How to get your Permanent Residency visa as an International student in Australia
189 is a subclass number for skilled Independent visa. This is one of the visas that make you Permanent Resident of Australia and eligible to avail government and free health benefits. This visa is points tested, you need 65 points to apply for this visa.
When I came as a student to Australia, I was having many doubts and concerns which visa to apply to become a Permanent Resident of Australia. I have heard many stories and discouraged voices about getting the visa. But I used to read immigration website and update myself with the changes. With all the hard work and planning, I have got the visa in the year 2009.
I have thought writing about current point system available and some of the tips I have followed to obtain the visa. This helps you to plan ahead what to do after your graduation and what do you need to prepare in advance to have smooth transition from student to Permanent Resident of Australia
From Graduation to Skilled Migration Visa
# 1 Nominated Occupation from the skilled occupation list: 0 points
In order to be eligible, your occupation needs to be listed on skilled occupation list.
My nominated occupation was Accountant (general). My Bachelor of Education from overseas was Bachelor of commerce. So I got Accountant (general) as my nominated occupation. Check your qualification and ensure your qualification is on nominated occupation. You do not get any points for being on skilled occupation list.
#2 English Language ability: 10 or 20 points
This depends on your language ability or ability to learn to pass the exam. When I applied for my permanent residency, I was having only one option to obtain score of 7 in each from IELTS. Now they accept OET, TOEFL iBT, PTE, CAE.
Now they have increased the score to 8 for the same points. You get 10 points for scoring 8 and 20 points for scoring 9.
#3 Age: 25 or 30 points
If your age is between 18-24 you get 25 points and 25-32 you get 30 points and the points decrease as the age goes up.
#4 Qualifications: 10 – 20 points
Points vary depending on your qualification; Bachelors Degree or Masters degree (15), Doctorate (20), Diploma (10). I have completed Masters Degree in India, so I have got 15 points.
#5 Australian Study Requirements: 5 points
If you get at least one degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian education institution, you get 5 points. After completing your degree in Australia, you add 5 points to your PR.
#6 Specialist education qualifications: 5 points
A Masters degree by research or a Doctorate degree from an Australian education institution adds 5 points to your list.
Missing points?
The pass mark is 65 points as said earlier, however having more points gives you priority in the SkillSelect system.
If you can’t get to 65 points, the other options to gain more points:
Accredited in a community language: 5 points
If you know a foreign language well enough to be an interpreter or translator you will receive another 5 points after passing at NAATI.
Study in regional Australia or low growth metropolitan area: 5 points
When you study in regional or low growth metropolitan areas, you get 5 points.
Partner skill qualification: 5 points
If you have a partner and have qualification from the skilled occupation list can add 5 points.
Professional Year – 5 points
This is a 1 year program that has designed for students to obtain relevant skills required in the corporate environment.
Skilled Employment in Australia – 5 points
If you have 1-2 years working experience in your relevant occupation, you score 5 points.
Tips to have smooth transition to Permanent Resident of Australia:
#1 Select a course that is on the skilled occupation list
#2 Make sure you complete subjects as you enroll. Pass all the exams in the first attempt. This avoids stress, wasting money and helps you to plan for the next step.
#3 If you are from non-English speaking country, try to concentrate on improving your English from day one. Practice regularly on improving your language and ability to speak proficiently from day one of your course. I practiced the test paper number of times until I was confident to appear for the exam,
#4 Regularly view immigration website for any changes happening with your visa. If you are missing on any points, try to plan ahead what to do after your final semester. Keep searching for jobs to work in your relevant field. Read how to get job in accounting with no prior experience.
#5 When you are in the final year of education, try to write English exam to test your proficiency. Keep practicing the test papers by learning from the mistakes you have done in the exam.
#6 When you are in the last semester, try to organize all your documentation to apply for Permanent Residency.
Always think and plan ahead. This relieves stress and gives you ability to think for the next step.
Note: The above information is taken from the immigration website. If you need further information, contact a Registered MARA agent.
