Some students come to Australia and develop such a strong affinity for the country that they decide to stay and apply for Permanent Residence Visas after completing their studies.
When selecting a course, it is crucial to consider its prospects and the likelihood of obtaining a permanent visa. A good starting point is to review the occupation lists and determine which list(s) and visas you qualify for. It’s important to note that while your occupation might currently be on the list, it could be removed by the time you become eligible for a PR visa or another temporary visa that brings you closer to obtaining permanent residency.
Please note there are many other factors apart from the course you choose such as:
- Age
- English language ability
- Qualifications
- Employment experience
- Partner skills.
Pathways to Australian Permanent Residence
Each year, numerous students from around the world choose Australia as their destination for further education. While some return to their home countries after completing their studies, others opt to continue living in Australia. However, before calling Australia their home permanently, each student must successfully apply for permanent residence.
There are several pathways available to international students, and the most suitable one for you will depend on factors such as your qualification, English language proficiency, employment history, and various other requirements. The three most common visa options or pathways are discussed below.
Post Study Work Visa
Upon completing their studies, many applicants find that they are not immediately eligible for permanent residence. This could be due to not having enough points for skilled migration or lacking an employer or state government sponsorship. In such cases, the Post Study Work Visa (subclass 485) often becomes a suitable option.
The Post Study Work Visa is typically a two-year visa with unrestricted work rights. It is available to applicants who have completed two years of full-time study in Australia for specific qualifications (usually a Bachelor’s degree or higher, although some trade qualification holders may be eligible for the Graduate Stream of the subclass 485 visa).
The Post Study Work Visa is frequently used to fulfill the requirements for a permanent visa. This can be achieved by gaining Australian work experience or improving English language scores to earn additional points for skilled migration.
General Skilled Migration
Skilled migration is a program of permanent visas based on your skills and work experience, which doesn’t require employer sponsorship. Certain criteria must be met, such as skill and English language requirements, as well as a points test.
Points for skilled migration are awarded based on factors such as age, English proficiency, employment history, and educational background. In some cases, state government nomination is required to meet the requirements or add points to your application.
Employer Sponsored Visas: Another pathway to consider is employer-sponsored visas. When applicants are unable to meet the requirements for skilled migration, employer sponsorship can be a viable alternative as the criteria differ and are sometimes easier to fulfill.
The employer-sponsored pathway often involves obtaining a temporary visa initially (subclass 482), followed by working towards a permanent visa after a minimum of three years of employment with the sponsoring employer. While this isn’t always required, in some cases, you can apply directly for permanent residence (186 visa); however, employers often prefer the transitional pathway through the TSS 482 visa.