Australia is known for its excellent education system and welcoming environment for international students. If you are currently studying in Australia, you may be wondering if it is possible to apply for permanent residency during your studies. In this article, we will explore the options and requirements for applying for permanent residency in Australia while studying.
Temporary Student Visa
When studying in Australia, most international students hold a temporary student visa, also known as a subclass 500 visa. This visa allows you to study full-time at an Australian educational institution for the duration of your course. However, it does not grant you permanent residency status.
If you wish to apply for permanent residency in Australia, you will need to explore other visa options that are more suitable for your long-term goals.
Skilled Migration
One of the common pathways to permanent residency in Australia is through skilled migration. Under this category, individuals with specific skills and qualifications that are in demand in Australia may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
To be eligible for skilled migration, you generally need to complete a skills assessment and meet the points test. The points test takes into account factors such as your age, English language proficiency, work experience, and qualifications. If you meet the required points threshold, you may be invited to apply for permanent residency through the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).
Graduate Temporary Visa
If you have recently completed your studies in Australia, you may be eligible for the Graduate Temporary visa (subclass 485). This visa allows you to remain in Australia temporarily to gain work experience after completing your studies. It can serve as a stepping stone towards permanent residency.
The Graduate Temporary visa has two streams: the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study Work stream. The Graduate Work stream is for graduates with specific skills and qualifications that are relevant to occupations on the skilled occupation list. The Post-Study Work stream is for graduates who have completed a higher education degree in Australia.
Employer Sponsorship
Another pathway to permanent residency in Australia is through employer sponsorship. If you can secure a job offer from an Australian employer who is willing to sponsor you, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187).
Under these programs, your employer needs to demonstrate that they cannot find a suitable Australian candidate for the position and that sponsoring you is in the best interest of the country. You may also need to meet certain skill and English language requirements.
Partner Visa
If you are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be eligible for a partner visa. This visa allows you to join your partner in Australia and eventually apply for permanent residency.
To be eligible for a partner visa, you need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as joint finances, shared living arrangements, and a commitment to a future together. The application process can be complex, but if successful, it can lead to permanent residency in Australia.
Conclusion
While studying in Australia, it is possible to apply for permanent residency through various visa pathways. These include skilled migration, the Graduate Temporary visa, employer sponsorship, and partner visas. Each pathway has its own requirements and eligibility criteria, so it is essential to thoroughly research and understand the options available to you.
Keep in mind that the process of applying for permanent residency can be complex and time-consuming. It is advisable to seek professional advice and assistance to ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements and increase your chances of a successful application.
Remember, obtaining permanent residency in Australia while studying is not guaranteed, but with careful planning and the right visa strategy, it is definitely an achievable goal for many international students.
