Australian permanent residency is achievable for international graduates — but it requires planning from day one of your studies. Here is the complete timeline.
The PR Pathway at a Glance
1. Complete Australian degree
2. Apply for 485 Temporary Graduate visa
3. Get skilled work experience
4. Skills assessment
5. State nomination or Express Entry equivalent
6. PR visa
Phase 1: During Your Studies (Year 0-2)
From Day 1:
- Choose a course in an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- Research state nomination streams aligned to your occupation
- Aim for GPA 6.5+ (out of 7) — PR points systems reward academic achievement
18 months before graduation:
- Research your assessing authority (Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, CPA, AHPRA, etc.)
- Understand what work experience they require
- Start building your skills assessment documentation
Phase 2: The 485 Visa (Months 0-6 after graduation)
Apply within 6 months of receiving your final results notification.
- Gather: final transcripts, English test results, health insurance evidence
- Apply online via ImmiAccount
- Processing: 3-6 months for 485
- Duration you will receive: 2 years (bachelor/master by coursework), 3 years (master by research), 4 years (doctoral), or 6 years (STEM at regional institution)
Note: You can start working full-time before your 485 is granted using your student visa work rights.
Phase 3: Building Your Skills Profile (Months 1-18 on 485)
Months 1-6:
- Start working in your field
- Register with your professional body (AHPRA for health, CPAustralia for accountants, etc.)
- Begin your skills assessment application
Months 6-12:
- Submit skills assessment (typically takes 3-6 months for assessment body to process)
- Continue working full-time in your field
- Take an IELTS or PTE test if your current score is not competitive for Express Entry
Months 12-18:
- Receive skills assessment result
- Calculate your predicted points score using the SkillSelect system
- Identify which state nomination programmes have open invitations for your occupation
Phase 4: Expression of Interest and PR Application (Months 18-36)
Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect for:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) — points-based, no state sponsorship needed; very competitive (typically requires 90+ points)
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) — state nominates you; typically requires 65+ points plus state-specific requirements
- Subclass 491 (Regional) — sponsored by state for regional work; typically 65+ points; leads to 191 PR after 3 years regional work
State nomination rounds open and close at different times. Monitor state migration programme websites monthly.
Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
- Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge the full PR application
- Processing for 189: 3-12 months; for 190: 6-18 months
Points Calculator Guide
| Factor | Max Points |
|---|---|
| Age 25-32 | 30 points |
| PhD from Australian institution | 20 points |
| IELTS 8.0+ in all bands | 20 points |
| 8+ years skilled employment | 20 points |
| State nomination (190) | 5 points |
| Australian partner | 10 points |
Target: 80-90 points for a competitive 189 EOI; 65-75 for state nomination pathways.
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