Australia's high-quality education and numerous prestigious institutions attract students from all over the world to study abroad. For those students whose goal is to immigrate to Australia, is student migration to Australia feasible? In fact, Australia does not have a specific "student migration" policy. However, international students in Australia can find opportunities to immigrate after graduation through other Australian immigration policies.
I. Primary Option for Student Migration to Australia: Australian Skilled Migration
The Australian Skilled Migration program has become the primary consideration for international students applying for migration to Australia due to its lower costs, shorter processing cycles, and fewer asset requirements. Australian Skilled Migration is divided into three categories: the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and the Skilled Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 489). Among these, the subclass 189 and subclass 190 visas are the main pathways chosen by international students.
1. Australian Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Australian subclass 189 visa is suitable for skilled professionals. This visa does not require sponsorship from an employer or relative, nor does it require nomination by a state or territory government. The requirements for the subclass 189 visa are relatively high; applicants must meet various criteria regarding age, education, occupation, English proficiency, and points-based assessment. Requirements for the Australian subclass 189 visa:
(1) Applicants must receive an invitation before applying for the visa. If the applicant's nominated occupation has a migration quota and the EOI score is high, an invitation can be received sooner.
(2) The occupation must be on the relevant Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and have passed a skills assessment.
(3) At the time of receiving the invitation to apply, the applicant must meet the minimum points requirement of 60 points.
(4) Age must be under 45 years.
(5) English proficiency must reach IELTS 4 bands of 6 or equivalent, meeting the English requirements for the nominated occupation.
(6) Must meet the health requirements stipulated by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
(7) No criminal record.
(8) Must have repaid or arranged to repay any outstanding debts to the Australian government.
(9) The applicant must not have a record of visa cancellation or refusal while in Australia.
2. Australian Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Applicants for the Australian subclass 190 visa need to be nominated by a state or territory government and meet the requirements of the Australian skilled migration points test. Notably, applicants for the subclass 190 visa can receive 5 additional points toward their migration score if they successfully obtain state nomination. The requirements for the subclass 190 visa are:
(1) Obtain nomination from an Australian state or territory government.
(2) The nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), and meet the requirements of the respective state's nominated occupation list.
(3) Pass the skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
(4) Age must be under 45 years.
(5) EOI points score must reach at least 60 points, including the 5 points from state nomination.
(6) English proficiency must reach IELTS 4 bands of 6 or equivalent, meeting the English requirements for the respective state's nominated occupation.
(7) Agree to reside in the nominating state for at least 2 years after the visa is granted.
(8) Good health.
(9) No criminal record.
II. Alternative Option for Student Migration to Australia: Australian Employer-Sponsored Migration
Compared to the more demanding skilled migration, Australian employer-sponsored migration is applicable to a wider range of groups. Therefore, many international students who cannot apply for skilled migration due to insufficient points or because their nominated occupation does not meet the requirements can turn to Australian employer-sponsored migration. Australian employer-sponsored migration is divided into three categories: the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186), and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187).
As the Australian TSS visa is currently undergoing reforms, it involves many uncertainties. The subclass 186 visa has certain requirements for work experience, which makes it difficult for international students to qualify. International students may choose the subclass 187 visa to immigrate to Australia directly. If the student has relevant work experience prior to their studies, the subclass 186 visa may also be an option.
1. Eligibility for direct permanent residence via the Australian subclass 187 visa:
(1) Obtain nomination from an employer in a regional area of Australia, with the nominated occupation on the ANZSCO list (meeting the requirements of legislative instrument IMMI 17/058).
(2) Age under 45 years, or qualify for an age exemption.
(3) Some occupations require a skills assessment.
(4) Possess IELTS 4 bands of 6 or equivalent English proficiency.
(5) Good health and no criminal record.
2. Eligibility for direct permanent residence via the Australian subclass 186 visa:
(1) Obtain nomination from an Australian employer, with the nominated occupation on the Combined List.
(2) Age under 45 years, or qualify for an age exemption.
(3) Pass a skills assessment.
(4) Possess IELTS 4 bands of 6 or equivalent English proficiency.
(5) Have at least three years of relevant work experience.
(6) Good health and no criminal record.
The differences between the Australian 186 and 187 visas, besides the different occupation lists and work experience requirements, include the requirement for subclass 187 visa holders to work for the nominating employer in a regional area of Australia (defined as areas other than the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong, and Melbourne) for at least two years after being granted the visa, before they are eligible to move to and work in any other region of Australia.