From Student to Resident: Your Guide to Australian PR After Studies (2026 Edition)

Completing your studies in Australia is a massive achievement—but for many international graduates, it’s just the beginning. The real goal? Transitioning from a student visa to Permanent Residency (PR).

With the 2026 migration landscape emphasising high-demand sectors like healthcare, construction, and teaching, the path to PR is clearer than ever, provided you have a strategic plan. As a leading Migration Agent in Perth, Leading Edge Emigration is here to walk you through the essential steps to make Australia your forever home.

Step 1: The Bridge—The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Before you can apply for PR, you usually need time to gain local work experience and meet the "points" threshold. The Subclass 485 visa is your most powerful tool.

• Post-Higher Education Work Stream: For those with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD. It grants 2–3 years of stay (and up to 5 for certain passport holders).

• Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: For graduates with trade qualifications or diplomas. Your qualification must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

• The 2026 Change: Note that the age limit for most 485 applicants is now 35 years or under (though exceptions apply for PhD and Masters by Research graduates).

Step 2: Get Your Skills Assessed

To apply for a skilled PR visa, the Australian government needs proof that your education matches Australian standards. You must apply for a Skills Assessment from the relevant authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS for IT, or ANMAC for Nursing).

Pro Tip: Don’t wait until your 485 visa is expiring. Start your skills assessment as soon as you receive your final transcripts!

Step 3: Master the Points Test

Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) system is points-based. While the minimum to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) is 65 points, 2026 trends suggest that a score of 75–85+ is often needed to be competitive.

Category	Potential Points
Age (25–32)	30 Points
Superior English (PTE/IELTS)	20 Points
Australian Study Requirement	5 Points
Professional Year (IT/Accounting/Engineering)	5 Points
Study in Regional Australia	5 Points
State Nomination (Subclass 190)	5 Points

Step 4: Choose the Right Australian PR Pathway

There isn't just one way to get PR. Depending on your occupation and where you live, you might qualify for:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): No sponsor required; highly competitive.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Requires nomination by an Australian state (like WA). This is a direct PR visa.

3. Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491): A 5-year provisional visa that leads to PR after 3 years of living and working in a regional area.

4. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): If you find an employer willing to sponsor you after you've gained enough work experience.

Step 5: Submit an EOI and Wait for an Invitation

Once you have your Skills Assessment and English test results (like PTE or IELTS), you lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect. If your points are high enough and your occupation is in demand, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Step 6: Final Visa Lodgement

After receiving your invitation, you have 60 days to lodge your formal PR application. This involves:

• Submitting identity and educational documents.

• Passing health and character (police) checks.

• Paying the visa application charges.

Why Work With a Migration Agent?

The rules for Australian immigration change frequently. In 2026, the focus has shifted toward specific "priority processing" for teachers and healthcare workers, while regional pathways have become more attractive for IT and trade professionals.

At Leading Edge Emigration, we don't just "fill out forms." We build a success-driven strategy tailored to your specific course and career goals.

Ready to start your journey to Australian PR?

Contact the team at Leading Edge Emigration today for a comprehensive points assessment and pathway consultation.

📞 Call us: 08 9221 8472

📩 Email: info@leadingedgemigration.com.au

Frequently Asked Questions: Australian PR for Graduates (2026)

Navigating the transition from a student visa to permanent residency can be complex. Here are the most common questions our team at Leading Edge Migration receives from international graduates in 2026.

1. What is the minimum number of points required for PR in 2026?

Technically, you need a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). However, the 2026 landscape is highly competitive. While priority sectors like Nursing, Teaching, and Trades may receive invitations at 75–80 points, most other occupations (IT, Engineering, Business) currently require 85 to 95+ points to be successful.

2. Can I apply for PR immediately after I graduate?

It is rare for a graduate to apply for PR directly after finishing their course. Most graduates lack the work experience or professional year required to reach a competitive point score. Typically, you would first apply for a Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, which gives you 2–3 years to gain the work experience and English scores needed for a successful PR application.

3. I am over 35. Can I still apply for a Graduate Visa (485)?

As of the latest 2026 regulations, the age limit for the Subclass 485 visa has been reduced to 35 years or under.

• Exceptions: Masters by Research and Doctoral (PhD) graduates, as well as Hong Kong/British National Overseas passport holders, can still apply up to the age of 50.

• If you are over 35: You may need to look directly at Employer Sponsored (Subclass 482/186) or State Nominated (Subclass 190/491) pathways if you already have significant work experience.

4. Which occupations are being prioritised in 2026?

The Australian government has designated "Priority Sectors" that receive faster processing and more frequent invitation rounds. These include:

• Healthcare: Registered Nurses, Aged Care workers, and GPs.

• Education: Early Childhood and Secondary Teachers.

• Construction & Trades: Bricklayers, Electricians, Carpenters, and Plumbers (especially in Western Australia).

• Renewable Energy: Engineers and Technicians supporting the "Net Zero" transition.

5. How does the "Regional" pathway work for PR?

By living and studying in a regional area (which includes Perth, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast), you can gain an extra 5 points for regional study and access the Subclass 491 visa, which provides a massive 15-point bonus from the state. After living and working in that region for three years on a 491 visa, you can apply for the Subclass 191 permanent residency visa.

6. Do I need a professional year to get PR?

A Professional Year (PY) is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for graduates in IT and Engineering. Completing a PY program grants you 5 extra points and often helps you meet the requirements for your Skills Assessment.

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. It's crucial to consult with a registered migration agent for personalised guidance based on your specific circumstances