Discover practical tips and strategies to boost your chances of getting Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia after studying. Learn about in-demand courses, visa pathways, and more.
Australia has quickly become one of the most popular choices for international students. It has great education, lifestyle, and multiculturalism. However, for many people, studying in Australia shouldn't just be about getting a qualification. It is about starting a permanent life in Australia. It is common for those studying in Australia to consider getting Permanent Residency (PR) after the completion of their studies. However, achieving permanent residency can be a lengthy and competitive process.
To apply for PR, you'll need to strategically plan your education and career pathway, develop your understanding of the migration system, and also proactively take different steps to meet the requirements of your visa. This practical guide will not only cover your visa options, but also what you can do to maximise your potential chances of getting PR after you study in Australia.
You may apply for a variety of migration options in Australia as soon as you finish your education, including the Skilled Visa, which is one of the most common ways to gain permanent residency. The most important thing is selecting the correct visa that fits your qualifications, occupation, and career objectives to help you move from student status to permanent resident in Australia.
The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 is one of the most popular pathways for international graduates. There are two primary streams:
There are two main streams:
Graduate Work Stream: For graduates who have completed studies related to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This stream is valid for up to 18 months.
Post-Study Work Stream: Available to those who have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree from an Australian institution. Depending on your qualification, this visa is valid for 2 to 4 years.
The 485 visa allows for temporary residency in Australia, which allows you time to accrue local work experience, which is important for skilled visas eligibility later.
The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 is a points-based permanent visa for individuals who are not sponsored aby n employer or state/territory. This visa is for skilled workers who have an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
To qualify for Subclass 189, you must:
It provides full permanent residency rights, including the ability to live and work anywhere in Australia.
The Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 is similar to the 189 visa; however, the applicant has to be nominated by a state or territory government. This visa is appropriate for candidates whose occupations are on the State Occupation List.
Key benefits include:
States and territories regularly update their occupation lists based on demand, so this option is particularly helpful for students flexible in terms of location.
Apart from visa options, there are several tactical activities you might be able to pursue during or after your studies in Australia to improve your eligibility for PR. This could have a major impact on your points scores and employability.
If you stay in Australia after your studies, you can build your career and obtain valuable work experience. The majority of students will apply for the 485 visa immediately after their student visa expires. This will allow you time to gain internal experience while you work on improving your PR application.
A higher education qualification, like a Master’s or PhD, means better employability and more points under the qualifications category. Higher-level qualifications generally grant a higher number of points in the PR points test and give access to more skilled occupations.
Strong English language skills are critical for most skilled visas. You can get points for your recognised test scores, such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. The higher your test score, the more points you obtain, which is up to 20 points for superior English. Improving your English can be one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase your PR points score.
Relevant work experience in Australia ranks as the highest points available for PR. Whether you have done this experience as full-time, part-time time or an internship can show the Department of Home Affairs that you have made a contribution to the local economy. Applicants with skilled work experience in their nominated occupation can get up to 20 points, depending on the period.
One of the best ways to gain points towards PR eligibility is to choose to study in a regional area. Regional areas are located outside of major cities, including Sydney, Melbourne,e and Brisbane, and generally have strong demand for skilled professionals.
Benefits include:
The Professional Year Program (PYP) is available for graduates in Accounting, Engineering, and IT. It includes a 12-month training and internship program, bridging the gap between study and professional employment in Australia.
Advantages of completing a PYP:
Age is an important factor in the points-tested PR system. If you are aged between 25 and 32 you receive the maximum 30 points. Points start to decline from age 33, and you are not eligible for any of the skilled visas after age 45. If you apply early in your career, this greatly improves your chances.
Getting your PR in Australia after studying is possible with the right strategy, education, and visa planning. Concentrate on local experience, your English, and the best Skilled Visa pathway for you. For professional guidance and to make your migration as smooth as possible, let Immigration Agent Adelaide help you turn your Australian education into a permanent future. Start your journey today!
1. What is the best way to get PR in Australia?
Choose a skilled course, gain local experience, apply for a skilled visa, and consult an Immigration Agent Adelaide for expert help.
2. What are Skilled Work Visas?
Skilled work visas allow qualified professionals to apply for PR based on age, skills, education, and English language ability.
3. Are there other pathways to PR in Australia?
Yes, through employer sponsorship, partner visas, business visas, or global talent programs, depending on your skills and situation.
4. How do I get 65 points for PR in Australia?
Accumulate points through age, English, education, work experience, regional study, and state nomination to reach the required threshold.