How to Get PR in Australia for Indian Students?

Every year almost half a million international students come to Australia to pursue their higher studies. Australia is one of the attractive destinations not only for students across the globe but it is also popular among those looking for migration. For all those who are planning to migrate to Australia for their studies, we will inform you how to get PR in Australia with an Australian student visa. Students come to Australia for studies and then decide to live there and apply for a Permanent Residence Visa after completing their studies.

It is important to choose a course of study in Australia after analyzing its future prospects and chances of getting a PR. This article aims to throw more light on PR in Australia for international students, and how they can get PR in Australia too. Check out all the necessary details in the article below if you are a student and pursuing higher education at any of the Australian universities.

What is a Permanent Resident (PR) in Australia?

A permanent resident of Australia is entitled to the rights of a citizen. A citizen can enter or leave the country anytime if he wants, however, if a PR citizen wishes to travel abroad he should have a permanent visa with a valid travel authorisation. Australian permanent residents are residents of Australia who hold a PR visa but are not citizens of Australia. Permanent residents are eligible to become Australian citizens after a certain period of time. Also, certain PR courses in Australia accelerate the PR process after studying.

Criteria to Get a PR in Australia

Apart from the course, there are other factors as well which you should consider while getting a PR in Australia as an international student:

• Applicant’s age
• Educational Qualification
• English language proficiency
• Work experience
• Partner’s skills (wherever applicable)

Check details on these factors in the next sections of this article.  

How to Get PR in Australia?

Many international students apply for permanent residency in Australia after completing their graduation. To do so, they must 'express interest' through the Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s SkillSelect migration program. It is an online service by the Australian government through which students can apply for a skilled visa by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI). Candidates must provide their details, work experience information, a nominated occupation and English Language proficiency details. Apart from this, they also need to provide details of skills assessment related to the nominated occupations. International applicants can get a PR in Australia after either pursuing undergraduate courses from Australia or postgraduate courses in Australia. 

 Check out this video and understand in detail about the PR in Australia process. 

Types of PR Visa in Australia for Indian Students

With the thriving Australian economy, graduates look for job opportunities soon after completing their studies. To work in Australia as a permanent resident (PR), candidates can choose various pathways leading to Australian permanent residency status. The three most common Australian visa options for getting a PR status in Australia are post-study work visas, employer nomination schemes, and skilled migration.

Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)

The Post Study Work Visa is a two-year visa allowing students to work without restrictions. Candidates who have completed a two years full-time study program, usually a bachelor's or a master's, are eligible to apply for this visa. However, after completing their studies, many students realise they are not eligible for permanent residence. Either they don't have an employer as a sponsor or they don't have enough points for skilled migration. So, the post-study work visa in Australia is used to meet the Australian PR requirements but doesn't ensure one.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189 Visa)

This is a popular choice among international students, offering points-based selection based on age (18 to 49), English proficiency, skills, and other educational qualifications. No sponsorship from an employer, family member or state nomination is required to obtain this visa. However, applicants must score at least 65 points on the point assessment. You can also use the Australia PR points calculator to determine your scores before applying for this visa. The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) visa allows candidates to work and live in Australia as a permanent resident.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491 Visa)

To get hands on experience in Australia's regional areas, the Subclass 491 Visa in Australia is an ideal option. If you're willing to live and work in regional Australia and get a sponsorship, you can apply. Offers faster processing times and lower point thresholds. The visa allows skilled migrants to live and work in designated areas of Australia for up to 5 years, with a chance of getting a permanent residency.

Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 186 Visa)

Employer-sponsored visa is another popular way to apply for a long-term Australia visa. Many candidates who cannot meet the requirements of a Skilled Independent Visa apply for an employer-sponsored visa. This option can fast-track your application but requires specific skills and employer commitment. For this visa, a candidate must first obtain a temporary visa (subclass 482), work in Australia for at least 3 years for a sponsoring employer, and then apply for a permanent visa. In some cases, candidates can apply directly for permanent residence (186 visas). However, employers prefer the TSS 482 visa pathway. The Subclass 186 visa allows temporary residents living and working in Australia and those living outside Australia. 

Criteria for PR in Australia

There are different criteria for PR in Australia, and there is a calculator for the following parameters:

• Permanent residence
• Lawful residence
• Intended lodgement and
• Travel in and out of Australia in the last 4 years.

Also, Read:  Reasons for Rejection of Australia Student Visa

Application Process for PR in Australia for International Students 

Below are the roadmap and steps to apply for an Australian PR for international students.

1. Choose visas as per your eligibility and requirements. 

2. Based on your eligibility including the following parameters, apply for an Australia PR visa: 

• Under 45 years old (exceptions may apply).
• Get required scores in PTE, IELTS or TOEFL tests.
• Also get qualifications are assessed by relevant Australian bodies based on your academic background.
• Try to aim for 65+ points on the points-based system (Skilled Independent visa).
• Pass medical and police checks before submitting Australia PR visa application (get a Police Clearance Certificate).

3. Prepare Application & Gather Documents:

• Passports, certificates, letters of recommendation, work experience letters, academic transcripts, consolidated mark sheet (if applying for a master's program), skills assessment reports, English test results, financial documents, passport-sized photographs, employer reference letters, nomination letters, offer letters, etc. (Check the entire list on the Department of Home Affairs website).
• Register your skills and experience in SkillSelect by clicking on "Start an EOI".

4. Register online for your chosen visa's application submission (visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect to begin).

5. Once you meet minimum points and your EOI is competitive, you'll receive an ITA via email. The ITA will outline the next steps and the timeframe for submitting your application.

6. Complete the online Australia PR visa form, pay fees, and submit all supporting documents within the given timeframe.

7. Once your application is submitted, wait for a decision. Interviewing and processing times may vary depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances. Monitor the status of your application through the online portal. If your application is successful, you will receive a visa grant. Review the conditions attached to your visa and ensure compliance.

Australia PR Visa Fee for Indians 2025

Based on the Subclass visa type for which applicants are applying for a PR in Australia, they will have to pay a fee. The PR visa fee in Australia for Indian applicants is as follows:

The PR visa fees for Australia indicated above are bifurcated below for a better understanding:

• Main Applicant (base application charge) - mandatory to pay.
• Additionally, based on the applicant's age, those 18 years or above must pay the indicated fee. 
• Those under 18 years of age will also have to pay the PR visa fee in Australia, along with the base application fee. 

Also, applicants must note that the fee is dynamic and can change without prior notice. Thus, applicants must check the PR fee for Australia before applying. Also check the current exchange rate for a clearer fee bifurcation. 

Upon the visa being granted, you will officially become a Permanent Resident of Australia. This status allows you to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely.  

Related Articles

• Part-Time Work Options for International Students in Australia
• Documents Needed to Start Your Student Visa Application for Australia

This was all about getting a PR in Australia and the Australia PR requirements. If you have queries, you can drop in your concerns in the comment section below, and we shall address them soon. 

If you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below.