How to Get Australian PR for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide
After completing your studies, you may want to continue living in Australia, as the country offers exciting benefits for skilled workers. However, transitioning from a student visa to PR may be more challenging than it seems. There are many steps involved in getting Australian PR for international students, which you may need to start preparing before you graduate.
In general, the following factors will affect your Australian PR options and pathways as an international student:
- Age
- Work experience
- Qualification
- English language skill
- Partner’s skills
Rest assured, this article will show you every important aspect on how to get PR in Australia as an international student:
- Understanding the eligibility criteria
- Decide your nominated occupation
- Obtain a Temporary Graduate Visa
- Australian Work Visa Options
Scroll down for detailed information about Australian PR pathways for students.
Eligibility Criteria for International Students to Obtain Australian PR
Some eligibility criteria that you, as an international student, should meet to obtain an Australian PR are:
- Age criteria: You must be under 45 when applying for an Australian skilled visa.
- Work experience: To be eligible for an Australian PR as an international student, you must have work experience relevant to your nominated occupation. It’s advised that you have work experience of at least 3 years.
- Qualification: The minimum required qualification to become an Australian PR is a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. So, if you’re an international student taking a diploma course, you have just opened the pathway to becoming an Australian PR.
- English language skill: Most Australian skilled visas require a minimum of Competent English skills. However, developing higher English language skills for wider pathways to Australian PR is best.
- Partner’s skill: If your partner has minimum functional English skills and work experience in a skilled occupation, it can help you obtain Australian PR through an Australian skilled visa.
Decide your nominated occupation
While you have completed your degree in Australia, it’s time to decide what your nominated occupation is. It is essential to determine first because it will show the options for the Australian PR pathway.
It is best to decide on a nominated occupation that suits your degree because most skilled occupations in Australia require you to have a relevant or closely relevant educational background. Also, ensure that your nominated occupation is listed on the Australian Skilled Occupation List, as most work visas require you to do so.
If you find it confusing to decide your nominated occupation, our registered migration agent is always ready to assist you. Click here to connect with them.
Discover: Skilled Jobs in Demand Australia
Obtain a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
A temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is vital in converting a student visa to PR. It will help you in meeting the eligibility criteria for an Australian Skilled Visa, either the GSM program (General Skilled Migration) or an ENS program visa (Employer Nomination Scheme) through:
- Obtaining the required work experience for your occupation
- Fulfilling the residency requirements if you aim to lodge a regional skilled work visa
- Training your English ability
With these aspects, you will have broader opportunities to apply for an Australian work visa, some of which provide a direct pathway to permanent residency.
Read more: How to apply for Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485
Secure an Australian work visa
Now that you have understood your nominated occupation and successfully met the eligibility criteria as mentioned above, it is time to get your Australian PR application ready. The most common way is by applying for an Australian work visa.
Remember that your Australian work visa application must be ready before your Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) expires. Two of the following work visa programs can be your option:
General Skilled Migration Program
The General Skilled Migration Program offers three different visa subclasses.
Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189
Subclass 189 is the perfect choice if you want PR without needing sponsorship and flexibility in choosing where to live and work.
Learn more: Complete Information about Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189
Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190
With Subclass 190, you can live in a state or territory of Australia. It is a good option if you want to convert your student visa to PR with less competition.
Read more: Comprehensive information about Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491
Subclass 491 may be one of your options for continuing to reside in Australia. With a 491 visa, you can live in regional Australia for up to five years.
However, don’t be discouraged. While the 491 visa is temporary, you can still become a permanent resident after three years by applying for a subclass 191 visa.
See more: Detailed information about Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491
These visa subclasses work with a point-test scheme in which you must obtain at least 65 points on your Expression of Interest application. These points are derived from several aspects, such as age, work experience, qualifications, English language proficiency, etc.
This program may be the best way to secure PR for international students in Australia, as long as you can obtain the points.
Read more: How to secure 65 points for work visa application
Employer-Sponsored Visa
The Employer Sponsored Visa offers some different visa subclasses with other streams.
Employer Nominated Scheme Subclass 186
Subclass 186 is suitable if you wish to stay permanently in Australia.
Find out: All information About Employed Nominated Scheme You Must Know
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Subclass 482
Subclass 482 may be an excellent option for staying in Australia longer. With a 482 visa, you can live and work in Australia temporarily. The good news is you can apply for PR after your 482 expires.
Read more: A must-know information about Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Subclass 482
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Subclass 494
With subclass 494, you can stay in the region of Australia for up to 5 years with permanent residency pathways through Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa Subclass 191.
Learn more: A must-read information about Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Subclass 494
These visa subclasses require sponsorship. To qualify for these visas, you must receive a sponsorship offer from an Australian company, whether in a regional or non-regional area.
Or suppose you find it challenging to get everything together during the validity period of your Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). In that case, you may consider extending your stay by applying for the same or other type of visa.
You can discuss the best options that suit your circumstances with our registered migration agent, who is always ready to provide you with the support and guidance you need.
Tougher Visa Applications as New Regulations Apply
The end of the COVID-19 visa concession indeed affects your migration plan. While previously, the concession to meet the work experience and age criteria was still in place, now you have to consider everything carefully and use your time in Australia wisely.
So, planning and starting your migration process as soon as possible is more critical than ever. It will help you avoid setbacks and ensure a smooth transition to life in Australia.
Moreover, the current age requirement for a 485 visa requires you to be under 35 when applying. Indeed, It will pose a challenge for students wishing to secure Australian PR.
If you are under 35, those might not be an immediate concern as you are still eligible for the age requirement and have time to prepare your visa application. However, if you are likely to turn 35 upon graduation, it will undoubtedly impact your post-graduation plans.
The possible solution to face the situation is to plan your career and visa options long before your graduation. It would be best to plan six months to 1 year before graduation so you still have much time to secure your visa.
If you wish to have further information and discussion about securing your 485 visa early on, our experienced migration agents are here to assist you. We have been successfully helping students get Australia PR. We offer them one of our best packages, including applying for a Temporary Graduate Visa to the Australian permanent work visa that suits their circumstances. Click here to connect with our migration agents.
The easiest way to get PR in Australia for International students
There’s likely no easy way for international students to obtain Australian PR, as each pathway has challenges. However, to convert your student visa to PR as soon as possible, we advise you to plan your visa journey as quickly as possible.
Suppose you are still trying to figure out how to get Australian PR for international students in Australia. We are here to assist you every step of the way. With over a decade of experience helping international students achieve their Australian PR, our migration specialists are well-equipped to guide you through the process. We offer personalized, expert solutions tailored to your needs. Click below to start securing your Australian PR.
From student visa to PR with ONEderland Consulting
Securing Australian PR for International students can be really challenging, you must plan your visa application carefully to avoid rejection. Moreover, it can be getting hard if you are likely to turn 35 years old upon your graduation times.
However, you don’t have to be afraid. We at ONEderland Consulting will help you save time and make a secure process during your visa application and health insurance enrollment. Our team of highly qualified and experienced migration specialists is dedicated to putting in a lot of effort and planning ahead of time on your behalf. We pay close attention to every detail and apply our extensive knowledge to handle even the most complex cases.
We are committed to being open and honest with you, keeping you updated and involved at every stage. We will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your future in Australia, and you can rely on us to be your dependable partner and advocate.
We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the MARA.
Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are professional and honest and speak various languages, such as Mandarin/Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, and Thai. Contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee Program.
