Completing your degree in Australia is usually just the first step in an international student’s journey to gain permanent residency, setting the foundation for everything that comes next. But after all the hard work and investment in a university degree, you’re left wondering: how do I stay permanently?
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa has proven one of the most accessible and valuable ways for international graduates to convert temporary visas to permanent residence (PR). Recognising and rewarding skills and work experience you gained in Australia, the 190 also caters for those keen to contribute in a targeted way to one state or territory’s economy.
The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent residency option for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government who match the occupation and skill level they need to fill their local labour market gaps. This is different from the similar but self-sponsored Subclass 189 visa.
The key difference is receiving a nomination from your chosen state or territory, which they offer after you first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI). The nomination gives you the equivalent of five points to your EOI score through SkillSelect — a free government online portal where immigration candidates register their profiles.
Nomination is where international graduates often come in: the states and territories of Australia have their own tailored migration programs that reflect their own local labour market needs (hence called State and Territory Nominated Visas – or STNP). In particular, these programs have requirements for specific occupations (jobs) and skill levels.
As a general rule, the longer you study, live or work in a state or territory, the higher the chance of gaining a nomination. This is because you are showing commitment to and integration with that particular Australian community. That said, only a few states and territories actively invite international students to apply.
The shortest summary? The Subclass 190 visa rewards commitment and contribution.
The most common transition to nomination and Subclass 190 is after graduation in Australia. Graduates first apply and are granted a Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa. This can be available for 2 to 4 years of full-time work, depending on what you studied. It also provides graduates with that all-important Australian work experience.
The most common graduate to the Subclass 190 path, therefore, is:
So, you gain skills and experience as an Australian worker to then prove your employability in the specific skilled roles the states want filled.
All of Australia’s states and territories have started to prioritise their onshore applicants, especially international students and graduates who studied or worked in their region. The reason for this is simple: they have demonstrated that they have integrated into the local work culture, understand Australia’s economy, and can contribute to their local economy much more quickly than other migrants.
Let’s look at some of the most graduate-friendly states:
State governments are already offering incentives for onshore graduates to remain in their state and work towards skilled nomination, including a clear advantage in the state’s EOI rankings and faster processing of visas.
An onshore graduate who converts from a student visa to a working visa gets three main advantages:
Also, being a local worker allows you to build a deeper connection to a region and community through study, work, professional networks, volunteering, or other contributions to a local society. This, in turn, is a better return on your investment in an Australian education: a secure future and the ability to live and work across Australia.
If you’re an international graduate and looking at Subclass 190 to apply for permanent residency, here are some tips:
By doing this legwork, you not only increase your chances of nomination but also reduce the waiting time for a PR grant.
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is more than just a way to stay in Australia permanently. It is an opportunity to build on your investment in studying and working in Australia to continue your career and life here. By getting an Australian degree and then Australian work experience, you have a stronger case for PR because you are a more valuable and sought-after migrant.
States are therefore very keen to retain the talent they have trained and invested in, and reward you for your mutual investment in each other through the Subclass 190 nomination. The best way to start is to get your documents prepared and reviewed by a registered migration agent in Brisbane. We at Heenan & Browne Visa Migration Services provide trusted guidance, ensuring every applicant begins their pathway to an Australian future with clarity and confidence.
