From study to permanent residency
Your Pathway from Study to PR in Australia
Turn your Australian study into a long-term future. We map your journey from Student visa to Temporary Graduate visa to permanent residency, with a clear plan built around your course, career and points.
Your Study to PR Roadmap
Four milestones on the journey from international student to permanent resident.
Student visa (500)
Gain an Australian qualification at the right AQF level, in a field linked to your career goals.
Learn moreTemporary Graduate (485)
If eligible, stay to gain post-study work experience after completing a qualifying Australian course.
Skills, experience & points
Build skilled work experience, improve your English and get your skills assessed.
Skilled, employer or family PR
Apply for a permanent visa through a skilled, employer-sponsored, regional or family pathway.
Popular Pathways to Permanent Residency
The visas international graduates most commonly use to stay in Australia long term.
Skilled Independent
Points-tested permanent visa for invited skilled workers, with no sponsor or nomination needed.
Skilled Nominated
Points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.
Skilled Work Regional
Provisional visa to live and work in regional Australia, with a pathway to permanent residency.
Employer Nomination Scheme
Permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.
Skills in Demand
Temporary employer-sponsored visa that can lead to permanent residency with your employer.
Partner Visa
For partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.
What Counts Towards Your Skilled Visa Points
Points-tested visas consider factors like these. We help you plan to strengthen your score.
Honest advice, no guarantees
No course, college or agent can guarantee permanent residency. Invitations depend on your occupation, points, skills assessment and the government's program settings at the time. What we can do is give you a realistic plan and keep as many doors open as possible.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (last updated October 2026) and the Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026, which commenced on 2 October 2026. Fees, requirements and processing times can change. Always confirm current details with the Department of Home Affairs or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
PR Pathway FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
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Yes, many international students go on to permanent residency, usually through skilled, employer-sponsored, regional or family visas after gaining Australian qualifications and work experience. PR is never automatic, and eligibility depends on your occupation, points, skills assessment and current program settings.
A temporary visa for international students who have recently completed eligible qualifications in Australia, allowing them to live, work and gain experience after their studies. You may be eligible if you completed specific qualifications in Australia in the last six months.
Common permanent pathways include the Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Employer Nomination Scheme (186) visas, or a regional provisional visa such as the Skilled Work Regional (491) that can lead to permanent residency.
Points-tested skilled visas award points for factors such as age, English ability, skilled employment, qualifications, Australian study and state nomination. Meeting the pass mark lets you submit an Expression of Interest, but invitations depend on demand for your occupation.
Study in regional Australia can earn extra points for points-tested visas, and regional visas can offer additional pathways. We help you weigh the benefits against your course and career goals.
Ideally before you choose your course. Your course, location and work experience all affect your future options, and the 2026 student visa changes make early planning even more important.
Get Your Personal PR Pathway Plan
Book a consultation and get a clear, honest roadmap from study to permanent residency.
