Australia has consistently ranked among the top destinations for skilled migrants, students, and professionals due to its strong economy, diverse culture, and high quality of life. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the country welcomed over 24,660 permanent migrants in the month of April-2025, reflecting its openness to skilled talent and international students. For many Indians, Australia’s clear pathways to residency make it a highly attractive choice for settlement.
Settling in Australia, however, is not a one-size-fits-all process. The country offers multiple visa categories, from skilled migration visas like the Subclass 190 and 189, to student and employer-sponsored visas: each with specific eligibility criteria, point requirements and application procedures. Understanding these options is crucial before beginning the journey toward long-term residency.
Permanent Residency (PR) remains the most popular route, offering benefits such as healthcare access, education subsidies, and a pathway to citizenship. With application costs ranging between AUD 4,000–8,000 depending on the visa, strategic planning ensures a smoother settlement process in Australia.
Why Should you Settle in Australia?
Australia has a stable economy. Since it is less populated than other developed countries, it has an ample number of jobs in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) sector. Citizens in Australia are entitled to free healthcare and education till they are undergraduates. As it is a student-friendly country, the cost of studying in Australia is not high, and students can apply for scholarships as well.
The cities of Australia are well equipped with facilities that enhance the standard and quality of life. Australia is a multicultural hotspot where you will find people from all over the world residing there. It is very common to bump into someone from your country and be friends with.
The natural aspect of Australia is untouched. The country is particular about saving its natural heritage, such as the Great Barrier Reef, a huge attraction for tourists. Despite being so popular, nobody is even allowed near the reef. It speaks a lot about how aware the Australian government is about nature and responsibilities. With its huge variety of flora and fauna, Australia is a dream country for a lot of people.
Types of Post-Study Visa
Students wanting to prolong their stay in Australia have two major types of Post-Study Work (PSW) visas which allows them to work in an occupation of their choice.
Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (Subclass 476)
Students with a degree in Engineering from any specified institution in Australia are eligible to apply under this visa which extends their stay in the country for up to 18 months. The visa processing may take 8 to 18 months of processing time. The following requirements must be met to apply under this visa:
The institution from which the engineering degree is acquired should have a CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) registration in the last 2 years
Must be under 31 years of age
Have required scores in English proficiency exams
Should not be a 476 visa or 485 visa holder in the past
Must meet the health and character requirements
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
A Temporary Graduate Visa can be sub-divided into two categories.
A. Graduate Work Stream
Under this stream, international students get an extension of 18 months to temporarily live, study, and work in Australia. The visa processing may take 9 months to 13 months and graduates can apply for a visa if they possess specific skills and qualifications and should fulfill the following requirements to be eligible for it.
Must be a suitable student visa holder in the last 6 months
Qualified by the Australian government on being a part of a relevant occupation in the skilled occupation
Should be under 50 years of age
Take a skills assessment to qualify for their nominated occupation on the professional occupation list
Meet adequate health requirements
Provide evidence for meeting the required level of English with the application
B. Post-Graduate Work Stream
International students who have graduated recently, get to stay, live, and work in Australia temporarily for two to four years depending on their qualifications. The visa processing may take 8 months to 10 months. They need to meet the following requirements To be eligible for this visa.
Should be below 50 years of age
Should have got a degree in a CRICOS-registered course recently
Have the adequate skills to qualify under a relevant occupation in the skilled occupation list of the Australian government
Should be a student visa holder in the last six months
appeared for a skills assessment in your nominated occupation on the professional occupation list
meet adequate health and character requirements for all applicants while applying
proof of an AFP (Australian Police Check) while applying
evidence of the required level of English with the application
Duration of Stay Back Under Post Study Work Rights
Students worried about how to settle in Australia have a new reason to lock on to their study abroad dreams in the country. This is because of the 485 post-study work stream visa under which the Australian government has taken some additional measures to extend support to the students.
Increase the stay back period to 24 months for graduates belonging to the Vocational Education Training (VET) sector under the Temporary Graduate visa stream
Increase the stay back period for graduates belonging to master’s coursework on a permanent basis
International students get the opportunity to travel to and from Australia as long as their 485 post-study work visa is valid. The stay-back duration varies across different cities for different courses, but first applicants must fulfil certain requirements.
Must meet the English language proficiency requirements
Should have a degree from a CRICOS-registered course
There are various types of immigrants in Australia, and here is a list for you to choose the category you fit best in:
Skilled Workers
If you are a working professional with certified experience or a company manager that branches in your home country and Australia, or if you are a tradesperson, you can immigrate to Australia under this category.
Corporate Immigrants
This is for company professionals such as business owners and HR representatives who want to sponsor employees to work for them in Australia.
International Students
If you are a student who wants to pursue higher education in Australia, you can go ahead. Most students wish to settle in Australia after they complete their education. There are several temporary and permanent visa options that you need to be eligible for if you want to study in Australia.
Family Migration
If you have a family member such as your spouse, parent, or friend living in Australia who wishes to sponsor your stay, you can move to Australia.
What is Permanent Residence in Australia?
An Australian PR visa is for non-citizens who are allowed to work, study, and live in the country without any restrictions and are entitled to the same benefits as an Australian citizen as they hold a permanent visa. They also receive access to the Australian Government’s national health scheme, Medicare.
How to Become a Permanent Resident in Australia?
Students wanting to apply for the Australian PR process after graduation need to express their interest through the Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s Skillselect Migration program. It is an online service through which international students get to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) for receiving a skilled visa. To receive the visa, they are required to submit certain personal details such as – a nominated occupation and skills assessment related to it, level of English language proficiency, work experience, and education, and particulars about business and investment experience.
Under the Skillselect Migration program, the most likely option for graduates is the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). This is a points-test visa that allows skilled workers aged 18 to 49 to live and work in Australia as permanent residents. Applicants with no sponsorship of an employer or family member, or without a nomination by a state or territory government need to go through a skills assessment test. This would prove that they have the necessary skills for the nominated occupation.
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a PR in Australia
Students applying for PR in Australia need to fulfil certain eligibility requirements which vary across different categories. The general eligibility criteria are as follows.
Should be below 45 years of age
Provide proof of having a competent level of proficiency in the English language
Must belong to an occupation from the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) that is currently acceptable for migration to Australia
Required Points to be Eligible for Australian PR
To be eligible for Australian PR, a minimum of 65 points is required. However, upon receiving higher scores anywhere from 80 to 85 points in the eligibility calculation, the chances of being invited to apply for PR in Australia are brighter. The below-mentioned Australian visas require 65 points:
1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
This visa allows applicants below 45 years of age to work and live permanently in Australia who possesses the skills required by the Australian government. Under subclass 189, no nominator or sponsor is needed and foreign workers can apply for it only on being formally invited to do so.
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Only nominated skilled workers are allowed to apply for Australian PR under this category and they can stay in any nominated state/territory in Australia. They will be able to apply for subclass 190 only if they receive an invitation to apply and belong to an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOI).
Benefits of Having a Permanent Residency in Australia
Get to live and travel anywhere in Australia
Apply for education loans to pursue higher studies in Australia
Apply for a government visa
Free education for children up to a certain age
Get social security benefits upon completion of two years with an Australian PR visa
Ability to sponsor a relative’s PR if they meet pre-requisites set by the Government
An Australian Permanent Residence is granted by assessing an applicant’s eligibility through a point-based system. They are required to receive a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, and each criterion is allotted particular points that are as follows.
Point Requirements for PR in Australia
Category
Maximum Points
Age (25-32 years)
30 points
Work experience in Australia (8-10 years)
20 points
Work experience outside Australia (8-10 years)
15 points
Niche skills such as Doctorate or master’s degree by research in Australia
10 points
Accredited in community language
5 points
Study in a regional area
5 points
State Sponsorship (190 visa)
5 points
Professional year in a skilled program in Australia
5 points
Processing Time for Australian Permanent Residency
The Australia PR process involves a waiting time of 8 to 14 months on an average. However, the processing time varies according to the type of visa.
Time for Australia PR Process
Australian visa
Processing time
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
8 to 9 months
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
6.5 to 8 months
Cost for an Australian PR
Applicants need to pay an application fee to apply for Permanent Residence in Australia. The Australia PR cost for primary applicants is AUD 4115.
There is a multitude of cities to explore in Australia. It is not only a place for tourists but has also emerged as a preferred country to settle down for most international students. Here are some of the best cities to live in Australia as per the QS Best Student Cities 2022.
Melbourne
This is probably the wealthiest city in terms of culture. Layered with cool bars, an arty vibe, amazing museums, and festivals, Melbourne is forever blooming. Melbourne has a moody climate, and very often, you may experience all four seasons on the same day.
Sydney
For people who are the most career-oriented, this is the go-to place. Sydney is reputed and is known for its job opportunities. It is the largest Australian city with a population of 5 million. Sydney is home to some important buildings like the Opera House.
Canberra
Australia’s capital, Canberra has a large and internationally diverse student population and has scored well in the ‘student mix’ category. A man-made lake right in the city centre along with numerous natural reserves all throughout the city makes it score quite well on the ‘desirability’ index.
Brisbane
Brisbane boasts of a sizeable student population and offers an ideal mix of balance between urban and outdoor lifestyles to them. This city is emerging as a strong tourist destination with the largest economy. Warm people from different cultures, a sunny climate, and stunning beaches are some of the reasons that this city has become famous besides being a cosmopolitan downtown area offering trendy nightlife and arts scene.
Adelaide
Located on the south coast, Australia’s fifth largest city, Adelaide features an easily navigable city centre, open spaces, wide boulevards, and parklands. With a large and diverse student population, Adelaide is home to some of the best universities such as the University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia, and Flinders University. The city is a treat to the eyes because of its beautiful beaches and islands, as well as the Adelaide hills.
Perth
This is a cosmopolitan city on the west coast of Australia. Perth is known for its pleasant climate throughout the year. The job prospect is commendable for the mining and tourism sector. In terms of education, it offers a world-class education just like the rest of Australia. For this reason, it is one of the educational spots not only for the students of Australia but also for students from abroad.
Gold Coast
Located in Queensland, south of Brisbane, this city boasts the title, ‘Surfer’s Paradise’. This is because of the 52km of golden sands, where surfers and general beach fans will feel right at home. The surrounding rural hinterland, also known as the ‘green behind the gold, is a lush, subtropical rainforest of three national parks, away from the skyscrapers. This rural hinterland has numerous mountains, spectacular waterfalls, and natural rock formations.
Deciding how to settle in Australia requires more than just selecting a visa; it demands careful research, financial planning, and awareness of the country’s immigration pathways. From skilled migration visas to PR applications, each route has its own requirements and benefits. By staying updated with eligibility criteria, preparing strong documentation, and understanding associated costs, individuals can increase their chances of a successful application. Ultimately, settling in Australia is not only about securing the right visa but also about embracing a new lifestyle, culture, and opportunities that the country offers for long-term personal and professional growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many types of post-study work visas are available in Australia?
Australia offers three types of post-study work visas to international students – Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (Subclass 476) and Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) under the Graduate Work Stream and Post-study Work Stream. Additionally, there is a 485 post-study work stream visa through which the Australian government has extended support to students belonging to Vocational Education Training (VET) and master’s coursework.
What is the duration of stay back in Australia for international students?
Under the Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (Subclass 476), international students get to stay back in Australia for 18 months. Under the graduate work stream of Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), students can stay back for 18 months, whereas the post-graduate work stream allows a stay back period of two to four years depending on the qualification of students. The 485 post-study work stream visa allows students to stay back from two to six years depending on their course and the city.
What are the eligibility criteria to apply for PR in Australia?
To be eligible for Australia PR, an applicant should be of 45 years of age, have a competent level of proficiency in English language, and should belong to an acceptable occupation from the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
What are the points required for getting a PR in Australia?
The Australia PR process includes a point system under which applicants have to score a minimum of 65 points. They will be assessed on the basis of their age, nominated occupation, skills assessment, language proficiency, and medical status.
Which English exam scores are accepted in Australia?
Australia accepts the International Language Testing System (IELTS), the most preferred English proficiency test. However, it is open to crediting other test scores too. The Australian education and employment system also accepts the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Pearson Test of English, or (PTE). Cambridge English: Advanced and Occupational English Test (OET) is rare but acceptable when students look for admission to Australian colleges and universities.
How can you move to Australia from India?
In order to move from India to Australia, you can use different pathways – business, skilled migrants or students depending on your profile and preference. You also need to obtain your IELTS score from a testing agency; skill assessment from the appropriate authority should work in one of the occupations from the Skilled Occupations List.
How much money do you need to settle in Australia?
The cost of settling in Australia includes the accommodation costs, transportation, and household expenses that one has to bear. One person has to spend somewhere around $15,000 (INR 11.35 lakhs) to $20,000 (INR 15.13 lakhs) to settle in Australia, whereas a couple has to bear $20,000 (INR 15.13 lakhs) to $30,000 (INR 22.69 lakhs) for the first year.
What is the easiest way to get permanent residency in Australia?
One of the easiest pathways to get permanent residency in Australia is the SUBCLASS 189 – A Permanent Residence Visa, wherein the applicant has to score a minimum of 60 points in the assessment to meet the qualifying criteria for the General Skilled Migration visa.
What alternate country to settle with similar living standards and cost of living?
Canada and New Zealand are strong alternatives to Australia, offering high living standards, affordable healthcare, quality education, and multicultural societies. Both countries also provide immigration-friendly policies and stable economies with comparable costs of living.
Is Australia better than USA for settling?
Australia offers a better work-life balance, universal healthcare, and simpler PR pathways, while the USA provides higher career opportunities but has tougher immigration rules and expensive healthcare. The choice depends on personal goals, finances, and long-term priorities.
What are the pros and cons of settling in Australia?
Pros include strong job opportunities, excellent healthcare, high safety, and a welcoming multicultural environment. Cons involve high living costs in cities, strict immigration processes, and distance from many countries, making frequent international travel more challenging.
A post graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication, Pratishtha enjoys penning down things significant. What interests her the most is exploring and researching on gamut of study abroad.
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