Yes, it is possible to convert your Australian student visa (subclass 500) to an Australia PR visa, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and choose a suitable pathway. The Australia student visa cannot be directly converted to a PR visa; instead, you must apply for a visa in the preferred pathway to be eligible for Australia PR.
Your educational qualifications, proficiency in English language skills, occupation, and other factors determine the suitability of an Australia PR pathway for you.
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Pathways to convert an Australia student visa to an Australia PR visa
Every year, multiple international students choose to study in Australia and prefer to extend their stay in the country to eventually apply for permanent residency. The three most popular pathways for international students to apply for Australia PR are given below.
- Post Study Work Visa – International students can apply for the Post Study Work Visa (subclass 485) after completing their study program In Australia. This visa is valid for two years and facilitates international students to work in Australia.
You must have graduated from a two-year full-time study program in Australia to be eligible for this visa. In this pathway you can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
- General Skilled Migration –You can apply for Australia PR through the Skilled Migration pathway. This program evaluates your skills and work experience and does not require sponsorship from an employer for Australian permanent residency. To be eligible for this pathway, you must have the required proficiency in English language skills and obtain the required points in the Australian points-based system, SkillSelect.
Points for skilled migration are given based on factors like age, English language skills, work experience, and educational qualifications. In some cases, you are required to obtain a nomination from the state government in Australia. You can apply for PR through the visas given below.
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
- Employer Sponsored Visas – You may also apply for Australia PR through employer sponsored visas. The employer sponsored pathway requires you to obtain an Australian temporary visa usually Temporary Skill Shortage 482 visa.
You must have at least 3 years of work experience with the Australia-based employer who sponsored you. You can also apply for an Australian Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
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Who is eligible for Australia PR?
The eligibility criteria for Australia PR are given below. You must:
- Be below 45 years old.
- Be employed in a job listed in Australia's Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL).
- Have a minimum of 65 points in the points-based system
- Have the required proficiency in the English Language
- Skills Assessment results from a relevant Australian authority
- Fulfill the health and character requirements
- Nomination from an Australian state or territory (if applicable)
After meeting the eligibility criteria, you must submit an Expression of Interest to apply for Australia PR.
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