Top PR Priority Subjects
Courses with strong pathways to residency based on current demand.
Nursing & Medical
Constant shortage nationwide. Fast PR options. Strong regional 491 options. Medical sciences require AHPRA registration & placements.
Teaching & Education
Needs accreditation. Offers good long-term stability.
Social Work
Especially strong in NSW, QLD, SA, TAS.
Engineering
EA Assessment required. Civil engineering is especially in demand.
IT & Cybersecurity
Good demand but highly competitive. Requires high points.
Accounting & Finance
Reality Check: Many applicants. Needs excellent points or regional study.
Trades (Hospitality)
Requires Cert IV + Experience. Chefs are in shortage.
Niche Regional Options
Good in regional areas (SA, TAS, ACT). Metro is competitive.
The Points System
Minimum 65 points needed to apply, but higher is often required.
Age
English (IELTS/PTE)
Experience
Inside Australia
Outside Australia
Education & Extras
State Sponsorship
Extra points for state nomination.
Partner Points
Regional Australia Guide
Studying and living in these areas grants extra points and easier visa pathways.
100% Regional States
The entire state/territory counts as regional, including the capital cities.
- South Australia (SA) Adelaide included
- Western Australia (WA) Perth included
- Tasmania (TAS) Hobart included
- ACT & NT Canberra/Darwin
Top Ranked for Migration:
- Tasmania: Simple requirements, very supportive.
- South Australia: Many course pathways even with low points.
- Regional WA: Growing demand, new friendly policies.
Partially Regional States
| State | Major Non-Regional City | Eligible Regional Areas |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Sydney | Newcastle, Wollongong, Central Coast, Parramatta (some visas), Dubbo, Orange, Wagga Wagga... |
| Victoria | Melbourne | Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton, Wodonga... |
| Queensland | Brisbane | Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Townsville, Toowoomba, Rockhampton... |
The 7-Step PR Process
1 Choose Occupation
Must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
2 Skills Assessment
Get assessed by relevant body (ACS, EA, VETASSESS, etc.).
3 English Test
Sit IELTS or PTE to maximize your points.
4 Calculate Points
Ensure you meet the minimum 65 points (aim higher).
5 Submit EOI
Lodge Expression of Interest in SkillSelect.
6 Wait for Invitation
Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the government.
7 Apply for Visa
Submit final application with police & medical checks.
Working While Studying
Work Limit (Subclass 500)
48 Hours / fortnight
Flexible 14-day period (Mon to 2nd following Sun). E.g., work 10 hours one week, 38 the next.
Min. Wage (July 2025)
$24.95 / hr
Casual Loading
+25%
Dependent Work Rights:
- Masters/PhD Dependents: UNRESTRICTED full-time rights from course start.
- Bachelor/Diploma Dependents: Capped at 48hrs/fortnight.
Post-Study Work Visa (TR)
Subclass 485 stay periods.
Regional Extension Bonus
+1 to 2 Years
Graduates from designated regional campuses who continue to live and work in that region get extended TR. This makes regional providers strategically superior.