You've Got Your Graduate Visa.
What's Next?
Congratulations! Getting your Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is a huge achievement. Now you're probably asking: "How do I actually get Permanent Residency?" The good news is that you're already on the journey.
This guide walks you through each step, explains what you need to do, what it may cost, and where to find more information.
Graduate Visa to PR Guide
Step 1
Confirm Your Occupation
Everything starts with your occupation.
Your pathway to PR depends on:
Your occupation
Visa eligibility
If state or territory is an option
Before moving on, ask yourself:
Is my occupation on the Skilled Occupation List?
Which PR visas am I eligible for?
Do I need State Nomination?
Step 2
Complete Your Full Skills Assessment
For most graduates, this is the biggest milestone after obtaining a Graduate Visa. A Skills Assessment confirms that your qualifications meet Australian standards. You may have had to apply for a provisional skills assessment for your 485 visa, but a full skills assessment is required for PR. Different occupations have different assessing authorities.
| Occupation | Assessing Authority |
|---|---|
| IT | ACS |
| Engineers | Engineers Australia |
| Nurses | ANMAC |
| Teachers | AITSL |
| Trades | TRA |
| Many professional occupations | VETASSESS |
Before applying
Gather your documents
Read your authority's requirements
Check processing times
Budget for assessment fees
Step 3
Improve Your English Score
Many graduates already meet the minimum English requirement.
However...
A higher English score can significantly improve your PR points.
Accepted tests include:
IELTS Academic
PTE Academic
TOEFL iBT
OET (selected occupations)
Step 4
Gain Skilled Work Experience
This is where your Graduate Visa becomes incredibly valuable.
Australian work experience can:
Increase your PR points
Strengthen State Nomination applications
Improve employer sponsorship opportunities
If possible, work in your nominated occupation for at least 20 hours per week.
Step 5
Calculate Your PR Points
Australia uses a points-based migration system for many skilled visas.
You may receive points for:
Age
English
Australian qualifications
Skilled employment
Regional study
Partner skills
State nomination
The more points you have, the more competitive you'll usually be.
Step 6
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
When you're eligible, you need to submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.
An EOI is not a visa application.
Instead, it lets the Australian Government know you'd like to be considered for PR.
Depending on your occupation, you may also apply for State or Territory nomination.
Step 7
Receive an Invitation
If you're invited, congratulations!
This means you've been selected to lodge your PR visa application.
Invitation times vary depending on:
Occupation
PR points
Government invitation rounds
State nomination availability
Step 8
Apply for Permanent Residency
Once invited, within 60 days, you will need to lodge your visa application. When you lodge your visa application you will be granted a Bridging Visa (BV) to allow you to remain in Australia whilst the application is processed.
Common PR pathways include:
Skilled Independent Visa (189)
Best for highly competitive applicants who don't require sponsorship.
Skilled Nominated Visa (190)
Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory.
Skilled Work Regional Visa (491)
For people willing to live and work in regional Australia.
Employer Sponsored Visas
Some graduates become eligible through employer sponsorship instead of the points-tested pathway.
Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) – Subclass 186 (permanent employer sponsored visa)
Skills in Demand (SID) visa - Subclass 482 (temporary employer sponsored visa)
How Much Will It Cost?
Cost
There is no single price tag for the journey to PR.
The total cost depends on your occupation, your previous countries of residence, how many applicants are included and the visa you apply for. What you can know from the start though is when each cost is payable, so nothing surprises you and you are prepared.
Application fees change regularly.
| Your Journey Budget | ||
|---|---|---|
| Step 3 | English Test | 300 AUD - 450 AUD |
| Step 2 | Skills Assessment | Depends on occupation |
| Step 8 | Police Clearance-Aus police check | 56 AUD (overseas clearance check depends on country) |
| Step 8 | Medical Examination | 200 AUD - 450 AUD |
| Step 8 | PR Visa Application | 6,140 AUD |
Your PR Checklist
Before applying for Permanent Residency, make sure you:
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have put together answers for the most commonly asked questions.
Can I get Permanent Residency (PR) with a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) does not lead directly to PR. However, it gives you time to gain work experience, complete a Skills Assessment, improve your English and become eligible for a permanent visa such as the 189, 190, 491 or an employer-sponsored visa.
Can I stay in Australia after my Graduate Visa expires?
You can't stay in Australia after your Graduate Visa expires unless you hold another valid visa or have applied for a new visa that granted you a BV to remain lawfully in the country, while your application is being processed. It's important to plan your next visa well before your 485 expires.
Can I apply for another Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)?
Generally, you can't be granted another 485 visa as a primary applicant if you've already held one as a primary applicant. However, some university graduates may be eligible for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream 485 visa if they meet the regional study and other eligibility requirements.
What happens if my Graduate Visa expires before I receive a PR invitation?
If you haven't received an invitation before your 485 expires, you'll need to depart Australia or apply for another valid visa to remain in Australia. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for options such as employer sponsorship, a regional visa, a student visa or another suitable visa. It's best to explore your options well before your current visa expires.
Can I apply for a Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) after my Graduate Visa?
Yes, if an approved Australian employer is willing to sponsor you and you meet the requirements for the nominated occupation and visa stream, you may be eligible to apply for a Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482). Employer sponsorship is a common pathway for many graduates.
Can I apply for a 189, 190 or 491 visa while holding a Graduate Visa?
Yes. Many graduates apply for a Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) or Skilled Work Regional (491) visa while holding a Temporary Graduate Visa. You must meet the eligibility requirements for the visa you apply for, including having a suitable Skills Assessment where required, meeting the points test and receiving an invitation to apply.
Ready to Plan Your PR Journey?
Every graduate's pathway is different.
The best visa option depends on your occupation, qualifications, work experience and long-term goals.
Talk to one of our registered migration agents for personalised advice on your pathway to PR.
Find Your Migration Agent
Get matched with the perfect expert for your journey
GET IN TOUCH
In case of questions, feel free to reach out to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents.
Contact details
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