Studying in Australia has become increasingly popular among international students in recent years. Apart from the high-quality education system and multicultural environment, many students are also attracted by the opportunity to stay and work in Australia after completing their studies. This brings us to the question: Is it easy to get Permanent Residency (PR) after studying in Australia?
The Australian Immigration System
Before we delve into the topic, let’s understand the Australian immigration system. The Australian government offers various visa options for international students to transition from study to work and eventually obtain PR. The most common pathway is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), commonly known as the post-study work visa.
The post-study work visa allows eligible graduates to work in Australia for a specific period, ranging from 18 months to 4 years, depending on their level of qualification. This provides graduates with valuable work experience and an opportunity to enhance their skills, making them more eligible for PR.
Factors Affecting PR Eligibility
While the Australian government encourages international students to stay and contribute to the country’s economy, obtaining PR is not guaranteed. Several factors play a crucial role in determining an individual’s eligibility for PR after studying in Australia.
The first factor is the occupation. The Australian government maintains a list of eligible skilled occupations, known as the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Graduates in occupations listed under the SOL have higher chances of obtaining PR as these occupations are in demand in Australia.
Another crucial factor is the level of qualification. Higher education graduates, such as those with a master’s or doctoral degree, have better prospects of obtaining PR compared to those with lower-level qualifications.
English language proficiency is also an important factor. International students need to demonstrate their English language skills through tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Work experience in Australia is highly valued when it comes to PR eligibility. Graduates with Australian work experience, especially in their relevant field of study, have a competitive edge over those without any local work experience.
Pathways to PR
After completing their studies, international students have several pathways to obtain PR in Australia. One of the most common pathways is through employer sponsorship. If a student secures a job offer from an Australian employer, they may be eligible for employer-sponsored PR visas.
Another pathway is through the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. Under this program, individuals with skills and qualifications that are in demand in Australia can apply for PR independently. The GSM program has different visa subclasses, such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).
For students interested in entrepreneurship and starting their own business, the Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) visa may be an option. This visa allows individuals with innovative business ideas and significant funding to establish or develop a business in Australia.
Conclusion
While it is not guaranteed, obtaining PR after studying in Australia is possible for many international students. The Australian immigration system provides various pathways for graduates to transition from study to work and eventually obtain PR. Factors such as occupation, level of qualification, English language proficiency, and work experience play a crucial role in determining an individual’s eligibility for PR. It is important for students to research and understand the available pathways and requirements to maximize their chances of obtaining PR after studying in Australia.
