Introduction
Studying in Australia is a dream for many international students. Apart from gaining a quality education, one of the common questions that arises is whether it is possible to apply for permanent residency (PR) after completing studies in Australia. In this article, we will explore the PR options available for international students and provide insights into the process.
Student Visas
Before delving into the PR options, it is essential to understand the different student visas available in Australia. The most common student visa is the Subclass 500, which allows international students to study full-time at a registered educational institution in Australia.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
After completing your studies, one of the pathways to PR is through the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). This visa allows international students to stay in Australia temporarily to gain work experience related to their field of study.
There are two streams under the Subclass 485 visa:
- Graduate Work stream
- Post-Study Work stream
Graduate Work Stream
The Graduate Work stream is applicable for international students who have completed studies in a field that is in demand in Australia. To be eligible for this stream, you need to have an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This visa is valid for 18 months from the date of grant.
Post-Study Work Stream
The Post-Study Work stream is available for international students who have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an Australian institution. The duration of the visa depends on the highest qualification obtained:
- Bachelor’s degree: 2 years
- Master’s degree: 2 to 3 years
- Doctoral degree: 4 years
Skills Assessment and Points-Based System
Applying for PR in Australia involves a points-based system. To be eligible, you need to meet the minimum points requirement. One of the crucial steps is obtaining a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation. This assessment is conducted by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once you have received a positive skills assessment, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. This online system helps the Australian government to manage visa applications based on the skills and attributes of the applicants.
Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your EOI meets the required criteria, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a skilled visa. The ITA specifies the visa subclass and the number of points you need to claim to apply for PR.
Points Calculation
The points for PR are calculated based on various factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, education, and other additional criteria. Meeting the minimum points requirement is essential for a successful PR application.
Visa Application
After receiving the ITA, you can proceed with the visa application. It is crucial to ensure all the required documents are accurately submitted, and the application fee is paid on time.
Conclusion
Studying in Australia opens up opportunities for international students to explore the PR pathway. With the right qualifications, skills assessment, and points calculation, applying for permanent residency after studying in Australia is indeed possible. However, it is important to stay updated with the current immigration policies and seek professional advice to increase your chances of a successful PR application.
