For many international students, studying in Australia is the first step towards building a long-term future. Securing Permanent Residency (PR) opens the door to a wealth of opportunities, including stable career prospects, access to Medicare, the ability to sponsor family members, and eventually eligibility for Australian citizenship. With complex immigration policies evolving, it is vital to stay informed about the most viable PR pathways available in 2025. Here, we outline four popular pr options for international students in Australia.
1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Subclass 189 Visa is designed for highly skilled individuals who are not sponsored by an employer, state or family member. For 2025, this remains one of the most competitive but rewarding pathways, particularly for those in in-demand industries such as healthcare, engineering, and IT.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- Achieving the required points score through the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test.
- Demonstrating competent English language ability.
Benefits:
- Full work and residency rights across Australia.
- No sponsorship obligations.
- Pathway to citizenship.
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Subclass 190 Visa is a state or territory-nominated permanent visa. Each state publishes its own skilled occupation list and sets additional criteria. Australian states continue to use this pathway to fill specific skills shortages, making it an attractive option for graduates willing to align their career paths with regional work demands.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory.
- Score 65 points minimum. Nomination provides an additional 5 points.
3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 Visa encourages skilled migrants to live and work in regional areas of Australia. It is a provisional visa but leads to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa after meeting specific requirements. In 2025, the government continues to prioritise regional migration, making this pathway particularly accessible for graduates who studied outside the major cities.
Requirements include:
- Living and working in a designated regional area for at least three years.
- Occupation must be on a relevant regional list.
Benefits:
- 15 extra points awarded for regional nomination.
- Pathway to PR after three years.
4. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
The Subclass 186 Visa is a permanent visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia if they are sponsored by an employer. With ongoing labour shortages across healthcare, IT, engineering, and trades, this pathway is expected to remain one of the most practical options in 2025.
Eligibility criteria include:
- Having an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
- A genuine job offer from an Australian employer.
- Relevant skills, qualifications and often prior work experience in the field.
- English language competency and health/character checks.
Other Pathways to Consider
While the above are the main PR options, international students may also benefit from transitional visas, such as the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which provides valuable work experience after completing studies and can serve as a steppingstone towards PR. Partner visas are also worth exploring, and working on points maximisation will greatly boost chances of securing a visa.
How IMM Consults Can Help
Navigating the Australian migration system can be a complex process. At IMM Consult, we specialise in guiding international students through every stage of the PR process, from assessing eligibility and improving points scores to preparing strong applications that meet the latest 2025 requirements. Our team stays up to date with policy changes and ensures that you receive tailored advice suited to your individual circumstances.
Choosing the right option depends on your skills, career goals and willingness to consider regional opportunities or employer sponsorship. Ready to take the next step towards your Australian future? Contact us today for expert guidance on securing your Permanent Residency.
