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A significant number of foreign students wish to study in Australia because of its world-class education system, diverse culture, and great career opportunities. For most, the ultimate dream, however, goes beyond getting a degree—it is gaining Permanent Residency (PR) and settling in Australia.

If you're curious about turning your student visa into a bridge to PR, then you're not the only one. We at Aspect Migration have guided many students to develop effective visa plans that become the path to long-term Australian prosperity.

Here in this guide, we will offer helpful details on how to use your student visa as a stepping stone for a PR path and advice on how to avoid pitfalls.

Here is how we can help you: Aspect Migration – Student Visa

Why the Student Visa is a Smart First Step

Australia's Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows you to work, study, and live (with restricted working hours) while you continue your studies. It also serves as a stepping stone to acquiring Permanent Residency.
Here's why:

Points Benefit: Qualifying in Australia may deliver extra points when you apply for a skilled visa.

Work Experience: Post-study work visas allow you to earn local experience, which is very much in demand.

Regional Advantage: Studying in a few regions of Australia can earn you extra points and more visa opportunities.

Not all courses and regions are equally relevant in your PR journey, though. This is where planning turns crucial.

1. Choose a Course That Aligns with Australia's Skills Shortage

The most common mistake made by students is to choose a course because it is interesting, without thinking whether it aligns with jobs on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

To enhance the chances of obtaining PR:

Select a course that is linked with needed occupations (e.g., nursing, engineering, IT, trades).

Remind yourself of the changing occupation lists of Australia, which tell us where there are shortages of skills.

Aspect Migration can guide you in selecting a course best suited to your career goals and boost your PR opportunities to the fullest.

2. Select Regional Study to Score More Points

You might be unaware that the regional Australia study may offer you an edge.

Benefits are:

- More migration points (usually 5 or more).

- Qualification for specialist regional visas such as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491).

- A chance for a new, frequently lower-cost lifestyle.

3. Get ready for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

When you finish your studies, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (485), where you can work full-time in Australia.

This visa:

- Allows you to accrue Australian work experience—a big tick for many PR routes.

- Can be valid for 18 months to 5 years, depending on your level of qualification and where you study.

- Gives you more time to become eligible for PR, like learning English or getting sponsorship.

Tip: Make sure your course is CRICOS-registered and meets the Australian Study Requirement if you want to be eligible for this visa.

4. Increase Your Points in Other Ways

The world of PR is highly competitive, so you must optimise your points. These are some quick plans:

- Enhance English Proficiency: Better test scores can yield extra points.

- Get NAATI Certification: If you possess more than one language, the NAATI Credentialed Community Language (CCL) test can help you gain 5 extra points.

- Accrue Skilled Work Experience: Local or overseas work experience is considered, but Australian work experience will be more valuable.

- Professional Year: 5 points are awarded for a Professional Year in accounting, IT, or engineering.

Aspect Migration provides one-on-one consultations to assist you in identifying the best strategies to enhance your points profile.

5. Employer-Sponsored and State-Sponsored Visas

Even though the General Skilled Migration (GSM) stream is preferable, don't overlook other options like:

- Employer Sponsorship: If you impress an employer during your studies or on a 485 visa, they can sponsor you for PR.

- State Nomination: Most states have sponsorship programmes of their own that grant extra points or reserved places on the visa.

- We keep a close eye on changing state nomination criteria at Aspect Migration and help you get your chance as opportunities arise.

6. Keep Track of Policy Changes

Australian immigration policy is always evolving. For example, Occupation lists change to accommodate current skill shortages.

Visa rules and point thresholds can change.

New visa streams can be established (e.g., the new regional visas).

It's essential to keep up or use a migration expert who monitors these changes and adjusts your strategy accordingly.

Why Choose Aspect Migration?

At Aspect Migration, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all. Every student has a unique story and dreams, and we're here to create a customised approach that sets you up as best as possible.

Here's how we can help:

- Course & Visa Planning: Advice on selecting courses with PR in mind.

- Points Assessment: We assess your current points and advise on changes.

- Visa Application Assistance: Stress-free, hassle-free visa applications with professional advice.

- PR Strategy Updates: Regular advice as your circumstances or Australia's immigration laws change.

With years of experience and a passion for guiding students to build their future, Aspect Migration is your trusted companion every step of the way.

Ready to plan your student visa? Have a look: Aspect Migration – Student Visa www.aspectmigration.com.au

Conclusion

Studying in Australia can be the key to a fantastic future, but to turn that chance into Permanent Residency, you require a strategic plan. With the correct course, studying where you are meant to be, and getting the services of experts such as Aspect Migration, you can place yourself on the way towards a good and secure future in Australia.