Please note that the information in this article about permanent residency is current as at the date of publication, DHA updates rules and regulations regularly. Please check the official updates before making any decisions, or speak to an immigration lawyer for the most up to date information as laws and conditions change.
Are you on a student visa and looking to get your permanent residency or become Australian citizens? You’re in luck. Becoming a citizen in a country provides many benefits and perks. For example, an Australian citizen can vote in Australian government elections. They can also have access to better healthcare and can travel internationally with less haslles.
This article will go through the process of transitioning from a student visa to permanent residency.
Planning for Permanent Residency as a Student
In Australia’s immigration system, we have this list of in-demand occupations for skilled migration. This is called the Skilled Occupations List (SOL). Choosing a course that leads to a profession on the SOL gives you a big advantage when applying for PR visas tied to skilled occupations.
The SOL is a list of the jobs Australia needs to fill. To find out more about this list check out DHA’s website. This list shows the occupation and the visa required for that.
So if you’re a student looking to become an Australian permanent resident you need to research SOL occupations that match your skills and interests. Plus you need to consider future job prospects and salary.
Here are some tips to help you during the planning phase:
- Make sure your chosen course leads to a qualification recognised by Australian professional bodies. This will increase your employability after graduation which is a key factor for PR pathways.
- Research career outcomes for graduates of the program. High employment rates and strong industry connections means a program is well suited for PR.
- While aligning your course with PR is important don’t disregard your interests entirely. Choose a program you’re genuinely interested in so you have a fulfilling academic experience and potentially higher grades which can also be beneficial for PR applications.
- Research universities that offer work placement or internship opportunities in your field of study. Getting Australian work experience will strengthen your PR application.
CHECKLIST: Australian Permanent Residency Application Checklist
Pathways from Student Visa to Permanent Residency
To help you plan for your permanent residency while you’re on your student visa here are some pathways to consider:
1. Post-study work visa. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) will allow international students to live, work and study in Australia after you finish your studies. There are four streams under this visa: graduate work stream, post-study work stream, second post-study work stream, and replacement stream.
With a subclass 485 visa you can work in Australia, get a second qualification and/or live in a designated area of Australia for a certain period of time to be eligible for another visa such as a skilled permanent residency visa which will put you on the path to permanent residency in Australia.
Note the 485 visa is not a permanent visa.
2. Skilled migration visas. There are two types of skilled migration visas: skilled independent visa (subclass 189) and skilled nominated visa (subclass 190). Subclass 189 is more specific as it is for invited workers, a New Zealand citizen, Hong Kong or British National passportholders.
For subclass 190, nominated skilled workers can stay in Australia permanently. They must have an occupation on the relevant skilled list and have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation. Like the 189 visa there must also be an invitation for the worker to apply for this visa.
3. Regional skilled migration programs. A Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa is a provisional visa that allows a 5 year stay for the visa holder. After meeting the requirements while holding the 491 visa you can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191).
Also, the 491 visa allows you to gain work experience in your skilled occupation in Australia. This proves a need in a regional area and strengthens your application for the 191 visa.
Applying for Australian Permanent Residency
When applying for permanent residency in Australia you need to consider:
- Have a permanent visa. You can transition your temporary visa into permanent visas. This is an important requirement.
- Skilled occupation. Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) showing Australia’s need for your skills.
- Skills assessment. You’ll need a positive skills assessment from a relevant authority to verify your qualifications meet Australian standards.
- Points test. Some visa subclasses have a points test where you earn points based on factors like age, education, work experience and English language proficiency. You need to reach a certain points threshold.
- English Language Ability. You’ll need to show English language proficiency through an approved test like IELTS or PTE.
- Health Requirements. You and any dependents must pass health checks to meet Australia’s health standards.
- Character Requirements. A clean criminal record is required for PR applications.
- Regional Living (for some visas). Certain visas prioritise applicants willing to live and work in regional areas of Australia.
- Financial Requirements. You may need to show sufficient funds to support yourself upon arrival in Australia.
READ: How to Become an Australian Permanent Resident?
These are general requirements to remember when applying for PR in Australia. For personalised information on PR application in Australia seek legal advice from migration agents. Also, you can read at the Department of Home Affairs’ website for immigration resources.
Obtain Permanent Residency or Australian Citizenship Today
If you’re ready to get your permanent residency plan in motion, contact JB Solicitors first. We can assess your individual circumstances and recommend the best visa for you.
Things can get tricky with people who seek applications in order to become permanent residents. Our migration lawyers will be with you every step of the way, from getting your documents certified to approving your visa application. Our experience and advice will simplify the process, reduce stress and get you a successful PR application.
Book a consultation now and start your Australian citizen application today.
