40,000 international students graduate from Australian universities every year, and many of them aspire to stay in the country after completing their studies.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for permanent residency, students need to meet certain requirements. Generally, students who have completed a two-year study program in Australia can apply for a temporary graduate visa, which allows them to stay in the country for up to two to three years, depending on their qualification level.
Pathway to PR
During this time, they can gain work experience, improve their language skills, and build professional networks, all of which can increase their chances of getting permanent residency. The Australian government has a points-based system for skilled migration, and students who have completed their studies in Australia can claim points for their qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency.
Visa Requirements
If they meet the required points and other eligibility criteria, they can apply for a skilled independent visa or a state-sponsored visa, which can lead to permanent residency. However, the visa requirements and application process can be complex, and students should consult the official government website or seek advice from a registered migration agent to get the most up-to-date information.
Expert opinions
Expert: Emily Chen, Immigration Lawyer
As an immigration lawyer with extensive experience in Australian migration law, I, Emily Chen, can provide you with expert advice on the topic "Can I get PR after 2 year study in Australia?".
The Australian government offers various pathways for international students to obtain permanent residency (PR) after completing their studies in the country. One of the most common pathways is through the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which is points-based. To be eligible for PR, you typically need to meet the required points, which are awarded based on factors such as your age, English language proficiency, education, work experience, and skills.
If you have completed a 2-year study program in Australia, you may be eligible for PR through the GSM program, but it depends on several factors. Here are some key considerations:
- Qualification: The course you studied must be a registered qualification and relevant to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL).
- Points: You need to meet the required points, which is currently 65 points. You can claim points for your education, English language proficiency, work experience, and other factors.
- Work experience: Having relevant work experience in your field can significantly increase your points. You can claim points for work experience gained in Australia or overseas.
- English language proficiency: You need to demonstrate a high level of English language proficiency, typically through an IELTS or TOEFL test.
- Skills assessment: You may need to undergo a skills assessment by a relevant assessing authority to demonstrate your skills and qualifications.
Assuming you have completed a 2-year study program in Australia and meet the above requirements, here are some possible visa options for PR:
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): This visa allows you to live and work in Australia permanently, but you need to meet the required points and have a positive skills assessment.
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): This visa requires you to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government, and you need to meet the required points and have a positive skills assessment.
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485): This visa allows you to live and work in Australia temporarily, typically for 2-4 years, after completing your studies. You can use this time to gain work experience and build your points for a PR application.
In conclusion, while it is possible to get PR after 2 years of study in Australia, it depends on various factors, including your qualification, work experience, English language proficiency, and skills assessment. I recommend consulting with an immigration lawyer, such as myself, to discuss your individual circumstances and determine the best pathway for your PR application.
As an immigration lawyer, I have helped numerous international students navigate the complex Australian migration system and achieve their goal of obtaining PR. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your options, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Q: Can I apply for PR in Australia after 2 years of study?
A: Yes, it's possible to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia after 2 years of study, but you'll need to meet specific eligibility criteria. You must have completed a qualification that's relevant to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.
Q: What are the requirements for PR after 2 years of study in Australia?
A: To be eligible for PR, you'll need to have completed a 2-year degree or diploma, meet the English language proficiency requirements, and have relevant work experience in your field. You must also meet the points test and health and character requirements.
Q: Do I need work experience to get PR after 2 years of study in Australia?
A: Having work experience in your field can increase your chances of getting PR, as it helps to meet the points test and demonstrates your skills and commitment to your profession. However, it's not always mandatory, depending on your qualification and other factors.
Q: Can I get PR in Australia if I study a diploma or certificate course for 2 years?
A: It's possible to apply for PR after completing a diploma or certificate course, but the course must be relevant to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List and you must meet the other eligibility criteria. Not all diploma or certificate courses may be eligible.
Q: How long does it take to get PR after 2 years of study in Australia?
A: The processing time for PR applications can vary, but it typically takes around 6-12 months after submitting your application. However, this timeframe may change, and it's essential to check the official government website for the latest information.
Q: Can I apply for PR in Australia if I have a 2-year master's degree?
A: Yes, having a 2-year master's degree from an Australian university can be beneficial for PR, as it's considered a higher-level qualification and may give you more points in the points test. You'll still need to meet the other eligibility criteria, including English language proficiency and health and character requirements.
Sources
- Birrell Bob, Healy Elisabeth. Immigration and the Australian Labour Market. Sydney: Centre for Population and Urban Research, 2013.
- Hawthorne Lesleyanne. Labour Market Outcomes for Migrant Professionals. Melbourne: Melbourne University Publishing, 2017.
- “Skilled Migration Visa Options” Site: Australian Government – Department of Home Affairs – homeaffairs.gov.au
- “Visa Requirements for International Students” Site: Study in Australia – studyinaustralia.gov.au



