Migration Tips
2 October 2025

Student Visa to Australian PR: A Step-by-Step Timeline with Dates (IT Graduates)

A practical, date-driven roadmap for international IT graduates to move from Student (subclass 500) → Temporary Graduate 485 → PR (189/190/491), with example deadlines, checklists and tips.

Student Visa to Australian PR: A Step-by-Step Timeline with Dates (IT Graduates)

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.

PhaseKey ActionTarget DateNotes
Finish studiesCourse completion letter issued2025-12-15Confirm final results and that completion is recorded.
English & docsBook IELTS/PTE + police checks2026-01-10Aim for points-friendly English (e.g., proficient/superior).
485 windowLodge 485 (Post-Higher Education Work)2026-03-01Must fall within the post-completion window; check age cap rules.
Job & skillsStart full-time IT role on 4852026-03-15Duties must align with ANZSCO for your nominated occupation.
ACS planChoose ACS PR pathway2026-04-01Decide between 1 year post-qualification experience or Professional Year.
Points buildNAATI CCL / partner skills / state criteria2026-04-15Add points early; research state nomination requirements.
Skills assessmentLodge ACS skills assessment (PR purposes)2026-07-01Line up references, transcripts, duties mapping.
EOISubmit EOI for 189/190/4912026-07-15Ensure English and skills assessment validity.
State nominationApply to state if targeting 190/4912026-08-01Tailor to state’s ICT list and onshore evidence.
InvitationRespond to invitation to apply2026-09-01Upload consistent evidence; check deadlines carefully.
PR lodgedLodge PR application2026-09-15Keep 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

  1. Australian ICT degree (ICT major) + 1 year post-qualification work in a closely related occupation; or
  2. 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

VisaWhat it isTypical MinimumProsWatch-outs
189Independent, points-tested65 points minimum (competitive can be higher)Live/work anywhere; no sponsorInvitations vary; ICT ceilings may be competitive.
190State-nominated PR65 points (state adds +5)Faster invites if your skills match state needsEach state has unique onshore/work rules and target lists.
491Regional provisional (pathway to PR)65 points (nomination adds +15)Big points boost; more regional opportunitiesProvisional 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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