If you’re an international student in Australia, the idea of becoming a permanent resident is both exciting and a little overwhelming. Maybe you’ve fallen in love with the Aussie way of life, and now you’re wondering if you can make it your forever home.
At Remitly, we understand how big of a decision this is and how apprehensive you might feel about taking on this process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to move from a student visa to permanent residency (PR). We’ll cover the main visa options, how work experience plays a role, and the best ways to boost your chances of staying in Australia long-term.
What is a student visa?
A student visa (often called by its subclass code, such as Subclass 500) allows you to study at an Australian educational institution, whether you’re pursuing a vocational course or a university degree. One of its biggest perks is that it lets you work part-time, so you can gain valuable experience, support yourself, and build connections while studying.
Why this matters
If you’re thinking about staying in Australia long-term, those work hours can mean more than just a paycheck. They help you gain local experience, improve your English in real-world situations, and even open doors to potential visa sponsorship opportunities. In many ways, your student visa isn’t just permission to study—it’s the first step towards a future in Australia.
The path to permanent residency (PR)
Many international students dream of calling Australia home, and gaining permanent residency (PR) makes that possible. As a permanent resident, you’ll enjoy:
- No more renewing temporary visas
- Access to certain government benefits, including Medicare
- The freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia
- Potential pathways to Australian citizenship in the future
Transitioning from a student visa to permanent residency
The good news is that there are multiple ways to transition from a student visa to permanent residency. This flexibility shows how much Australia values global talent and fresh perspectives.
Option 1: Temporary Graduate visa
If you’ve just finished your studies, you may qualify for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485). This is a popular next step for international students. It gives you extra time (usually two to four years) to gain local work experience and improve your chances of applying for PR later.
There are two main streams:
- Graduate Work Stream: For students with skills in high-demand occupations.
- Post-Study Work Stream: For those who completed a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD in Australia.
Another option is the Subclass 600 Visitor visa. It isn’t a direct PR pathway, but in rare cases, it can give you a short extension if you need extra time to finalise your PR application. It’s always best to check with a registered migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs to see if this option makes sense for you.
Option 2: employer-sponsored visas
If you’ve impressed an Australian employer, they might be willing to sponsor you for a work visa that leads to PR. Some common employer-sponsored options include:
- The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186), which is a direct PR pathway.
- The Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482), which can lead to PR if you meet certain conditions.
For these visas, your employer will need to show they couldn’t find a local worker for the role. That’s why relevant work experience, strong references, and an occupation on the official skills list can make a big difference.
Option 3: graduate work stream
If your degree is in a high-demand field, this is often listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, you might have an edge. Working in a relevant job for a while can boost your eligibility for skilled migration or employer-sponsored visas.
Types of visas leading to PR in Australia
If you’re looking to secure that prized “Australian PR” status, there are certain popular visa categories you’ll hear about a lot.
Skilled migration visas
Australia has a points-based system for skilled migration, which considers factors like age, English proficiency, qualifications, and work experience. The higher your score, the better your chances.
There are three popular skilled migration visas:
- Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189): No need for sponsorship, but you’ll need a high points score to qualify.
- Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190): Requires state or territory nomination and meeting a points threshold.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491): Encourages migrants to live and work in regional areas, offering a potential PR pathway.
To apply, you’ll need to get a skills assessment in your chosen occupation and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. If your skills are in demand and your score is competitive, you might get an invitation to apply.
Partner visas
If you’ve found love while studying in Australia, a Partner visa could be your way to permanent residency. If your partner is an Australian citizen, PR holder, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be eligible for a temporary Partner visa (Subclass 820/309). Which of these visas you opt for depends on whether you are located in Australia or abroad at the time you apply. After a waiting period, this can transition into permanent residency.
While this route isn’t based on work or study, it’s a genuine and common pathway for international students who have built personal connections in Australia.
Regional visas
Australia is actively encouraging skilled workers to move to regional areas, where there’s a greater need for talent.
The Subclass 491 visa is a great option if you’re open to working outside major cities. It not only boosts your chances of gaining permanent residency but also offers additional points in the skilled migration system. Plus, living in regional Australia (any small cities and towns outside of Australia’s major cities) can be a great way to enjoy a different side of the country while working towards permanent residency.
Application process for permanent residency
The PR application can involve many steps, from lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) to waiting on your invitation.
Who can apply?
Every PR pathway has specific requirements, but they share these common factors:
- Qualifications: Completed degree, diploma, or relevant training (often from an Australian institution).
- English proficiency: Tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL prove you can thrive in the local workforce.
- Skills assessment: Agencies evaluate your occupation to ensure it meets Australian standards.
- Work experience: Having local or global work experience in a nominated field can boost your points.
- Points-based ranking: Skilled migrants typically need a threshold score of around 65 points, though higher is often more competitive.
Steps to apply for PR
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): If you’re applying for a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or similar, you must lodge an EOI through SkillSelect.
- Wait for an invitation: The Department of Home Affairs invites top-scoring candidates to apply for PR.
- Prepare your documents: This includes ID, qualifications, transcripts, work experience records, English test results, and more.
- Submit your PR application: Once invited, submit your application online, pay the fee, and complete any required medical checks.
- Get your decision: If approved, you’ll receive a permanent residency grant notice.
Keep an eye on changes to the Skilled Occupation List and migration policies. Australia’s visa rules can change, so staying informed is key.
Benefits of permanent residency in Australia
Why do so many international students dream of PR? Beyond the stability of a permanent visa, it offers everyday freedoms and opportunities.
Long-term residency and work opportunities
A PR holder can work for any employer, change jobs freely and invest in property without many of the restrictions non-residents face. PR will also simplify the process of starting a business. The icing on the cake is that you’ll have no more stress over visa renewals or bridging gaps.
- Freedom to live & work anywhere: You won’t need employer sponsorship, and you can even start your own business.
- Better career opportunities: Many employers prefer hiring PR holders over temporary visa holders.
- Access to healthcare & benefits: PR holders get access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system) and certain social benefits.
- Lower education costs for your kids: If you have a family, PR can reduce tuition fees for children attending local schools.
- Pathway to citizenship: After holding PR for a few years, you can apply for Australian citizenship and even get an Aussie passport.
Tips for successful visa conversion
Not everyone gets Permanent Residency on their first attempt. But don’t worry—with a bit of strategy, you can maximise your chances and navigate around common pitfalls as a newcomer.
How to improve your chances of getting PR
- Choose the right course: While on a student visa, choose a field that is in high demand, such as engineering, nursing, IT, or teaching.
- Boost your English: Scoring high on the IELTS or PTE helps you earn extra points. Improving your language skills can also impress potential employers.
- Gather local references: If you already have an Australian job, gather performance reviews or recommendation letters.
- Network: Attend industry events, connect with potential sponsors, and stay updated on your occupation’s nomination requirements.
Common challenges and how to overcome them
- Misunderstanding visa subclass rules: Subclass 485 is time-limited, so don’t wait too long to use your post-study period effectively.
- Lack of relevant experience: If you don’t have enough Australian work experience, consider part-time jobs, internships, or extra training to build up your profile.
- Points shortage: If you’re a few points short of the threshold, retake your language test or consider regional or employer-sponsored options.
- Admin pitfalls: Missing documents or small errors can cause delays or even rejections. Always double-check requirements, and if you’re unsure, consider getting advice from a migration agent.
Every year, thousands of international students successfully transition from a student visa to permanent residency. Whether through skilled migration, employer sponsorship, or regional visas, there’s a pathway that fits your situation. Stay informed, plan ahead, and take small steps now to set yourself up for success.
FAQs
Can a student visa turn into permanent residency?
Yes, many international students transition to PR after completing their studies. Common routes include the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), employer-sponsored visas, or skilled migration options like the Subclass 189. Each has specific eligibility criteria, so choose the one that best matches your occupation, work experience, and future goals.
How can I get PR after TR in Australia?
If you’re on a Temporary Graduate visa (TR), you might aim for a skilled or employer-sponsored path. Ensure your English level is high, your skills are on the relevant occupation list, and your work experience aligns with visa demands. Gaining that local job or sponsor is often a big step forward.
Can I apply for PR after 2 years in Australia?
This depends on your chosen visa pathway. Some require more experience or specific course durations. If you studied at least two academic years in Australia, you may qualify for the 485 Post-Study route, which can lead to a PR-eligible visa later. However, a direct 2-year jump from student visa to PR isn’t guaranteed for everyone.