Student & Graduate Visa Pathway
Student & Graduate Visa Pathway
The General Skilled Migration program aims to fill skill gaps in the Australian economy by focusing on individuals with skills in the occupation list.
Visa Types
- Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa
- Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa
- Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa
In-demand Occupations
- Subclass 189: An occupation on the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List of LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019
- Subclass 190: An occupation in the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List or Short‑term Skilled Occupation List of LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019 (as long as it is a position nominated by a State / Territory for this category)
- Subclass 491: Any occupation in LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019 (as long as it is a position nominated by a State / Territory for this category)
Student & Graduate Visa Pathway
The General Skilled Migration program aims to fill skill gaps in the Australian economy by focusing on individuals with skills in the occupation list.
The program covers a variety of visas, including a direct permanent residency with Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visas, as well as a staggering provisional track with Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 491) visa. Those who are willing to relocate to specific regional areas will receive additional points.
Visa Types
- Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa
- Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa
- Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa
In-demand Occupations
- Subclass 189: An occupation on the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List of LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019
- Subclass 190: An occupation in the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List or Short‑term Skilled Occupation List of LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019 (as long as it is a position nominated by a State / Territory for this category)
- Subclass 491: Any occupation in LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019 (as long as it is a position nominated by a State / Territory for this category)
Student (Subclass 500) Visa
Study in Australia for more than 3 months in CRICOS-registered courses across schools, VET, higher education, research, non-award, ELICOS, and government sectors. Grants study and work rights (as permitted) and access to Medicare via OSHC. Often leads to Graduate visas depending on your course.
Target Market:
Prospective students across ELICOS, Schools, VET, Higher Education, Postgraduate Research, Non-Award, and Foreign Affairs/Defence.
Duration:
Up to ~6 years depending on course length.
Eligibility
Visa Applicant Requirements
- Enrolled in a full-time CRICOS course (valid CoE).
- Meet Genuine Student (GS) requirement with evidence.
- Meet English requirement (or exemption).
- Hold adequate health insurance (OSHC).
- Have sufficient funds for tuition, living and travel.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Applicants aged 6+; under-18s need approved welfare arrangements.
Required Documents
- Identity: passport bio page, recent passport photo.
- Family: dependants’ passports/photos; translated birth certs; marriage cert or 12-month de facto evidence (if applicable); custody/dependency evidence where relevant.
- GS package: personal statement (circumstances, study purpose, post-study plan), academic transcripts/qualifications, CV or employment evidence.
- Health / English: English test (if required), police checks, health exams, OSHC proof.
- Financials: evidence of tuition + living + travel funds.
Application Process:
- Enrol and obtain CoE from provider.
- Prepare documents and GS evidence.
- Apply online via ImmiAccount; upload documents; pay fees.
- Undertake health/character checks if requested.
- Receive written outcome. Electronic visa links to your passport.
Note: Do not travel until visa granted (unless holding another valid visa).
Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa
Overview
Post-study work visa for eligible recent graduates to live, study and work in Australia. Streams and length depend on qualification and location. Often used to gain local work experience, supporting future skilled or employer-sponsored pathways.
Eligibility
General Criteria
- Recent Australian qualification meeting stream rules.
- English requirement and health/character checks.
- Apply within the allowed timeframe after completion.
- Include eligible family members if applicable.
Documents Checklist
- Passport
- completion letter & academic transcript
- English test (如需)
- police checks
- health exams
- relationship & family documents
- evidence of health insurance and funds
Process
- Confirm stream eligibility and timing
- Gather evidence and lodge online
- Undertake checks as requested
- Receive outcome; visa links electronically to passport.
Student Guardian (Subclass 590) Visa
Overview
Allows a parent/custodian/relative aged 21+ to stay in Australia as the guardian of an international student under 18. May study up to 3 months (or ELICOS part-time) and generally has no work rights.
Eligibility
Requirements
- Applicant is parent/custodian/eligible relative (21+).
- Genuine Temporary Entrant and sufficient funds.
- Able to provide accommodation and support to the student.
- Provide completed welfare form (e.g., Form 157N where required).
- Hold acceptable health insurance; meet health & character criteria.
- No accompanying children under 6 (limited exceptions).
Documents
- Passport
- proof of relationship
- evidence of funds
- accommodation/support plan
- health insurance
- police checks
- welfare documents (e.g., Form 157N); any additional family documents if applicable.
Process
- Confirm eligibility and gather documents.
- Lodge online; upload evidence; pay fee.
- Undertake health/character checks.
- Receive outcome before student commences study.
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WA’s Four Universities to Merge — What It Means for International Students
The Western Australian Government has officially announced a major structural reform of its higher education sector, with plans to consolidate the state’s four public universities.
Common Questions about GSM
Still have questions?
Yes, but you must remain compliant with visa conditions and notify as required.
No, it depends on qualification, CRICOS, and stream rules.
Work rights vary by main applicant's course level and current settings. Check latest rules.
Still have questions?
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