Staying In Australia after you graduate
Listen carefully to this episode to understand the pathway from graduation to Permanent Residency.
David and Grant discuss the things a recent graduate needs to know moving from a student visa and progressing through the stages of working in Australia and seeking Permanent Residency in Australia.
Graduates often forget to do things on time, or in the correct sequence.
If eligible, they do a 485 Visa.
Then they look to obtain the requisite points for Age, English, Qualification(s), Australian study, Australian Work Experience, and Status and so on to lodge an Expression of Interest.
Depending on their points and what they apply for, they may be invited for a Subclass 189, 190 or 491 Visas.
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Points Breakdown - How Do You Get Them?
Below are the different categories that attract points. At the end there are some examples of how they apply to individuals, and the totals achieved.
Age
- 18 - 24: 25 points
- 25 - 32: 30 points
- 33 - 39: 25 points
- 40 - 44: 15 points
- 45 - 49: 0 points
English language ability
Test Score ranges and points
- IELTS 6/OET B/PTE 50: 0 points
- IELTS 7/OET B/PTE 65: 10 points
- IELTS 8/OET A/PTE 79: 20 points
Educational Qualifications
Your qualification must be;
From an Australian educational institution, or be assessed as comparable to a qualification obtained from an Australian educational institution, by a relevant skill assessing authority.
Acceptable Qualifications (and points)
- Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
- Bachelor, Honours or Masters degree: 15 points
- Doctorate: 20 points
Australian Study Requirement
One, or more, recognised qualifications awarded by an Australian educational institution, which meet the Australian Study Requirement
- 5 points
Credentialled community language qualifications
- 5 points
Study in Regional Australia (or low population growth metro area)
- 5 points
Partner skill qualifications
- 10 points
Professional Year
An accredited Professional Year undertaken in Australia, for at least 12 months, within the 4 years preceding the day of your Invitation to Apply
- 5 points
Specialist Education Qualifications
- At least two full time academic years of post-graduate studies
- Must be doctoral or Masters by research level
- In specified fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and communications technology.
- 5 points
Nomination - Subclass 190
Nomination by a state or territory government under the 190 visa program
- 5 points
Nomination/Sponsorship - Subclass 491
Nomination by a state or territory government under the 491 visa program
- 15 points
Nomination by eligible family member under the 491 visa program
- 15 points
Examples of some real students/graduates
Maggie from Hong Kong
- Original Visa 500 - Student
- 485 Visa
- Expression of Interest in Subclass 189 for Permanent Residency
Points Breakdown
- Age 24 - 25 points
- English Language (IELTS 8 in each band) - 20 points
- Qualification (Degree) - 15 points
- Australian study requirement - 5 points
- Internship (Medical Field/Doctor training) - 5 points
- Single - 10 points
Total Points
80 - Does not receive an Invitation to Apply
Michelle from Malaysia
- Original Visa 500 - Student
- 485 Visa
- Expression of Interest in Subclass 189 for Permanent Residency
Points Breakdown
- Age 27 - 30 points
- English Language (IELTS 8 in each band) - 20 points
- Qualification (Degree) - 15 points
- Australian study requirement - 5 points
- Credentialled Community Language Mandarin - 5 points
- Skilled Partner - 10 points
- Australian work experience - 5 points
Total Points
95 - Does receive an Invitation to Apply
Important to Note - It is very difficult to find employer-based work experience in the form of traineeships and internships. Usually available in specific industries, such as doctors.
The slides below relate to most graduates, but not to medicine graduates, who may be able to do a specialised internship.
This stuff can be complex in specific cases. It is always best to consult an expert before you make decisions on your pathway.