it from overseas. Here's why:​

✓ Immediate Processing Support: We can address Department of Home Affairs requests instantly without delays​

✓ Proof of Compliance: You can demonstrate 485 requirement compliance (study completion, health insurance, etc.) with real-time documentation​

✓ Seamless Health Insurance Transition: We arrange OSHC renewal or OVHC setup without gaps​

✓ Employment Records: If you've been working part-time, we compile employment records strengthening your application​

✓ Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Demonstration: Your onshore presence and activities prove genuine intent to study and work​

485 Visa Processing Timeline & Requirements:​

  • Eligibility: Completed CRICOS-registered course from Australian institution, age under 50, valid health insurance
  • Document Requirements: Degree/diploma, skills assessment (if vocational), character documents, health insurance
  • Processing: Varies; priority processing available in some cases
  • Duration: 2-4 years for higher education graduates; 18-24 months for vocational
  • Work Rights: Full-time work allowed throughout visa duration
  • Travel: Can leave and re-enter Australia freely​

Right & Associates' registered migration agents guide you through every requirement, ensuring nothing is overlooked.​

Permanent Residency Pathways: From Onshore Base

Your 485 visa isn't just a work permit—it's your strategic foundation for permanent residency. While holding a 485, you have 2-4 years to build the experience and credentials needed for permanent visa pathways.​

Pathway 1: Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

No state sponsorship required; purely points-based​

Your onshore work experience boosts your points through Australian work history (up to 20 points for 3+ years in your occupation). Right & Associates' Canberra office specializes in points optimization and can advise whether your occupation remains on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).​

Pathway 2: Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

State-sponsored permanent residency; 65+ points typically required​

Each state has different occupation lists and priorities. Our Canberra office has unmatched expertise in ACT nomination for occupations like IT, Accounting, Nursing, and Engineering. Adelaide and Sydney offices provide similar strategic advantages for South Australia and New South Wales.​

Pathway 3: Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)

Regional provisional visa; 65+ points; pathway to PR after 3 years​

The Canberra Matrix makes the 491 visa highly achievable for Canberra-based workers, with recent invitation rounds showing minimum matrix scores of 110-115. Our Canberra team navigates this system expertly.​

Pathway 4: Employer Nomination (Subclass 186)

Permanent sponsorship through Australian employer after 2 years on 482 TSS visa​

Many of our onshore student clients secure part-time work that transitions to full-time sponsorship. Our onshore network connects you with visa-sponsoring employers.​

Right & Associates' Permanent Residency Strategy:

✓ Skills Assessment Coordination: Positive assessment in Accounting, IT, Nursing, Chef, and 100+ other occupations​

✓ Occupation List Tracking: Monitoring which occupations remain on national, state, and regional lists​

✓ Points Maximization: Strategic advice on timing visa applications to optimize points (age, English proficiency, work experience, qualifications)​

✓ State Sponsorship Guidance: Personalized assessment of your eligibility for state nomination in NSW, ACT, SA, QLD​

✓ Employer Sponsorship Pathway: Connecting you with employers in your field who sponsor permanent visas​

Specialized Onshore Services: Beyond Basic Support

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Reassessment & Appeal Support

If your visa was granted on specific GTE conditions, maintaining compliance is critical. We provide ongoing advice to ensure you're meeting conditions and preparing evidence of compliance for future permanent residency applications.​

Course Changes & Academic Support

Changing courses? Reducing study load due to work pressures? Struggling with your current major? Our onshore teams work directly with universities to arrange seamless transitions while maintaining visa compliance.​

English Language Proficiency Support

While pursuing your degree or career, improving your English proficiency increases your visa pathway points and career prospects. We connect you with accredited IELTS/PTE testing centers and preparation services onshore.​

Professional Certification & Skills Development

Pursuing AWS certifications, Cisco networking, CPA Australia accounting qualifications? Our teams help you identify certifications that enhance your visa points and employability.​

Health Insurance & Medical Support

OSHC coverage gaps? Transitioning between providers? Medical emergencies? Our team navigates health insurance complexities and connects you with multilingual healthcare providers familiar with international students.​

City-Specific Onshore Advantages

Why Sydney Office Matters

Sydney is home to Australia's largest international student population and most competitive job market. Our Castlereagh Street office is in the financial district, steps from major employers who sponsor visas in IT, Finance, Engineering, and Business. Weekly networking sessions connect you with other Right & Associates clients and industry professionals.​

Why Canberra Office Matters

Canberra offers the unique Canberra Matrix advantage: lower points requirements for permanent residency compared to other states. Recent invitation rounds saw 476 Canberra residents and 83 overseas applicants invited under matrix-based pathways. Our Canberra team understands this system intimately.​

Why Adelaide Office Matters

Adelaide's cost of living is 15-20% lower than Sydney, yet universities like University of Adelaide and UniSA deliver world-class education. Our Adelaide office connects graduates with South Australian employers and state sponsorship opportunities.​

Success Stories: From Student Visa to Permanent Resident

"I was stressed about my 485 application, but Right & Associates' Canberra office guided me through every step. With their help, I now hold a 491 visa and'm working toward permanent residency. The team really understood the Canberra Matrix system."​

"Moving to Sydney as a student felt overwhelming. Right & Associates found me accommodation, helped with course changes, and now I'm on a 485 visa working for an employer considering sponsoring me for a 186. I couldn't have done it without their onshore support."​

"The Adelaide office's expertise in state sponsorship was incredible. I completed my degree, worked part-time, and now I'm a permanent resident sponsored by South Australia. Best decision I made."​

Your Next Step: Book Your Onshore Consultation

Whether you've just arrived in Australia or are approaching graduation and wondering about your permanent residency pathway, Right & Associates' onshore offices are ready to support you strategically.

Our Onshore Commitment:

✓ MARA-Registered Migration Agents: Government-approved professionals on every team​

✓ Physical Offices in Major Cities: Not just phone support—face-to-face consultations with expert counselors​

✓ Integrated Nepal + Australia Network: Continuity of care from offshore to onshore​

✓ Proven Track Record: 15,000+ successful students since 2001, with thousands now on permanent residency​

Book Your Consultation:

📍 Sydney: Suite 12, Level 1, 301 Castlereagh Street | ☎ +61 2 9281 1464​

📍 Canberra: Suite 1A, Level 3, 17-21 University Ave | ☎ +61 2 6179 6786​

📍 Adelaide: Level 3, 18-20 Grenfell Street | Contact through main line​

📍 Brisbane: Suite 4, Level 5, 241 Adelaide St | Available through main line​

📍 Rockdale: Level 2, 552 Princes Highway | ☎ +61 2 8057 0785​

📧 Email: admissions@rassociates.com.au​

🌐 Australia Website: rassociates.com.au​

Frequently Asked Questions

A: Begin planning 3-4 months before your graduation date. This timing allows our onshore team to assess your eligibility, compile required documents (final degree, health insurance confirmation, character references), and lodge your application shortly after graduation. The 485 visa doesn't require skills assessment for higher education graduates, but gathering all documentation in advance prevents delays. Our onshore offices manage this timeline perfectly—waiting too long after graduation risks visa gaps.

A: Yes, the 485 visa grants full-time work rights throughout its duration (2-4 years for higher education graduates). This work experience is strategically valuable for three reasons: (1) Points accumulation: Australian work experience adds up to 20 points for skilled visas; (2) Employer sponsorship: Working with an employer for 2+ years may lead to permanent visa sponsorship (186 visa); (3) Occupation relevance: Employment in your skilled occupation strengthens state nomination applications. Right & Associates' onshore team strategically places you with employers in visa-sponsoring industries and connects you with skill assessment pathways.​

A: Onshore applications have significant advantages: (1) Immediate compliance evidence: Physical presence in Australia demonstrates you've maintained visa conditions; (2) Health insurance continuity: No gaps between student visa and 485 coverage; (3) Employment records: Current employment with onshore employer strengthens application; (4) Quick response to additional requests: Department of Home Affairs requests can be addressed within days, not weeks; (5) Onshore processing priority: Some 485 applications receive accelerated processing if filed while in Australia. Offshore applications often face delays and documentation gaps. Right & Associates' onshore presence ensures you maximize these advantages.​

A: Our specialists in each state office understand unique sponsorship pathways. Canberra: We navigate the Canberra Matrix system, where lower points (110-115 minimum in recent rounds) make permanent residency achievable faster than other states. Adelaide: South Australia has strong demand for IT, Accounting, Healthcare professionals. Sydney: NSW offers diverse occupation lists and employer networks. We assess your occupation against current state lists, advise on timing for applications, and coordinate skills assessments in Accounting, IT, Nursing, Chef, and 100+ other occupations. Your onshore work experience becomes the evidence state nominators require.​