Can I get PR after 2 year study in Australia?

Australia has become one of the most popular destinations for international students, especially Indian students, due to its world-class education system, multicultural environment, and post-study opportunities. A common question many students ask before applying is: “Can I get PR after 2 year study in Australia?

The answer is not straightforward—it depends on several factors like the type of course you choose, your occupation, work experience, English proficiency, and points under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) system. Let’s break it down.

Why Students Aim for PR in Australia?

Permanent Residency in Australia provides several benefits such as:

• The right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
• Access to healthcare through Medicare.
• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after a few years.
• The ability to sponsor relatives for visas.
• Better job opportunities compared to temporary visa holders.

For students, PR ensures long-term stability and career growth.

The 2-Year Study Requirement in Australia

To be eligible for many post-study work visas, such as the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), students must complete at least two academic years of study (which is equivalent to 92 weeks) in Australia. This requirement is often the first step toward PR.

Key points about the 2-year study rule:

• The course must be registered under CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students).
• It can be a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or certain Diploma/Trade courses.
• Online-only courses don’t qualify—you must study in Australia physically.

Pathways to PR After 2 Years of Study

While completing two years of study doesn’t guarantee PR directly, it opens the door to multiple pathways. Here are the most common ones:

1. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

After completing your studies, you can apply for this visa. It allows you to stay in Australia for 2–4 years (depending on your qualification). During this time, you can gain work experience that is crucial for PR.

• Graduate Work Stream: For students with qualifications in demand (related to occupations on the Skilled Occupation List).
• Post-Study Work Stream: For students who completed a higher education degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD).

This visa acts as a bridge between study and permanent residency.

2. Skilled Migration Visas

Australia follows a points-based immigration system. Completing 2 years of study gives you extra points, improving your PR chances.

The main skilled visas are:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): No sponsorship required, purely points-based.
• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): Requires nomination from a state or territory.
• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa): Requires sponsorship from a regional state or family member living in a regional area.

Your eligibility depends on factors such as age, English level, work experience, and occupation demand.

3. Employer-Sponsored PR Pathway

If you secure a job in your field of study and your employer is willing to sponsor you, you may qualify for employer-sponsored visas like:

• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme Visa)
• Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa)

This option is practical if you develop strong professional connections during or after your studies.

4. Regional Study Pathway

Australia encourages students to study in regional areas by offering additional benefits. If you study and live in a regional location for 2 years, you may:

• Earn extra migration points.
• Become eligible for longer post-study work visas.
• Improve your chances for PR through the Subclass 491 visa.

Factors That Improve Your PR Chances

1. Course Selection
   Choosing a course linked to occupations on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is crucial. For example:
   • Nursing
   • Engineering
   • IT and Computer Science
   • Social Work
   • Teaching
2. Work Experience
   Gaining relevant work experience in Australia adds points and strengthens your PR application.
3. English Language Proficiency
   Higher IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL scores give you more migration points.
4. State or Territory Nomination
   Some states prioritize students who studied locally and meet their specific skill needs.
5. Age Factor
   Applicants between 25–32 years score the maximum points for age.

Common Misconceptions

• Myth 1: Studying for 2 years guarantees PR
  Reality: Completing 2 years of study only makes you eligible for certain visas—it doesn’t guarantee PR.
• Myth 2: Any course is enough for PR
  Reality: Your course must be in a high-demand occupation to improve PR chances.
• Myth 3: PR is only for Master’s or PhD students
  Reality: Even diploma or trade courses can lead to PR if they match skilled occupations.

Steps to Boost Your PR Chances After Study

1. Plan your course wisely according to the Skilled Occupation List.
2. Aim for high English test scores.
3. Gain work experience through part-time jobs, internships, or graduate roles.
4. Consider studying in regional areas for extra benefits.
5. Stay updated with immigration policies, as they change frequently.
6. Consult a registered migration agent for personalized guidance.

Conclusion

Yes, you can get PR after 2 years of study in Australia, but it’s not automatic. Completing your studies makes you eligible for post-study work visas, which then create opportunities to apply for PR through skilled migration, state nomination, or employer sponsorship.

The key lies in smart planning—choosing the right course, gaining relevant work experience, and maximizing your migration points. With the right strategy, studying in Australia can be the first step toward building a successful career and future as a Permanent Resident.