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Quick Answer: How Do I Get PR in Australia After Studying?
Australia PR timeline: 3–6 years from arrival. Study (2–3 years) → 485 Graduate visa (2–4 years work) → skills assessment → Expression of Interest on SkillSelect → receive Invitation to Apply → lodge Subclass 189/190 PR application. Indian students with Australian STEM/healthcare degrees typically score 80–90 points — well above the minimum 65.
Australia PR After Study: The Complete Roadmap
Australia offers one of the clearest PR pathways in the world for international graduates. Here is the complete step-by-step process.
Step 1: Graduate Temporary Visa (Subclass 485)
After completing your degree:
- Apply within 6 months of receiving your final results
- Graduate Stream: 2 years (Bachelor/Masters) or 4 years (PhD)
- Regional Study Stream: +2 extra years if studied in regional Australia
- During this time: work full-time in any occupation, no restrictions
Step 2: Skill Your Occupation
Your occupation must be on Australia's skilled occupation list:
- MLTSSL (Medium/Long-Term Strategic Skills List): Eligible for subclass 189 (no state sponsor needed)
- STSOL (Short-Term Skilled Occupation List): Eligible for subclass 190 (state nomination required)
High-demand occupations for Indians:
- Software Engineer / Developer
- Accountant / Financial Analyst
- Civil / Mechanical / Electrical Engineer
- Registered Nurse
- Project Manager
Step 3: Skills Assessment
Get your qualifications assessed by the relevant authority:
- Engineers Australia (engineers)
- CPA Australia / CAANZ (accountants)
- Australian Computer Society (IT)
- AHPRA (nurses, doctors)
Timeline: 2–6 months depending on authority
Step 4: Accumulate Points
Points Test (minimum 65 points to be invited):
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 25–32 | 30 |
| Degree (Bachelor's) | 15 |
| Australian study (2 yrs) | 5 |
| IELTS 8 | 20 |
| Work experience (5–8 yrs) | 10 |
| Partner skills | 5 |
Most Indian students with Australian degrees score 80–90 points, making them highly competitive.
Step 5: Lodge Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Submit EOI on SkillSelect system
- Wait for Invitation to Apply (ITA) in monthly draws
- High-demand occupations: invited in 1–3 months
- Some occupations: 6–18 months
Step 6: Apply for PR
After ITA:
- Subclass 189 (Independent): No state sponsor, anywhere in Australia
- Subclass 190 (State Sponsored): Nominated by a state government, +5 points
- Subclass 491 (Regional): State/territory sponsored for regional areas, pathway to 191 PR
Processing time: 6–18 months
Grant: 5-year temporary PR, then permanent
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