Permanent Residency Pathways for International Students in Australia

You’ve studied hard and built a life here. Now, you’re wondering: Can I stay in Australia permanently?

The PR process can be overwhelming.

You might worry about meeting the requirements. Maybe you’re unsure how to boost your PR points. Or maybe you’re having a hard time finding a job that helps your application.

But here’s the good news: many international students have done it, and so can you.

In 2022, 28% of international students used their post-study work rights, and 16% of them became permanent residents in Australia. 

In this guide, we’ll break down your options.

You’ll learn the different PR pathways for international graduates and understand the different visa subclasses under the General Skilled Migration Program.

Understanding the General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program

If you want to stay in Australia after graduation, the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is one of the best ways to get permanent residency. 

This program is for skilled workers who can contribute to Australia’s economy. 

You don’t need an employer to sponsor you, but you must meet certain requirements, including passing the GSM points test.

What Is the GSM Points Test?

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test is how Australia decides who qualifies for PR visas like Subclass 189, 190, and 491. 

The more points you have, the better your chances of getting an invitation to apply.

You earn points based on factors like age, work experience, education, and English proficiency. 

To apply for any visa under this program, you need a minimum of 65 points, but a higher score improves your chances.

Here’s how you can earn points: 

Points Requirement for General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visas

1. Age (Maximum 30 points)

Your age affects your score. The best age range for points is 25-32 years.

• 18-24 years → 25 points

• 25-32 years → 30 points (highest points available)

• 33-39 years → 25 points

• 40-44 years → 15 points

• 45+ years → 0 points (you won’t qualify for GSM visas)

2. English Proficiency (Maximum 20 points)

Your IELTS score can boost your points:

• Competent English (IELTS 6 in each band) → 0 points

• Proficient English (IELTS 7 in each band) → 10 points

• Superior English (IELTS 8 in each band) → 20 points (highest points available)

3. Skilled Work Experience (Maximum 20 points)

The more years of skilled work experience you have, the more points you get.

• Overseas Work Experience (Outside Australia)

  • 3-4 years → 5 points

  • 5-7 years → 10 points

  • 8+ years → 15 points

• Australian Work Experience (Inside Australia)

  • 1 year → 5 points

  • 3 years → 10 points

  • 5 years → 15 points

  • 8+ years → 20 points (highest points available)

Tip: Working in Australia gives more points than overseas experience.

4. Education Qualifications (Maximum 20 points)

Your highest degree earns you points:

• Doctorate (PhD) from Australia or overseas → 20 points

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree → 15 points

• Diploma or trade qualification (from Australia) → 10 points

5. Australian Study Requirement (5 points)

If you study in Australia for at least two years, you get 5 extra points.

6. Regional Study (5 points)

If you complete your studies in a regional area, you get another 5 points.

7. Partner Skills (Maximum 10 points)

You can earn points if your partner:

• Has a skilled occupation on the list and meets English & skills requirements → 10 points

• Has Competent English (IELTS 6 in each band) → 5 points

8. State Nomination or Employer Sponsorship (Maximum 15 points)

• State nomination for Subclass 190 → 5 points

• Regional nomination for Subclass 491 → 15 points (highest points available)

• Employer sponsorship (for other PR pathways) → Not counted in the GSM points test but leads to PR

How Many Points Do You Need?

• 65 points → Minimum to qualify

• 80-90 points → Increases your chances of getting an invitation faster

• 100+ points → Highly competitive

There are three main visa options under the GSM program. Each has different benefits and requirements.

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

Subclass 189 is a permanent visa that does not require state, territory, or employer sponsorship. This means you can live and work anywhere in Australia.

Who Can Apply?

• International graduates with an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List

• No need for an employer or state sponsorship

How the Points System Works

• Minimum 65 points required

• Realistically, 85-90+ points are needed due to the high competition

Why Choose This Visa?

• Full work and travel rights across Australia

• No regional or employer restrictions

With this visa, you can:

• Live and work permanently in Australia

• Have access to Medicare, Australia’s health care system

• Study in Australia

Getting this visa is tough because there’s no state or employer nomination to boost your points. 

You’re competing against thousands of skilled applicants, and even if you meet the minimum 65 points, invitations usually go to those with higher scores.

That’s why it’s crucial to maximise your points wherever possible, whether through higher IELTS scores, extra qualifications, or relevant work experience. 

IDP can help you assess your eligibility, explore ways to improve your score and strengthen your application so you don’t waste time waiting for an invitation. 

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

The 190 visa allows skilled workers who have been nominated by an Australian state or territory government to live and work in Australia as permanent residents.

Who Can Apply?

• Graduates nominated by an Australian state or territory

• Must have a skilled occupation in the  State-Specific SOL.

How the Points System Works

• Minimum 65 points required (includes 5 bonus points from state nomination)

• 70-75 points are usually competitive for an invitation

Why Choose This Visa?

• State nomination gives an advantage

• Faster PR pathway compared to subclass 189

With this visa, you can:

• work and study anywhere in Australia (you must live in the nominating state/ territory for the first two years after the grant of the visa)

• sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence

• enrol in Medicare

• travel to and from Australia for 5 years.

• if eligible, you may apply for Australian citizenship

Understanding which states are actively nominating candidates in your field can make all the difference. IDP can guide you in identifying PR-friendly states, navigating nomination requirements, and positioning yourself for a successful application. 

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa

A temporary visa leading to PR for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.

Who Can Apply?

• Graduates willing to live and work in a regional area

• Must be nominated by a state or a family member in a regional area

How the Points System Works

• Minimum 50 points required (15 bonus points from regional nomination)

• 65-75 points are usually enough for an invitation

Why Choose This Visa?

• Easiest pathway to PR due to lower points requirement

• Additional incentives for living in regional areas

With this visa, you can:

• stay in Australia for 5 years

• live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia in line with your visa conditions.

• apply for permanent residence, if eligible through the permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)

• work in any occupation and for any employer in line with the work and residence conditions attached to your visa.

Knowing which regional areas offer the best opportunities for your skills can improve your chances of getting nominated. IDP can help you identify PR-friendly regions, understand nomination criteria, and plan your pathway to permanent residency.

Need Help Choosing the Right GSM Visa?

Whether you're aiming for the 189, 190, or 491 visa, getting the right guidance can improve your chances of success. IDP’s visa experts can help you:

• Assess your points and explore ways to boost your eligibility

• Identify PR-friendly states and regions for better nomination prospects

• Understand the visa process and requirements tailored to your situation

Don’t navigate the process alone—talk to an IDP expert for free today and take the next step towards your Australian PR dream.

Comparison of Each Visa’s Features

Comparison of Each Visa’s Key Benefits

State and Territory Nomination – An Easier Way to Get PR

If you want permanent residency (PR) in Australia, state and territory nomination can help. It gives you extra points and increases your chances of getting a visa.

What Is State Nomination, and Why Does It Matter?

Each state and territory in Australia has different job needs.

To fill skill gaps, they nominate international graduates and skilled workers for PR pathways.

If you get nominated, you:

• Earn extra points – 5 points for Subclass 190, 15 points for Subclass 491.

• Have a better chance of getting invited – Some states nominate people even if they have fewer points.

• Get a clear PR pathway – Subclass 190 gives you PR straight away, while Subclass 491 lets you apply for PR after three years.

For many students, this is an easier way to qualify for PR without competing at the national level.

Best States and Territories for PR

Some states are more welcoming to international students, especially if you study or work there. Here are some of the best places to increase your chances for PR:

• Victoria (VIC) – Good for healthcare, engineering, and IT graduates. Some streams don’t require a job offer.

• New South Wales (NSW) – Popular but competitive. Many opportunities in finance, tech, and engineering.

• Queensland (QLD) – Prefers graduates with jobs in regional areas.

• South Australia (SA) – Easier nomination if you study and work there.

• Western Australia (WA) – Recently added more jobs to its skilled list.

• Tasmania (TAS) – Very PR-friendly for students who study in regional areas.

• Northern Territory (NT) – Best for students who live and study in NT for two years.

• Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – Uses a points system that rewards students who stay and work in Canberra.

If you haven’t chosen a university yet, studying in a regional area can improve your PR chances. IDP can also help you find PR-friendly courses in these locations.

How to Qualify for State Nomination

• Each state has its own rules, but in general, you need to:

• Have a job on the state’s skilled occupation list.

• Live, study, or work in the state for a set time.

• Meet work experience or job offer requirements.

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

Some states make it easier for students by lowering work experience requirements if they graduate from a local university.

If PR is your goal, where you study and work matters. The right choice can make the process much easier.

Need help picking a course? IDP can connect you with universities in PR-friendly areas to improve your chances.

If you want to get PR in Australia, you need to score high on the points test. 

State nomination helps, but you can do more to improve your chances. The higher your score, the faster you can get an invitation for a visa. 

Here’s how you can boost your PR eligibility and make yourself a stronger candidate.

Maximising Your Points for Skilled Migration

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test decides who gets an invitation for PR visas like Subclass 189, 190, and 491. The more points you have, the better your chances.

Here’s how to increase your score:

• Gain relevant work experience

The more skilled work experience you have, the more points you earn. Even part-time work in your field can help.

• Improve your English proficiency

A high score in IELTS can give you up to 20 points.

Taking a preparation course can help you score higher. IDP offers IELTS test booking and prep courses to help you maximize your score.

• Complete additional studies in Australia

Studying a course that’s at least two years long gives you 5 extra points. If you study in a regional area, you get even more points.

Choosing High-Demand Occupations for PR

Some jobs have a higher chance of PR because Australia needs more workers in those fields. These jobs are listed on the Skilled Occupation List, which changes based on demand.

Some of the best career paths for PR include:

• Healthcare – Nurses, aged care workers, and physiotherapists are in high demand.

• Engineering – Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers have strong PR prospects.

• IT and Software Development – Programmers and cybersecurity experts are highly needed.

• Education – Teachers, especially in regional areas, are prioritized.

• Trade Jobs – Electricians, plumbers, and mechanics are always on the list.

If you haven’t chosen a course yet, picking one that leads to a high-demand occupation can improve your PR chances. 

Securing Employer Sponsorship for PR

Getting an employer-sponsored visa is another way to get PR. If an Australian company sponsors you, you might not need to rely on the points test.

How does it work?

• You get a temporary work visa (like the Subclass 482) through an employer.

• After working for 2-3 years, your employer can nominate you for PR.

• Employer sponsorship means faster processing and higher approval rates.

How to find employer sponsorship opportunities:

• Look for jobs on the skilled occupation list – Employers are more likely to sponsor in-demand roles.

• Apply for regional jobs – Regional employers often sponsor skilled workers.

• Gain work experience in Australia – Working in your field while studying makes you a stronger candidate.

If PR is your goal, the right strategy can make all the difference. Whether it’s improving your English, picking the right course, or securing a job, small steps can lead to big results.

IDP can help you at every stage—from IELTS test prep and booking to choosing the right study path that aligns with skilled migration requirements. Talk to an IDP expert today and start planning your PR journey.

Take Your Next Steps Toward PR

Getting permanent residency in Australia takes planning. You need to choose the right visa, understand the points system, and meet state nomination requirements. 

It can feel overwhelming, but the right guidance can make it easier.

If you're unsure where to start, IDP counsellors can help you explore study and work options that support your PR goals. Want to learn more? Book a free consultation today and start planning your next steps.