Studying in Australia: From Student Visa to Permanent Residency

Subclass 500 to PR 

Students from different countries choose Australia for its great education, diverse culture, and job chances after they finish college. Most of these students think a transition from studying Australia to PR is an exciting and transformational experience. This article serves as a complete guide in organizing your mind around the whole process, from obtaining a student visa to other avenues for securing land-down under permanent residency. 

1. Student Visa: The First Step 

The next is obtaining or making an application for the Australian student visa (subclass 500) that authorises you to study in Australia. 

The most essential requirements for the student visa application are as follows: acceptance by a CRICOS-registered course: an offer for acceptance by a qualified institution in Australia recognized as appropriate for overseas students by the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). 

Financial proof: that is, proof of ability to cover fees, living expenses, and to get to/from W.A. 

English proficiency: Most universities require one of the accepted English tests taken to establish study ability in an English-speaking environment-(IELTS, TOEFL). 

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): International students are required health insurance.

2. Once you get a student visa, you may enter Australia and start studying. 

Post-study work opportunities in Australia are limitless. After graduation, the majority of overseas students aim to obtain job experience in Australia. After completing your degree, you are permitted to remain and work in Australia for a maximum of four years under the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). 

The visa offers two streams: 

Graduate Work Stream: For students who graduate with skills related to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Valid for 18 months. 

Depending on their credentials, students with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate are eligible for the post-study employment stream, which allows an absence of two to four years. 

a. The category 189 of the skilled independent visa 

For skilled workers who are not sponsored by a state, territory, or business, the visa is available. Age, education, employment history, and English language skills are among the variables that determine how many points are given. Recent graduates may have an edge in professions with strong demand. 

b. Skilled Nominated visa 190 subclass 

Candidates must get a nomination from a state or territory in order to qualify for this visa. It’s crucial to be aware of which Australian states are seeking your abilities in advance because each state or territory has its own list of occupations that determine the necessary workforce. If your profession happens to be in great demand, the procedure of filing an expression of interest (EOI) may lead to a quicker road to permanent residence.

c. Employer Sponsorship 

If you can find an employer-ready opportunity in Australia, your employer can sponsor you for PR through the employer nomination scheme (subclass 186) or regional sponsored migration scheme (subclass 187). These visas provide direct pathways into PR status; however, you should note that your job must appear on Australia’s list of skilled occupations. 

d. Regional Migration 

There are several options and benefits for the visas that Australia has for particular regions. The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – subclass 491 is designed to facilitate the movement of skilled workers to designated regional areas of Australia for employment and residence. If you work in a regional area for three years on this visa, you can apply for permanent residency. 

4. Points System: Foundation for Success 

Thus, this is one of the most crucial windows through which Australia determines the eligibility for most pathways to permanent residence visas. Some of the defining variables for points accrue as under: 

Age: Younger candidates get more points. 

Language: Higher-level English proficiency provides superior points. 

Work experience: Overseas and/or Australian work experience, in skilled job occupations, accumulates points. 

Qualifications: Points accumulate for formal qualifications with more points for bachelor, master, and PhD levels. 

Nomination: State nomination or family sponsorship adds a few more points to an application. 

5. PR: Hints on Succeeding 

Some suggestions that could assist improve someone’s chances of PR are:

Select the right course and field: Select academic programs in high-need fields on the SOL, including health, engineering, or IT. 

Obtain any Aussie work experience: Work that may be relevant while a student will earn you points. 

Use proper English language: A high score in English, especially in the IELTS will help to clear your point system significantly. 

Be up-to-date on all immigration-related actions: Australia’s immigration laws do constantly change, and application requirements and routes can change too. 

Conclusion: 

Education in Australia comes with the added value of one, not only a world-class education, but also an avenue to stay in the most multicultural and prosperous country. If done right, a student visa can open doors to one’s future as a permanent resident. Explore your various options for residency, enhance your skill set, and keep yourself updated with the different policies stating how to go from a student to a permanent resident in Australia.