Australia remains one of the top destinations for international students due to its high-quality education system, multicultural environment, and strong post-study work opportunities.

But beyond academics, many international graduates dream of settling in the country permanently.
If you're studying in Australia and aiming to secure Permanent Residency (PR) in 2025, this guide is your go-to resource.

Why Choose Australia for Permanent Residency?

Australia offers several pathways to PR for international graduates, thanks to:
• A high demand for skilled professionals.
• An inclusive and transparent immigration system.
• Opportunities across regional and urban areas.
• A strong quality of life and global job opportunities.

Let’s dive into how you can make this dream a reality after completing your studies.

Step 1: Choose the Right Course and Institution

Your journey to PR begins the moment you select your course. Here’s how to make a strategic choice:
Opt for Courses on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

The MLTSSL is crucial for skilled migration. Courses like:
• Nursing
• IT and Software Engineering
• Civil and Mechanical Engineering
• Accounting
• Education (Early Childhood, Secondary)
• Social Work
…are in demand and can significantly increase your PR prospects.

Study at a Recognized Institution
Make sure your institution is registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Step 2: Apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

After completing your degree, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows you to stay in Australia and gain relevant work experience.

Key Features:
• Post-Study Work Stream: For graduates of higher education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD).
• Valid for 2 to 6 years depending on your qualification and whether you studied in a regional area.
• Allows full-time work rights.

Tip: From 2024 onwards, regional study gets additional points and visa benefits, so consider campuses in areas like Adelaide, Gold Coast, or Hobart.

Step 3: Choose a PR Pathway

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• Does not require state or employer sponsorship.
• Requires your occupation to be on the MLTSSL.
• Points-tested visa (minimum 65 points to apply, but competitive scores are higher).
• Permanent visa.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Requires nomination by a state or territory government.
• Occupation must be on the State Skilled Occupation List.
• Additional 5 points for nomination.
• PR visa with residency conditions (initially).

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
• Regional nomination needed (more accessible than 190 in some cases).
• Additional 15 points for regional nomination.
• Leads to PR after 3 years of living and working in regional Australia.

4. Employer-Sponsored Visas
• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): Direct PR pathway.
• Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa): May lead to PR.

Tip: Gaining relevant work experience on your 485 visa can open doors for employer sponsorship.

Step 4: Calculate Your Points for Skilled Migration

Your PR application is evaluated on a points-based system. Here’s what adds to your score:

Criteria Points
Age (25-32 years) 30
English Proficiency (IELTS 8+) 20
Australian Study 5
Regional Study 5
Work Experience in Australia 5-20
Professional Year Program 5
State Nomination (190) 5
Regional Nomination (491) 15

Use the SkillSelect system to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and get invited to apply for a visa.

Step 5: Complete a Professional Year Program (If Applicable)

For international graduates in fields like Accounting, IT, or Engineering, a Professional Year Program (PYP) is highly recommended.

Benefits:
• Adds 5 migration points.
• Provides local work experience.
• Improves employability.

Step 6: Skills Assessment

Before applying for PR, you need to have your skills assessed by the relevant authority.
Occupation Assessing Authority
Accountant CPA Australia, CA ANZ
Engineer Engineers Australia
IT Professional ACS (Australian Computer Society)
Nurse ANMAC
Make sure your qualifications and experience meet their criteria.

Step 7: Stay Updated and Get Expert Help

Immigration policies and occupation lists are updated regularly. For 2025, Australia continues to favor skilled professionals, particularly those willing to live and work in regional areas.

Consider a Registered Migration Agent

They can help with:
• Visa selection and strategy.
• Reviewing your EOI and documents.
• Handling rejections or appeals.

Bonus Tips for PR Success in 2025
• Improve your English – Aim for a superior score in IELTS or PTE.
• Gain experience in-demand industries – Healthcare, IT, engineering, trades.
• Network and apply for jobs early during your Temporary Graduate Visa period.
• Stay informed about immigration policy updates via the Department of Home Affairs.

Final Thoughts:

Getting PR in Australia after your studies is achievable with the right planning, persistence, and awareness. Whether you go through the skilled migration pathway, state nomination, or employer sponsorship, your education and time in Australia put you on a promising path to permanent residency.

Are you an international graduate planning to apply for PR in Australia? Share your questions or experiences in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!