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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