PR in Australia with a Student Visa: Eligibility, Application Process & More

Australia continues to solidify its position as a top destination for international students. According to the latest data presented by the Australian Government’s Department of Education, in 2024, 717,587 international students were studying here during the January-May period.

The country is known for its world-class educational institutions, high quality of life, and multicultural environment. For many international students, the dream extends beyond education; they seek to build a future in Australia by transitioning from a student visa to a Permanent Residency (PR).

This article provides comprehensive guidance on how international students in Australia can convert their student visa status into PR. From understanding the different types of visas that lead to PR, to eligibility criteria, and more, everything you need to know is right here.

Table of Content

1. An Overview of PR in Australia
2. Entitlements Offered to Permanent Residents of Australia
3. Types of Visas Leading to PR Visa in Australia
4. Eligibility Criteria & Requirements for PR in Australia
5. Application Fees & Processing Timeline for PR in Australia
6. Step-by-Step Application Process for PR in Australia
7. Providing Proof of Permanent Residence
8. FAQs

An Overview of PR in Australia

Permanent Residency popularly known as PR in Australia grants non-citizens the right to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely. However, it differs from citizenship in several ways. While PR holders have most of the rights and entitlements that Australian citizens enjoy, they do not have the right to vote in federal elections, nor can they hold certain government positions. After maintaining PR status for a period of 4+ years, PR holders can apply for Australian citizenship, which offers full legal rights in the country.

Achieving PR is a key milestone for many international students, as it opens up numerous opportunities for career growth, financial security, and long-term residence in Australia.

Moving forward in this article, let’s have a glance at the rights and perks offered to permanent residents here.

Entitlements Offered to Permanent Residents of Australia

Permanent residents of Australia enjoy several benefits, some of which are on par with Australian citizens. According to the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs, permanent residents are entitled to:

• Work and Live Indefinitely in Australia: You can live and work in any part of the country. Having a PR status also allows you to study in Australia.
  
• Sponsorship Rights: As a PR holder, you can sponsor relatives to come to Australia. However, it is subject to eligibility and visa conditions.
  
• Access to Medicare: Permanent residents are eligible for Australia’s Medicare (National Healthcare System), providing essential medical services at little or no cost.
  
• Eligible for Bank Loans: PR holders in Australia can apply for bank loans to buy property in the country.
  
• Social Security Benefits: After residing in Australia for a certain period, PR holders are entitled to social security payments. It includes unemployment and disability benefits.
  
• Travel Privileges: PR holders can travel in and out of Australia freely for five years. After this period they need to renew their travel facility.

​​​After knowing these entitlements, you surely would want to know more about the pathways that lead to switching from student visas to PR visas. Read on to know more about these visas.

Types of Visas Leading to PR Visa in Australia

Some of the popular visa types that make the PR process much easier for international students are listed below:

1. Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)

This visa is ideal for recent graduates from Australian universities and higher educational institutions. This visa allows them to live and work in Australia for a period of 2 to 5 years, depending on their qualification. It provides valuable work experience and helps you accumulate points towards your PR application under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.

2. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa for skilled workers who are willing to live and work in regional areas of Australia. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for 5 years and offers a pathway to PR through the Subclass 191 visa after fulfilling certain conditions, such as earning a minimum income for three years.

3. Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186)

This visa allows skilled workers who are sponsored by their employers to gain permanent residency. There are three streams under this subclass 186 visa:

• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
• Direct Entry (DE) Stream
• Labour Agreement Stream

Graduates who secure employment in Australia may use this visa if their employer is willing to sponsor them for permanent residency.

4. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Subclass 189 visa is a point-based visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state/territory. This visa is highly sought after by graduates because it grants permanent residency directly based on your skills, qualifications, and work experience. This subclass visa type does not need any sponsorship.

Until now we have read about all the visa types, moving further, let's have quick glance at the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria & Requirements for PR in Australia

To apply for PR in Australia after completing your studies, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. The basic criteria include:

1. Completion of an Australian Degree: You must have completed at least two academic years of study (92 weeks) in Australia.

2. Occupation Listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL): Your qualifications must align with an occupation listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.

3. Skill Assessment: A positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority is necessary to prove your competence in the chosen occupation.

4. English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in English through exams such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.

5. Work Experience (Optional): Having relevant work experience in your field can improve your chances of PR eligibility.

6. Health & Character Requirements: You must undergo a health examination and submit police clearance certificates to meet the health and character requirements.

7. Points System: For visas like Subclass 189, your eligibility is determined by a points system. Points are awarded for factors such as age, educational qualifications, work experience, English language skills, and others.

These are the common eligibility criteria, for the most current eligibility information we recommend you to visit Australia’s official immigration website.

Application Fees & Processing Timeline for PR in Australia

The application fee for PR visas in Australia varies depending on the visa subclass. For instance:

• Subclass 189 and 190 Visas: The base application fee is AUD 4,765.
• Subclass 491 Visa: The base application fee is AUD 4,770.

The PR processing timeline can range from 9 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the application and the subclass of student visas for Australia.

Getting you closer to the PR visa for Australia, now let’s check the much-awaited step, the application process.

Step-by-Step Application Process for PR in Australia

Applying for PR can be an intricate process if the steps are not followed properly. Thus, to make the application process simpler for you, given below is the step-wise guide.

1. Choose the Appropriate Visa Subclass: Based on your qualifications, occupation, and employment, select the visa subclass that best suits your profile.

2. Skill Assessment: Go through a skill assessment from the relevant authority to ensure your qualifications match the standards required for your occupation.

3. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Lodge an EOI through the SkillSelect system, indicating your intent to apply for PR and providing details of your skills, qualifications, and experience.

4. Wait for Invitation: Depending on the points you have accumulated; you may receive an invitation to apply for a PR visa.

5. Submit Application: After receiving the invitation, you can formally apply for a PR visa, attaching required documents such as academic transcripts, work references, English proficiency test results, health examination reports, and police clearance certificates.

6. Receive Decision: After processing, you will receive a decision on your PR application.

In 6 simple steps, you have applied for permanent residency.

Congratulations on getting positive approval, you have officially become a Permanent Resident of Australia now.

Providing Proof of Permanent Residence

Once you receive your PR visa, you can obtain proof of your permanent residency status by showing the following documents:

• Visa Grant Notice: The Department of Home Affairs will issue a visa grant notice as proof of your PR status.
• VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online): You can check your visa details and status using the VEVO system.

To summarize this article, securing PR in Australia after completing your studies is a well-structured process, but it requires careful planning and adherence to the eligibility criteria. By understanding the information given above, you can smoothly transition from a student visa to permanent residency.

To plan your higher education in Australia, you can reach out to us at KC Overseas Education. Our study in Australia Consultants & Experts will assist you in shortlisting universities, test prep, application process, student visa process and much more. With the right approach and guidance, your dream of building a successful future in Australia can become a reality!

FAQs

1. Can international students apply for Permanent Residency (PR) while still studying in Australia?

International students can begin planning for PR while studying but they cannot apply as there are specific eligibility criteria that they must meet. It includes completing the course and obtaining relevant work experience or skills assessments, etc.

2. How can international students improve their chances of getting PR in Australia?

Students can enhance their PR chances by choosing in-demand courses, gaining relevant work experience, improving their English proficiency, and considering living or working in regional areas.

3. Can students include their family members in their PR application in Australia?

Most PR visas allow students to include immediate family members like spouse/partner and dependent children.

4. Do international students need a job offer to apply for PR in Australia?

A job offer is not always necessary. While some visas, such as the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme), require employer sponsorship, students can apply for independent skilled visas like Subclass 189 as they do not require a job offer.

5. Can international students switch courses or institutions and still be eligible for PR in Australia?

Yes, students can switch courses or institutions, but they must ensure that their new course aligns with an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List. Changes should not affect eligibility if all other requirements are met.

6. What are common reasons for PR application rejections, and how can international students avoid them?

PR applications can be rejected for reasons like incomplete documentation, not meeting health or character requirements, insufficient points, or failure to complete a skills assessment. To avoid these issues, students should ensure all requirements are met.