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How to Obtain Permanent Residency in Australia with a Student Visa

Each year, almost half a billion international students visit Australia to further their education. Australia is an attractive destination for students from all over the world and those seeking to migrate. All those planning to study in Australia will find out here how to obtain a PR certificate with a student visa.

Most international students arrive in Australia to pursue their higher studies. After they complete the courses, they often apply for Permanent Residence Visas. It is important that you research the course and its prospects for getting a PR. Other than the course, the following are the factors that bear importance in this regard—

• English language proficiency.
• Work experience.
• Partner’s skills (if applicable).
• Educational qualification of the applicant.
• And their age.

Graduates often look for work after they complete their studies in Australia’s thriving economy. Candidates can choose from a variety of pathways that lead to permanent residency in Australia. There are three main routes to permanent residency: Skilled Migration, Employer Nomination Scheme, and Post Study Work Visa.

Permanent Resident (PR) Visa: What you need to know about it

A permanent resident in Australia has many of the same rights and privileges as enjoyed by a citizen. However, there are certain differences. While the citizen has the right to leave or enter Australia at will, PR citizens must have a valid visa and travel authorization in order to travel abroad. While Australian citizens can vote, permanent residents can’t. Australian permanent residents are residents of Australia who have a PR Visa but are not Australian citizens. After a certain period, permanent residents may, however, become Australian citizens.

Getting a Permanent Resident Visa: What’s the process?

Many international students complete their graduation and then apply for permanent residency. To do so, students must submit an Expression of Interest through the Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s SkillSelect Migration program. This online service is provided by the Australian government. Students can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to apply for a Skilled Visa. Candidates will need to divulge their personal details, work experience, and English Language proficiency information. Candidates must also provide details of their skills assessment in relation to the nominated professions.

Australia’s Post Study Work Permit

Skilled Independent visas (subclass189) are usually applied for by graduate students. It is a point-based system for skilled workers between 18 and 49 years old who are not sponsored by family members, employers, or nominated or appointed by the state government. Candidates must submit the EOI. Candidates also need to submit a skills assessment. Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa allows permanent residents to work and reside in Australia.

These are the three most commonly used visa options by students:

Post Study Work visa

Post Study Work Visa is a visa that allows students to work freely for a period of two years. The visa is open to those who have completed at least two years of full-time studies, typically a graduate program. Many students discover that they aren’t eligible for permanent residency after their studies. They either don’t have a sponsor from their employer or don’t have enough points to qualify for skilled migration. To meet these requirements, the Post Study Work Visa may be used.

Skilled Migration

It is a permanent visa program based on the applicant’s skills and experience and does not need sponsorship from an employer. In addition to this, applicants must prove their English Language proficiency. Points are calculated based on several factors such as the applicant’s English language proficiency, educational qualifications, and age.

Employer-Sponsored Visa

A popular option to apply for a long-term visa is an employer-sponsored visa. The employer-sponsored visa is for those candidates who are unable to meet the requirements of skilled migration. A candidate will need to first get a temporary visa (subclass 482) than work for 3 years in Australia for the sponsoring employer before applying for a permanent Visa. Candidates can sometimes apply directly to permanent residence (186 visas), but employers like it when applicants take the TSS482 visa pathway.

So, now you know how to get a Permanent Residency with a student visa, but have you ever wondered why Australia is such a popular study destination for international students?

Well, it offers many opportunities for students genuinely interested in furthering their studies.

Here are some great reasons to make Australia your next study-abroad destination.

• You learn from the best

Studying in Australia is a great option for international students. Australia boasts 43 universities. These include 40 Australian, two foreign, and one private university. So, there is quantity as well as quality. Six Australian universities rank in the top 100 in the world.

• Australia is culturally diverse

Australia is an eclectic melting pot of cultures. The diversity of cultures available allows one to experience something new and feel at home in an international setting. A multicultural society offers many advantages, including great food offerings, international celebrations, and the chance for you to learn another language.

• You can specialize in any subject of your choice

Australia’s universities rank among the top in the world. It’s not surprising that they offer many degrees and majors. And since they offer so many different programs and options, you can choose whether you want to study English and engineering, or medicine and mathematics, or any combination thereof. To find out more about the majors offered and the subject combinations they allow, it would be wise of you to research the universities you’re interested in.

• It’s easy to express your thoughts here

Australians speak English. This makes it simple for international students and allows them to not just understand the language but also to be understood. But, it may be more difficult to understand the words used colloquially. You might find it difficult to understand it initially. But you can always ask people what they mean by what they say.

• Opportunities for internship

Australian universities often offer internship opportunities to students. If this interests you, make sure you reach out to your chosen university to learn about the availability of such a provision and also the requirements or eligibility. Note that once you are done with your studies, you can also apply for permanent residency in Australia.