Many international students dream of settling down in Australia permanently after completing their studies. The prospect of gaining Australian Permanent Residency (PR) while still studying is an enticing one. However, the process and eligibility criteria for applying for PR in Australia can be complex. In this article, we will explore whether it is possible to apply for PR in Australia while studying and shed light on the requirements and pathways available.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
If you are an international student who has recently completed a qualification in Australia, you might be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). This visa allows you to temporarily stay and work in Australia after your studies. It provides a pathway towards permanent residency, as it allows you to gain valuable work experience in Australia.
There are two streams within the Temporary Graduate Visa: the Graduate Work Stream and the Post-Study Work Stream.
Graduate Work Stream
The Graduate Work Stream is designed for international students who have completed qualifications that are closely related to an occupation on the skilled occupation list. Under this stream, you can stay in Australia for up to 18 months after completing your studies.
To be eligible for the Graduate Work Stream, you must meet specific requirements, including having a qualification relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list, obtaining a suitable skills assessment, and meeting the English language proficiency requirements.
Post-Study Work Stream
The Post-Study Work Stream is available to international students who have completed a higher education degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) in Australia. Under this stream, the duration of the visa depends on the highest qualification obtained:
- Bachelor’s degree: 2 years
- Master’s degree: 3 years
- Doctoral degree: 4 years
To be eligible for the Post-Study Work Stream, you must have successfully completed an eligible qualification, meet the English language proficiency requirements, and have held a valid student visa while studying for your eligible qualification.
Skilled Migration Pathways
If you are not eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa or wish to explore alternative options, skilled migration pathways might be suitable for you. Skilled migration visas are points-tested, and factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, and qualifications are taken into account.
There are various skilled migration visas available, including the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), and Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491). These visas offer a pathway to permanent residency in Australia, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and obtain the necessary points.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa is a points-based visa that allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently. To be eligible, you must have an occupation on the skilled occupation list, meet the points threshold, and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated Visa requires you to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency. You must have an occupation on the skilled occupation list and meet the points threshold. Additionally, you need to submit an EOI through SkillSelect and receive a nomination from a state or territory government.
Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Regional Visa is a points-based visa that requires you to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. You must have an occupation on the skilled occupation list, meet the points threshold, and submit an EOI through SkillSelect.
Conclusion
While studying in Australia, it is possible to apply for permanent residency through various pathways. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) provides an excellent opportunity to gain work experience and eventually apply for PR. Additionally, skilled migration pathways such as the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) offer a direct route to permanent residency for eligible individuals.
It is essential to research and understand the specific requirements and criteria for each visa pathway. Consulting an immigration specialist or registered migration agent can greatly assist you in navigating the application process and increasing your chances of obtaining permanent residency in Australia.