Studying in Australia is one of the smartest moves a Nepali student can make, and not just for the degree. Australia is one of the few countries in the world where your student visa can genuinely be a stepping stone to a permanent life abroad. Getting PR in Australia after study is not only possible, it is one of the most structured and transparent immigration pathways available anywhere.
In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about how to get PR in Australia, including visa options, points requirements, eligibility criteria, and practical tips to boost your chances.
What Does PR in Australia Actually Mean?
PR stands for Permanent Residency. When you hold a PR in Australia, you can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. You can access certain government benefits, sponsor eligible relatives, and eventually apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the residence requirements.
For international students, PR in Australia is the end goal that makes years of study and work experience worthwhile.
Can You Get PR in Australia After Studying?
Yes, absolutely. Australia’s immigration system is specifically designed to welcome skilled international graduates. The Department of Home Affairs runs a points-based General Skilled Migration (GSM) program that rewards you for your Australian qualifications, work experience, age, and English proficiency.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, Australia granted over 195,000 permanent visas under the Migration Program in 2023-24, with skilled migration making up the largest share.
Step-by-Step Process to Get PR in Australia After Study
Step 1: Complete an Eligible Australian Qualification
Your degree must be from a registered Australian institution and in a field that appears on Australia’s skilled occupation lists. Fields currently in high demand include nursing, engineering, accounting, information technology, education, and construction management.
Step 2: Apply for a Graduate Temporary Visa (Subclass 485)
Before you can apply for PR in Australia, most students apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This visa allows you to stay in Australia temporarily after graduation and gain valuable work experience.
The 485 visa gives you 2 to 4 years depending on your level of qualification and the state where you studied. Regional study can grant you an additional year.
Step 3: Gain Skilled Work Experience
Australian PR applications under the skilled migration stream require at least one year of skilled work experience in your nominated occupation. This work must be relevant to your qualification and at the required skill level.
Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) Through SkillSelect
SkillSelect is Australia’s online immigration management system. You submit an Expression of Interest and receive an invitation to apply based on your points score. You can access and submit your EOI directly through the SkillSelect portal on the Department of Home Affairs website.
The minimum points threshold is 65, but in reality, most invited candidates score between 80 and 90 points or higher depending on the occupation and visa type.
Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply and Lodge Your Visa
Once you receive an invitation through SkillSelect, you have 60 days to lodge a complete visa application. This includes submitting your skills assessment, English test results, health checks, police clearances, and supporting documents.
Key Visa Pathways for PR in Australia
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent Visa
This is the most straightforward pathway to PR in Australia. There is no need for a state sponsor or employer. You are selected purely on your points score. It is ideal for occupations that are in national demand.
Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated Visa
This visa requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. In return, the state adds 5 points to your total score. If your occupation is listed on a state nomination list, this can significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
This is a stepping stone visa that leads to PR. You live and work in a regional area of Australia for at least three years, then apply for the Subclass 191 permanent visa. Regional areas often have lower competition and more available nominations.
How the Points Test Works for PR in Australia
Australia’s points test for General Skilled Migration uses the following key factors:
Age: Maximum points (30) are awarded to applicants aged 25 to 32. Points decrease after age 33.
English Language: Competent English gives you 0 additional points. Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 or equivalent) adds 10 points. Superior English (IELTS 8.0 or equivalent) adds 20 points.
Australian Study Requirement: Completing at least two academic years of study in Australia adds 5 points.
Skilled Work Experience in Australia: One to three years adds 5 points. Three to five years adds 10 points. Eight or more years adds 20 points.
Partner Skills or Single Status: Having a single status or an Australian partner with skills adds 10 points.
State Nomination or Regional Study: Adds 5 points each.
A realistic target for getting PR in Australia through the 189 or 190 visa is a score of at least 80 to 85 points. You can calculate your estimated points score using the official points calculator on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing a course not linked to a skilled occupation is the most common error Nepali students make. Before you enrol, check if your target occupation appears on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
Another major mistake is underestimating English language requirements. Improving your PTE or IELTS score from competent to proficient can add 10 critical points to your application. If you are currently preparing for PTE, read our guide on PTE score required for Australia to understand exactly what band you need to target.
FAQ: PR in Australia After Study
How long does it take to get PR in Australia after studying? On average, the entire process from graduation to receiving a PR visa takes two to four years, depending on your occupation, points score, and the visa subclass you apply through.
Which courses are best for PR in Australia? Nursing, software engineering, civil engineering, accounting, early childhood education, and construction project management are among the most in-demand fields with strong PR pathways in 2025.
Can I get PR in Australia without a job offer? Yes. The Subclass 189 visa does not require a job offer. You are selected based purely on your points score and skills assessment.
What is the age limit for PR in Australia? You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation to apply for most skilled migration visas.
Do I need a skills assessment for PR in Australia? Yes. Every applicant must have their qualifications assessed by the relevant Australian assessing authority for their nominated occupation before submitting an EOI.
Conclusion: Your Path to PR in Australia Starts With the Right Guidance
Getting PR in Australia after study is one of the most achievable long-term goals for Nepali students willing to plan ahead. The Australian immigration system rewards preparation, the right qualifications, strong English scores, and relevant work experience.
The earlier you start planning, the better your chances of reaching that 80-plus points target and securing your invitation to apply.
At First Step Education Consultancy, we help students from Butwal and across Nepal choose the right course, the right institution, and the right immigration strategy to make PR in Australia a realistic goal, not just a dream.
FAQ: PR in Australia After Study
Can I get PR in Australia after completing a two-year master’s degree? Yes. A two-year master’s degree from a registered Australian institution satisfies the Australian Study Requirement and adds 5 bonus points to your skilled migration points score, making it one of the strongest academic foundations for a PR application.
What is the success rate of PR applications in Australia for international students? The Department of Home Affairs does not publish a specific approval rate, but skilled migration visas have consistently high grant rates when applications are complete and competitive. Students who plan their course, work experience, and English scores around the points test from day one have the best outcomes.
Does part-time work during studies count toward PR work experience? Generally no. Work experience must be paid, full-time equivalent, and directly relevant to your nominated occupation at the required skill level. Casual or unrelated part-time jobs completed during your studies will not count toward your PR points score.
Can I apply for PR in Australia if I studied online from Nepal? No. The Australian Study Requirement only applies to study completed in person while physically present in Australia on a valid student visa. Online study completed outside Australia does not qualify and will not add points to your skilled migration application.
What happens if I change my nominated occupation mid-application? You will need to withdraw your existing EOI and submit a new one, which resets your waiting time and recalculates your points score. Always consult a registered migration agent before changing your nominated occupation as it can significantly impact your PR pathway.
Ready to take the first step toward permanent residency in Australia? Contact us today at our office on 1st Floor, Krish Building, Milanchowk 11, Butwal, or call us at +977 985-1019137. You can also explore our full range of study abroad services at First Step Consultancy.