Australian migration regulations allow international students to apply for permanent residency after completing their studies. However, laws applicable at the time of application apply and relevant criterion must be met. Basic requirements which must be fulfilled to be eligible to apply for permanent residency are:

• Two years or 16 months of full time Australian study leading to degree, diploma or masters (the course must be registered for 92 weeks on CRICOS)
• Course must be related to occupations listed on SOL (Skilled Occupation List) and carry at least 50 points
• English (minimum score of 6 in each module except “concessional competent” for eligible visas)
• Successful skill assessment by an assessing authority
• Health and character checks

Applicants are also required to pass points test. Current pass marks for Skilled Independent visa category is 120. Pass mark for Skilled Sponsored category is 100.

International students may be eligible to apply for number of other visas including Skilled Sponsored visas, Skilled Regional Sponsored visa, Employer Nominated visa and Regional Skilled Migration visas. We can guide international students with the most favourable option of visas available.

New points test is applicable from 01 July 2011. For more information, check the DIAC website by clicking here.

The relationship of education to migration policy

You should undertake study in a field in which you intend to work once you graduate. You are strongly advised not to undertake studies in Australia with the sole purpose of obtaining a migration outcome. The student visa process is an entirely separate process to skilled migration and there is no guarantee that you will be eligible for skilled migration purely on the basis of having undertaken a course related to an occupation on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL).

The SOL is a list of skilled occupations that are in need in Australia comprising of four major groups: managers and administrators; professionals; associate professionals; and tradespersons and related workers.

The SOL can, and does, change in light of labour market needs in Australia.  There is no guarantee that an occupation listed on the SOL at the time you begin your studies will still be on the SOL when you graduate.

The Australian Government wants a targeted, high-value, demand-driven, skilled migration program that is responsive to the needs of the Australian labour market. As these needs change rapidly, the skilled migration program will be adjusted accordingly.

Source: Live in Australia

Please note that immigration assistance in Australia can be provided by Registered Migration Agents only. It is illegal to provide immigration advice without being registered with OMARA (Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority). Being registered migration agents, we can provide accurate and honest immigration advice by acting in an ethical and honest manner. We are registered with OMARA.