Student Visa to Australian PR: A Step-by-Step Timeline with Dates (IT Graduates)
Who this is for: International IT, data, software and cyber graduates in Australia who want a realistic path from Student (subclass 500) → Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) → Skilled PR (189/190/491), with a simple calendar you can follow.
Why a timeline matters
A clear, date-anchored plan keeps you eligible, prevents missed windows (age limits, English validity, skills assessment timing), and helps you line up points, state nomination, and employment evidence properly.
At-a-Glance Pathway
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Key checkpoints
- Student (500): Study + work rights (48 hours per fortnight in session, unlimited in scheduled breaks). Always follow provider/visa conditions.
- Temporary Graduate (485): Choose the correct stream for your qualification. Track age caps and time limits.
- PR targets (189/190/491): Build points early (English, NAATI CCL, partner, state criteria). Keep documents valid.
- Employer bridge: Consider Skills in Demand (subclass 482) while waiting for invitations.
A Practical 18-Month Timeline (Example Dates)
Example assumption: You complete a Master of IT on 2025-12-15, sit English in January 2026, lodge 485 by March 2026, target 190/491 mid-2026. Adjust to your completion date.
| Phase | Key Action | Target Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finish studies | Course completion letter issued | 2025-12-15 | Confirm final results and that completion is recorded. |
| English & docs | Book IELTS/PTE + police checks | 2026-01-10 | Aim for points-friendly English (e.g., proficient/superior). |
| 485 window | Lodge 485 (Post-Higher Education Work) | 2026-03-01 | Must fall within the post-completion window; check age cap rules. |
| Job & skills | Start full-time IT role on 485 | 2026-03-15 | Duties must align with ANZSCO for your nominated occupation. |
| ACS plan | Choose ACS PR pathway | 2026-04-01 | Decide between 1 year post-qualification experience or Professional Year. |
| Points build | NAATI CCL / partner skills / state criteria | 2026-04-15 | Add points early; research state nomination requirements. |
| Skills assessment | Lodge ACS skills assessment (PR purposes) | 2026-07-01 | Line up references, transcripts, duties mapping. |
| EOI | Submit EOI for 189/190/491 | 2026-07-15 | Ensure English and skills assessment validity. |
| State nomination | Apply to state if targeting 190/491 | 2026-08-01 | Tailor to state’s ICT list and onshore evidence. |
| Invitation | Respond to invitation to apply | 2026-09-01 | Upload consistent evidence; check deadlines carefully. |
| PR lodged | Lodge PR application | 2026-09-15 | Keep 485 valid while PR is processing. |
Reminder: Put calendar alerts 30/14/7 days before each target date.
Student Visa (500): Essentials
- Work limitation: Up to 48 hours per fortnight during teaching periods; unlimited in scheduled breaks.
- Academic progress: Meet enrolment and course progress rules; keep OSHC current.
- Compliance hygiene: Keep addresses up to date, maintain attendance, and document any provider changes.
Temporary Graduate (subclass 485): What to Plan For
- Choose the right stream based on your qualification (e.g., Post-Higher Education Work for Bachelor/Master/PhD).
- Age limits & duration: Confirm the current age cap at lodgement and the visa length tied to your degree level.
- Documents checklist: Completion letter, final transcripts, English, police checks, health, passport.
- Employment readiness: Prepare a mapped duty list matching ANZSCO for roles such as 261313 Software Engineer, 261312 Developer Programmer, 261111 ICT Business Analyst, 262112 ICT Security Specialist, 262113 Systems Administrator.
Common pitfalls
- Waiting too long to book English.
- Using generic employment letters that don’t describe ANZSCO-aligned tasks.
- Confusing a 485-purpose ICT assessment with a PR-purpose ACS assessment.
ACS Skills Assessment for ICT Graduates (PR Purposes)
Two typical routes
- Australian ICT degree (ICT major) + 1 year post-qualification work in a closely related occupation; or
- Australian ICT degree (ICT major) + ACS Professional Year (ICT field) completed in Australia.
Evidence that helps
- Detailed employment reference letters (duties, tech stack, hours, location).
- Payslips, contracts, tax summaries.
- Organisation charts and position descriptions.
- Academic transcripts + completion letter.
Timing tip: Start assembling evidence during your first month on 485 so you can lodge the PR-purpose ACS assessment by mid-year.
Choosing Your PR Path: 189 vs 190 vs 491
| Visa | What it is | Typical Minimum | Pros | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189 | Independent, points-tested | 65 points minimum (competitive can be higher) | Live/work anywhere; no sponsor | Invitations vary; ICT ceilings may be competitive. |
| 190 | State-nominated PR | 65 points (state adds +5) | Faster invites if your skills match state needs | Each state has unique onshore/work rules and target lists. |
| 491 | Regional provisional (pathway to PR) | 65 points (nomination adds +15) | Big points boost; more regional opportunities | Provisional first; requires meeting regional PR criteria later. |
Points levers
- English (Proficient/Superior)
- Age
- Skilled employment (overseas & Australian)
- Qualifications (Australian study)
- NAATI CCL
- Partner skills/English
- Study in regional Australia
State Nomination Strategy for IT Graduates
- Scan state lists for your code (e.g., 261313, 261312, 261111, 262112, 262113).
- Evidence matters: onshore employment, contract length, salary bands, and post-study residency can influence outcomes.
- 491 as a springboard: Regional roles can significantly lift your points and invite prospects.
- Document consistency: Keep job title, ANZSCO-mapped duties, and references aligned across EOI, nomination, and PR.
English, NAATI CCL, and Professional Year – Sequencing Tips
- English first: lock in your desired band early so points are known before EOI.
- NAATI CCL: relatively quick +5 points; schedule alongside work.
- Professional Year (PY): helps if you lack a full year of post-qualification experience; also improves employability and networking.
FAQs
Q1: Can I apply for PR straight after graduation?
Usually you will need either work experience (ACS) or a Professional Year to pass the PR-purpose skills assessment.
Q2: Do internships count for ACS?
Only if they meet ACS rules (paid, post-qualification, relevant duties, proper evidence). Unpaid placements generally do not count.
Q3: Is 189 realistic for IT grads?
It depends on your points and invitation rounds. Many graduates focus on 190 or 491 while keeping 189 as a bonus.
Q4: Can I work full-time on 485?
Yes, 485 provides full work rights.
Q5: Should I consider employer sponsorship?
Yes—Skills in Demand (482) can be a strong bridge while you pursue points-tested PR.
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