International Students: Pathway To Australian Permanent Residence

Australia is a popular destination for international students, and many aspire to stay in the country after completing their studies. The transition from student to resident can be complex, and the pathway to permanent residency (PR) typically takes between two to four years, depending on individual circumstances, qualifications, nationality, and area of study. There are several visa options available to international students who want to apply for permanent residence in Australia, including the Post-Study Work Visa, the Skilled Independent Visa, and the Employer-Sponsored Visa.

Student visa to PR visa

Australia is a popular destination for international students, and many aspire to stay after completing their studies. There are several pathways for students to transition from a student visa to permanent residence in Australia.

The Post-Study Work Visa is a common route that allows students to work without restrictions for up to two years. Applicants usually need a bachelor's or master's degree to apply for this visa. This visa is often used to gain work experience and improve language skills to meet the requirements for a permanent visa.

The Skilled Migration pathway is another option for students with the required skills and work experience. This program does not require an employer to sponsor the applicant. However, they need to prove their English language proficiency and achieve the required points in the points test.

The Employer-Sponsored pathway is a popular route for those who cannot meet the skilled migration requirements. This pathway typically involves obtaining a temporary visa (subclass 482 or TSS 482) and working for an Australian employer for at least three years before applying for a permanent residence visa.

Another option is to apply directly for permanent residency with a 186 visa, although employers often prefer the TSS 482 visa route. The requirements for this pathway include having an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and being nominated by an employer.

It is important to note that Australian visa regulations change frequently, and each pathway has its own advantages and disadvantages. International students should carefully consider their qualifications, language ability, employment history, and other requirements before choosing the most suitable pathway for their transition from student visa to permanent residence in Australia.

Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is a visa option for international students who have completed their studies in Australia and wish to stay and gain work experience in the country. This visa allows graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily, providing a pathway to permanent residency. The visa has four streams: the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream, the Post-Higher Education Work Stream, the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream, and the Graduate Work Stream. Each stream has different requirements, so it is important to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

To be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa, applicants must meet certain criteria. Firstly, they must have completed a degree, diploma, or trade qualification in Australia that is recognised by the Australian government and is related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Secondly, applicants must have held a valid student visa within the past 6 months and must now be on a substantive visa or a Bridging Visa A or B. If applying from outside Australia, a valid student visa is required. Additionally, applicants may be required to provide evidence of their English language proficiency by taking a test such as IELTS and achieving the minimum required score.

The visa application process for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) can be completed online through the Department of Home Affairs. Applicants should ensure they have all the necessary documents, including evidence of health insurance and proof of meeting character requirements, before submitting their application. The cost of applying for this visa varies, and the processing time depends on the chosen work stream.

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) usually allows graduates to stay in Australia for up to two years, depending on the level of their qualification. However, recent changes have been announced, extending the stay for eligible graduates with select Bachelor's and higher-level degrees in areas of skills shortage by an additional two years. PhD qualifications are now eligible for a six-year stay, while selected Bachelor's and Master's degrees have been extended to four and five years, respectively.

Skilled migration

International students in Australia can pursue permanent residency (PR) through various pathways, including skilled migration. The process can be complex and lengthy, typically taking between two to four years. Here is an overview of the skilled migration pathway:

The skilled migration pathway is a points-based system that assesses applicants based on their skills, qualifications, work experience, age, and English language proficiency. International students can increase their chances of obtaining PR by pursuing courses in occupations listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Skilled Graduate Visa (Subclass 485):

The Skilled Graduate Visa allows international students to stay in Australia for up to 18 months after graduating. This visa provides valuable work experience, which can enhance an individual's PR application. To be eligible, students must complete a course that aligns with the skilled occupation list and meet other requirements, such as skill assessments.

General Skilled Migration Program:

The General Skilled Migration Program is another effective option for international students. It offers two main visa subclasses:

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): This visa requires nomination by a state or territory government. Applicants need to submit an expression of interest and be invited to apply by the Department of Home Affairs. South Australia, for instance, offers one of the most extensive skilled occupation lists, with around 500 occupations included.
• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): This visa does not require nomination by anyone. However, applicants still need to submit an expression of interest and be invited to apply by the Department of Home Affairs. This visa permits individuals to live and work in Australia as permanent residents without needing employer or family sponsorship.

Regional Migration Programs:

International students can benefit from participating in regional migration programs, such as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa. This visa allows individuals to work in regional Australia for up to five years, and after three years, they can apply for permanent residency. South Australia, for instance, offers additional points for all GSM visas as it is considered regional for visa purposes.

Employer-Sponsored Pathway:

The employer-sponsored pathway is an alternative for those who cannot meet the skilled migration requirements. It involves obtaining a temporary visa (Subclass 482) and working for an Australian employer for a period before applying for a permanent visa. In some cases, individuals can apply directly for permanent residence (Subclass 186 visa) with employer sponsorship.

Employer-sponsored visas

International students who wish to remain in Australia after completing their studies can apply for permanent residency. There are several pathways for students to change their student visas/temporary visas to permanent residency in Australia. One of the most common pathways is the Post-Study Work Visa, which allows students to gain work experience and improve their language skills.

One popular way to apply for long-term visas is through employer-sponsored visas. This pathway is often suitable for candidates who cannot meet the skilled immigration requirements. The process usually involves obtaining a temporary visa (subclass 482 or TSS 482) first and then working towards a permanent visa. The TSS 482 visa is a transitional pathway to the permanent 186 visa. The 186 visa is also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) and is a permanent employer-sponsored visa. It requires a company to nominate the candidate for employment and is available for certain occupations and to those who meet certain requirements. Applicants must have worked in their nominated occupation for at least 2 years out of the last 3 years and must be nominated by their employer within 6 months before applying for the visa. The employer must offer a full-time employment agreement for at least two years and must have a genuine need for the applicant to work in the nominated position.

The 186 visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia, access Medicare, and include family members. It may eventually lead to citizenship. The visa holder must have the qualifications, licenses, and skills required to fill the position. The employee must also meet the required level of English language proficiency and have health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia.

The time taken to process a visa application can vary depending on whether the employer must apply for business sponsorship approval. The application can be lodged simultaneously as the sponsorship or nomination or afterward. The processing time for a subclass ENS visa is typically between 4 and 16 months. Applicants need to apply for the visa no later than six months after the nomination is approved.

Health and character checks

Australia has specific health and character requirements in place for migrants to meet before they can become permanent residents. The Australian government wants to maintain its excellent health standards and ensure that newcomers are of good character.

To meet the health requirements, applicants must undergo certain health examinations to determine whether they are free from any diseases or conditions that could:

• Be a threat to public health or pose a danger to the Australian community
• Result in significant healthcare and community service costs to the Australian community
• Limit the access of Australian citizens and permanent residents to healthcare and community services that are already in short supply

The health examinations required will depend on the applicant's personal circumstances and the visa they are applying for.

To prove their character, applicants must demonstrate that they are of good character and meet the Australian government's character criteria. This includes providing evidence of their work experience, level of English language proficiency, and skill assessment related to their nominated occupations.

International students who have graduated from top Australian universities can relatively easily change their student visas to permanent residency visas. They can apply for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), which allows them to live and work in Australia as permanent residents. This visa is granted based on a points system that considers factors such as age, work experience, and English proficiency.

Frequently asked questions