Getting permanent residence through the study pathway is possible, but it takes planning, time and meeting requirements at each stage.
The typical pathway
Stage 1: Student visa (500), study a course. Stage 2: Graduate visa (485), work temporarily. Stage 3: Skilled visa (189, 190, 491) or employer sponsored visa (482/186), permanent residence.
Each stage has its own requirements. Your choices at Stage 1 affect what is available at Stages 2 and 3.
Choosing the right course
The course determines which occupation you can claim for migration. The occupation must be on a skilled occupation list, and you need a positive skill assessment. Courses commonly chosen include cookery, automotive, electrotechnology, IT, nursing, accounting and engineering.
Not every course at every institution will work. The institution must be CRICOS-registered and the course at the right level.
The graduate visa (485)
After completing your course, the 485 gives you time to work in Australia, gain experience and improve your points. Duration depends on your qualification: two years for trades, three for bachelor's, four for master's by research or doctorate. Regional study may add one or two years.
From 485 to permanent residence
Points-tested visa (189 or 190) if you reach the required score. State nomination (190 or 491) if you are living in the right state. Employer sponsored visa (482/186) if an employer offers sponsorship. Regional pathway (491/494 to 191) if you are willing to live regionally.
What can go wrong
Your occupation is removed from the skilled lists while you are studying. You cannot reach the English score. The points threshold is too high. Policy changes during the multi-year process. This pathway takes four to six years. Policy changes are inevitable.
Start with migration advice, not just education advice
Starting with migration advice before you enrol gives you the best chance of a smooth pathway. Contact us for a free assessment.