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Student Visas

Explore exciting visa pathways to make your dream career a reality.

There are various visa options you can look into depending on where you are in your education lifecycle – be it as an undergraduate student or a fresh graduate looking to launch your career.

If you wish to study and/or work in Perth

The Student Visa (subclass 500) is perfect if you want to study in Perth and work at the same time.

With this visa, you can have a part-time job at 48 hours per fortnight and unlimited working hours during semester break.

Who is eligible?

Students who can provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a full-time course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and courses for Overseas Students, CRICOS.

How long can you stay in Australia?

The Student Visa allows you to remain in Australia for up to 5 years for the purpose of full-time study at an educational institution, in line with your enrolment.

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The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) is suited to you if you want to work in Australia while funding your extended holiday. 

With this visa, you can:

  • Do short-term work in Australia to help pay for your holiday
  • Study for up to 4 months
  • Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want

Who is eligible?

Eligible passport holders aged 18 to 30 years (35 years for some countries).

How long can you stay in Australia?

This visa allows you to remain in Australia for up to 12 months. You may complete 3 months of specified work to become eligible for a second Working Holiday Visa. 

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If you wish to temporarily work in WA after graduating

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is for recent international graduates seeking to spend time in Australia and gain practical work experience.

Who is eligible? 

International students who have recently graduated with a qualification in a CRICOS-registered course from a WA education provider.

How long can you stay in Australia?

In Perth, this visa usually allows you to stay in Australia following your studies for between 5 to 7 years (extended duration following Government announcement), depending on your qualification.

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The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) allows employers to sponsor skilled international workers for vacant positions. This could be available to recent international student graduates.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible for this visa if you:

  • Are nominated for a skilled position by an approved sponsor
  • Have the right skills to do the job
  • Meet the relevant English language requirements

How long can you stay in Australia?

In Perth, this visa usually allows you to stay in Australia for between 2 to 5 years.

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If you wish to work in WA long-term via employee sponsorship

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (subclass 494) allows employers in Perth and regional areas of Western Australia to sponsor skilled international workers for vacant positions.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible for this visa if you:

  • Are nominated by an approved work sponsor
  • Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list 
  • Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
  • Are under 45 years of age
  • Meet minimum standards of English language proficiency

How long can you stay in Australia?

This visa allows you to live, work and study in Western Australia for up to 5 years. You can also apply for permanent residence after 3 years and travel in and out of Australia whilst the visa is valid.

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The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186) enables skilled workers, who are nominated by their employer, to live and work in Australia permanently.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible for this visa if you:

  • Have the necessary skills for the job
  • Are nominated by an Australian employer
  • Meet the relevant health and character requirements

How long can you stay in Australia?

The visa allows you to reside in Australia permanently.

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If you wish to work in WA long-term without employee sponsorship

The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) lets invited and eligible skilled workers live and work in Australia as permanent residents.

Who is eligible?

Invited workers, eligible New Zealand citizens and eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who meet the criteria.

How long can you stay in Australia?

The visa allows you to reside in Australia permanently.

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The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) lets nominated skilled workers live and work in Australia as permanent residents.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible for this visa if you:

  • Have an occupation on the relevant skilled list
  • Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
  • Be invited to apply for this visa
  • Satisfy the points test

How long can you stay in Australia?

The visa allows you to reside in Australia permanently, and if eligible, to apply for Australian citizenship in the future.

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The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) is for skilled people nominated by a state or territory government to live and work in Western Australia.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible for this visa if you:

  • Are nominated to apply by a state or territory government agency, or an eligible relative must sponsor you
  • Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
  • Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
  • Are invited to apply
  • Satisfy the points test 

How long can you stay in Australia?

This visa allows you to live, work and study in Western Australia for 5 years. You can also apply for permanent residence after 3 years and travel in and out of Australia whilst the visa is valid.

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The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191) allows workers who hold an eligible visa and meet an income requirement to live and work in Australia permanently.

Who is eligible?

Those who may qualify for the Regional Provisional Stream:

  • Do not require a sponsor or nominator
  • Must hold an eligible visa for at least 3 years, and complied with the conditions of that visa​
  • Must have had a taxable income at or above a specific income threshold for at least 3 years while holding their eligible visa​

Those who may qualify for the Hong Kong stream:

  • Must hold a Hong Kong passport or a British National (Overseas) passport
  • Must meet certain visa requirements
  • Must meet certain residence requirements​

How long can you stay in Australia?

The visa allows you to reside in Australia permanently.

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Migrating to Perth

Thinking about migrating to Perth, Western Australia? Find out more about the available migration pathways here.

Learn more

International Students with Dependants

Moving to Perth and bringing your children with you? Learn about the school enrolment conditions for children of student visa holders.

Learn more
Are you studying offshore?

If you’re offshore, once you are issued a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education institution you can then apply for your student visa by visiting the Department of Home Affairs website.

Registered education agents in your country can also help you to choose a course; complete your application; and apply for your international student visa. Check with your education intuition for details of their registered agents.

Onshore students can apply with a Letter of Offer but must provide the Department of Home Affairs with CoEs prior to a visa grant.

Your student visa will:

  • be emailed to you by the Department of Home Affairs;
  • be issued for the duration of your course of study or full duration of a study package; and
  • enable you to re-enter Australia for the duration of your course.

Use the link below for more information on how to apply for an ImmiAccount to submit your visa application.

Learn more

 

 

This content was last updated in July 2023 and developed in collaboration with TAFE International Western Australia.

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