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 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.
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.
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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.
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)
It's ideal if you're willing to live and work in regional Australia. 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
- All about Australia Regional 489 Visa
- PR Courses in Australia
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 letter 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 within which you must submit 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.
Upon the grant of the visa, you will officially become a Permanent Resident of Australia. This status allows you to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely.
Related Articles
Q: Â Is it worth studying at Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia?
Q: Â Is it hard to get into Newcastle University Australia?
The University of Newcastle is amog the universities that does not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources, the University of Newcastle Australia acceptance rate is 80%. This makes Newcastle University Australia moderately selective in admissions. Please note that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
Q: Â What is the PTE requirement for Stanley College Australia?
The PTE score for international students must be in the range of 50-57 for Stanley College Australia. However, students are expected to fulfill other English language proficiency tests along with PTE. The table below is the English language proficiency score for all the tests required at Stanley College:
Exam | Score Required |
---|---|
Overall 60-78 | |
6.0 | |
50-57 | |
Cambridge English Advanced | 169 |
Q: Â Should I consider Curtin University in Australia?
Curtin is a well-renowned university, popular for its powerful business ties, high-impact research, and dedication to educating students for the occupations of the future. Students can avail top-notch research and teaching at Curtin, which is ranked in the top 1% of universities globally in the prestigious Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2024. The university believes in providing research opportunities, and practical learning through its diverse programs, making it one of the best institutions for international students.
Q: Â What are the English language requirements for MIT Australia?
To meet the eligibility requirements, international students must provide proof of English proficiency. Global students who have learned English as their first language or completed their previous degrees in English are exempted from the language requirements.
English Requirements for International Students
International students coming from non-English-speaking countries, such as India, need to prove their language proficiency through standardized English exams such as IELTS/TOEFL/PTE. Students may provide either of the following exam scores:
Programmes | IELTS Academic Score | TOEFL Score (IBT) |
---|---|---|
Master of Professional Accounting | Overall 6.5 (no less than 6 bands) | Overall 79 - 93, with minimum scores: |
Master of Networking | Overall 6.0 (no less than 5.5 bands) | Overall 60 - 78 with minimum scores: |
Programmes | PTE Academic Score | CAE Score |
Master of Professional Accounting | Overall 58 (no less than 50) | Overall 176 (no less than 169) |
Master of Networking | Overall 50 (no less than 46) | Overall 169 (no less than 162) |
Note: These are generic requirements for graduates and undergraduates aspiring to study at the university. Some of the courses may have higher score requirements or different academic and language requirements.
Please refer to the intended course page on the university website to check the exact limit on each course.
Q: Â How hard is it to get to Notre Dame?
The acceptance rate of the University of Notre Dame Australia is 19%, So for every 100 applicants, only 19 students get admitted. This means that it is a relatively competitive University. Candidates must fulfill the specific course requirements to secure admission to Notre Dame University. While the acceptance rate is competetive, it is suggested that the student applies early for higher chances of getting selected.
Q: Â How much is the tuition fee at the University of Western Australia?
The University of Western Australia fees is around INR 9 L to INR 46 L for first-year. The table below includes the first-year fees of popular courses at the university:
Q: Â Why choose Federation University Australia?
Some of the reasons to choose Federation University Australia are given below:
- Personalized teaching
- Industry-relevant programs
- Diverse student population
- A supportive environment
- A quality lifestyle
- Pleasant climate
- A genuine Australian experience
- Low cost of living
- Simple application process
- 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 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.
PR in Australia FAQs
Q. Is getting an Australian PR easy for Indian students?
A. One can get an Australia PR easily if the application is timely submitted along with all the required documents. Students are required to identify the type of Australia PR visa that will best suit their requirements and eligibility and qualify for the points assessment (if applicable). You can use Australia PR points calculator to determine your eligibility and competitiveness in the application procedure.
Q. What is the age limit for getting an Australian PR?
A. To get an Australian PR, one must 'express interest' and click on "Start an EOI" through the Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s SkillSelect migration program. The maximum age to apply for an Australia PR is 45 years.

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3 years ago
Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia (MITA) is largely regarded as one of Australia's top institutions. It has a solid reputation in engineering, business, and science.
To begin with, Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia provides a world-class education with an emphasis on hands-on learning. You will be able to gain practical knowledge and abilities in a range of disciplines. Furthermore, the institution provides a wide range of courses and programmes that will provide you with the skills and knowledge required for a successful profession.
Second, the university is well-known on a global scale. It has the highest graduate employability rate in Australia. This is due to the great level of education and possibilities provided by the university to its students.
Third, the university boasts a broad and vibrant culture. While learning, you will be able to pursue your hobbies and meet like-minded people. This will aid in the development of your professional chances and the formation of strong relationships that will continue long after you graduate.
Fourth, the institution provides a wide range of facilities and services to make your studies more pleasurable and productive. You will be able to locate