Switch your Student visa to PR Australia as an international student with Stepping Stones Career Solutions, Melbourne, leading Immigration, Visa & Education Consultants.
Let us tell you, in the year 2022, around 28% of students used their post-study work rights, and 16% of them got PR in Australia. The Australian PR process can be overwhelming. As a student, you might worry about meeting the requirements, be unsure how to boost your PR points, or have a hard time finding a job that helps your PR application.
In this blog, we will talk about various PR pathways for international students and understand different visa subclasses under the General Skilled Migration Program.
Why do international Students shift Student Visa to PR in Australia?
Australia is one of the most highly regarded countries for international students in terms of studying, working, and settling down. As of the end of the financial year in 2024, Australia had 608,262 holders of student visas, marking a record high for overseas students. Australia is known for its quality of life, long-term career opportunities, and permanent residency pathways. International students completing their degrees in Australia often become eligible for skilled visas, allowing pathways to permanent residency.
Particularly, recent updates to the rules of migration have streamlined the transition from student to permanent resident, transitioning to a points-based award system for education, employment, and language proficiency.
The Points System: How It Works
Your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a PR visa depend on total PR points in Australia for international students. Here’s a breakdown of how the point test works:
| Criteria |
Maximum Points |
| Age (25-32 ideal) |
30 |
| English proficiency (Superior) |
20 |
| Skilled Work Experience |
20 |
| Education Qualification |
20 |
| Australian Study Requirement |
5 |
| Regional Study |
5 |
| Partner Skills |
10 |
| State Nomination or Employer Sponsorship |
15 |
How Many Points Do You Need?
- 65 points → Minimum to qualify
- 80-90 points → Increases your chances of getting an invitation faster
- 100+ points → Highly competitive
Common PR Pathways After Student Visa
STUDENT VISA → TEMPORARY GRADUATE VISA (485)
↓
REGIONAL STUDY? → 491 VISA (REGIONAL PROVISIONAL)
↓
POINTS 65+? → 189 or 190 VISA (PR DIRECT)
Popular Australia PR Pathways for Students
Here are the main visa options that international students typically move to once they finish their studies:
1. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Purpose: Allows students to stay and work in Australia after graduating.
- Graduate Work Stream (for diplomas and trade qualifications)
- Post-Study Work Stream (for bachelor and higher degrees)
- Length: Up to five years, depending on your degree type and the city where you studied.
- English: At least 6.0 overall IELTS, with no band lower than 5.0.
Many graduates use this visa to build local work experience, which can later add points for permanent residency pathways.
2. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Purpose: Permanent residency without needing employer sponsorship or a state nomination.
- Minimum: 65 points (see breakdown below).
- Your job must appear on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Very competitive; invitations are sent based on ranked points scores.
3. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Purpose: Permanent residency obtained through a state or territory nomination.
- Process: Secure a state nomination, then take the points test (65 points minimum).
- Occupation lists differ depending on what each state needs.
- Adding a state nomination gives you an extra five points toward the total.
4. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
Purpose: Regional visa that sets you on the path to permanent residency after three years.
- Sponsorship can come from a state or territory or an eligible family member.
- You must agree to live and work in a designated regional area.
- Moving to a regional area earns you an extra 15 points for the permanent residency calculations.
Step-by-Step Approach to Student Visa to PR Visa
Step 1: Choose the Right Course and Institution
Pick a CRICOS-registered course aligned with Australia’s skill shortage list. Fields like nursing, IT, engineering, and social work have better PR prospects.
Step 2: Apply for a 485 Visa
Use the Graduate Visa to gain work experience, improve English, or complete professional year programs.
Step 3: Gain Work Experience + Boost English
Secure employment in your field and improve your English score to at least ‘Proficient’ or ‘Superior’ (IELTS 7.0+ or PTE 65+).
Step 4: Submit EOI (Expression of Interest)
Create a SkillSelect profile and lodge an EOI for a 189, 190, or 491 visa.
Step 5: Get Invited & Lodge PR Application
Once invited, you’ll have 60 days to lodge a complete application with supporting documents.
How to Plan Your PR Australia?
Here are some practical methods and strategies international students should use during their PR planning:
1. Skill Assessment Agencies
Every occupation on the skilled list requires a relevant skills assessment. Start this early with agencies like ACS (IT), Engineers Australia, ANMAC (nurses), etc.
2. Professional Year Programs
These 12-month programs combine work experience and training in fields like accounting, IT, and engineering. Completing one adds 5 points.
3. State Nomination Checklists
Each state/territory has its own occupation list and nomination criteria. Regularly monitor their websites or consult Stepping Stones for tailored advice.
4. IELTS/PTE Training
Don’t leave English scores to chance. Superior English can add up to 20 points, making or breaking your PR application.
5. Migration Agent Support
Applying for PR can be a hectic task as it’s a legal and strategic process. A registered migration agent from Stepping Stones Career Solutions can assess your chances, improve your strategy, and represent you before the Department of Home Affairs.
Tool To Get Started
- SkillSelect: SkillSelect is an online system used to submit EOIs for skilled migration.
- VisaEnvoy: VisaEnvoy is the ideal resource that provides information and tools for understanding the Australian immigration system.
- ImmiAccount: ImmiAccount is the online platform for managing your visa application with the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
- Points Calculator: It’s Australia PR points calculator for students.
- Migration Agent: For personalised guidance, you are suggested to connect to the authorised Visa Migration agents.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
We understand, as an international student, moving from a student visa to PR visa can be a complex task for you. It’s not more than just paperwork, it’s more about planning your education, work and location choices with long term goals in mind. Well, points do matter but strategy matters more. If you’re an international students in Australia and confused about your next steps, don’t wait more. Contact Steppinng Stones Career Solutions for your personalised PR consultation.
Book your personalised PR consultation with Stepping Stones Career Solutions Melbourne’s trusted migration experts.
FAQs Related to Student Visa to PR Australia
How do I turn my Aussie student visa into permanent residency?
You usually shift from a student visa to PR by getting a skilled visa like the 189, 190, or 491. Do your study, pick up some local work experiences, then check the points and the rest of the requirements.
Does a student visa lead to permanent residency in Australia?
Totally, a student visa can kickstart your PR journey—especially if you study a course that matches a skilled job listing and you hit the points score or get state nomination.
Can I get PR after studying for 2 years?
For sure, if your 2 years of study meets Aussie Study Requirements and you do well on points, English tests, and your job is on the skilled list, you’re in the PR game.
Can I stay in Oz after my student visa runs out?
You bet! Lots of students jump into the Temporary Graduate visa (485) so they can stay and work after graduation and keep building their PR path.
Can I apply for PR while I’m still a student?
You usually have to finish your course before the PR application, but you can get a head start on your EOI and submit it as soon as you tick all the PR boxes.
