· Draft: seed content, figures not yet confirmed against the rulebook.
From a student visa to skilled migration
Many people study in Australia first, then work on a graduate visa, then apply for a skilled or employer-sponsored visa. This guide shows how the steps connect and where the checks are.
Pending verification Written 22 October 2026
Draft guide: written from seed content and not yet linked to confirmed ledger entries.
Step 1: Student visa (subclass 500)
You need a Confirmation of Enrolment for a full-time course registered for overseas students (CRICOS), adequate health insurance, and evidence for the Genuine Student requirement. Home Affairs states that the visa lasts up to 6 years in line with your enrolment, and that you may work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session.
Step 2: Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
After you finish an eligible course in Australia you may be able to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa. There is an age limit of 35 or younger (higher for some passport holders and research graduates) and an English test requirement, and you must apply within the period after finishing your course that Home Affairs allows. Check the current rules before you plan around this visa.
Step 3: A skilled or employer-sponsored visa
Australian study can add points in the points test: 2 academic years of study in Australia, a specialist STEM research qualification, a Professional Year and studying in a regional area each have their own row in the table.
The other route is employer sponsorship: a Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) first, and for some people a permanent Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) later.
Related
For advice on your own case, ask a registered migration agent (MARA) or an Australian legal practitioner. Rules change, so always check the official source.