Get Permanent Residency In Austria After Your Studies

how to get pr in austria after study

Australia is a popular study-abroad destination for international students due to its high-quality education system and world-class universities. Many students aspire to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Australia after completing their studies. The process can be lengthy and time-consuming, but it offers numerous benefits, including access to healthcare, social security, and the opportunity to live, work, and study indefinitely in the country. To achieve this, students must navigate various visa pathways and meet specific eligibility criteria, including age, skills, work experience, and English proficiency. This paragraph will be followed by a detailed explanation of the steps and requirements for obtaining PR in Australia after studying there.

Characteristics Values
Countries with PR options after study Australia
Time taken for PR 2 years (fastest)
Visa options Student Visa, Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), Skilled Migration Visa, Post-Study Work Visa, Skilled Independent Visa, Employer-Sponsored Visa, State-Sponsored Visa
Requirements Points-based system, English proficiency, qualification, work experience, age, skills
Benefits Live, work, and study indefinitely, access to healthcare and social security

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Points-based system

It is important to note that Austria does not offer a post-study work visa. However, international students who have graduated from Austrian educational institutions can stay back and seek employment. They are entitled to stay for another 12 months in Austria to find a job, if they have completed the second section of a diploma program or obtained a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. degree at an Austrian public university, university of applied sciences, or accredited private university.

During this time, they can apply for the "Red-White-Red Card", which is valid for 24 months and allows employment with the specified employer. The Red-White-Red Card can be applied for directly in Austria or at the appropriate Austrian embassy or consulate abroad. The card is issued based on a points system, with a minimum of 55 out of 90 points required for workers in shortage occupations, and a minimum of 70 out of 100 points required for very highly qualified workers. Points can be earned based on professional experience, language skills, age, special qualifications, and skills that are in high demand in Austria.

After the initial 24 months, the Red-White-Red Card Plus can be applied for, granting the holder unlimited access to the Austrian labor market. This card can also be applied for by students who have graduated from an Austrian educational institution, providing them with the opportunity to seek employment or start a business in the country.

In addition to the points-based system, there are general requirements that must be fulfilled, such as having health insurance and sufficient means of subsistence as outlined in the Austrian settlement and residence law.

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Visa pathways

There are several visa pathways that international students can consider when applying for permanent residency in Australia. The most common migration pathway is the Australian student visa to PR route. However, it is important to note that Australian visa regulations change frequently, and it is recommended to seek professional advice.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate Visa is a popular option for international students who have completed their postgraduate studies in Australia. This visa allows graduates to remain in the country temporarily, usually for 18 months to four years, to gain valuable work experience. It has two streams: Graduate Work and Post-Study Work. The Graduate Work stream is for those with qualifications in specific skilled occupations, while the Post-Study Work stream is for those who do not have an employer or the required work experience to accumulate the necessary points for a PR application.

Skilled Migration

The Skilled Migration pathway is for international students who possess the required skills and work experience. Points for skilled migration are based on factors such as age, English ability, employment history, and study history. Some work-stream visas require nomination by an employer or an Australian government agency. Additionally, state government nomination may be required to meet the requirements or boost one's application.

Employer-Sponsored Visas

For those who cannot meet the skilled migration requirements, employer sponsorship is an alternative pathway. This route often involves obtaining a temporary visa (Subclass 482) first and working for the sponsoring employer for at least three years before applying for a permanent visa. In some cases, direct application for permanent residence (186 visa) is possible.

Family and Business Visas

Permanent residency in Australia can also be obtained through the family system or business investment. International students can apply for a permanent resident visa if they own or manage a business in Australia or plan to invest in the country. Additionally, family reunification is possible through the family visa pathway.

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Skilled migration

Austria is a popular choice for international students, with over 70 universities and 2000 courses to choose from. The country also allows international students who have graduated from Austrian educational institutions to stay back and seek employment.

Austria is facing a prevalent and increasing shortage of skilled workers, particularly in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). This means that graduates of Austrian universities are in a good position to apply for a residence permit and seek employment in the country.

To apply for permanent residency in Austria, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must have had legal status in Austria for the past five years.
  • You must have a fixed and regular source of income to meet your living costs. The minimum income requirement for singles is € 1,217.46, and for couples, it is € 1,921.96. For each additional child, the applicant must have an income of € 187.93.
  • You must have health insurance coverage.
  • You must have proof of successful completion of studies or corresponding training.
  • You must have a valid travel document (e.g. passport).
  • You must provide a photograph not older than six months (size: 45x35 mm).

If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss national, you are allowed to work in Austria during your studies, regardless of the sector or number of hours worked. After graduation, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Card for Graduates, which allows you to extend your residence permit for another twelve months and look for a job during this time. Once you have a binding job offer from an Austrian company, you or the company can apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus, which provides unlimited access to the labour market.

If you are a third-country national, you can still apply for a Student Residence Permit, which allows you to work in Austria during your studies. After graduation, you can apply for a residence permit renewal or a post-study work visa, which is valid for one year and allows you to seek employment or start a business in the country.

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Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a visa for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution. The visa allows graduates to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily. The visa is a great opportunity for graduates to gain valuable work experience and enhance their skills. It is also a potential pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

The visa has three or four streams, each with different requirements:

  • Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: This stream is for applicants with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification. The qualification must be closely related to a nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
  • Post-Higher Education Work Stream: This stream is for applicants with a degree-level qualification or higher. The qualification must be relevant to a nominated occupation on the MLTSSL.
  • Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: This stream is for applicants who already hold a Temporary Graduate Visa in the Post-Study Work Stream or the Replacement Stream and have resided in a regional area for a minimum of two years.
  • Graduate Work Stream: This stream is for applicants with qualifications in specific skilled occupations.

The duration of the visa depends on the qualification. For Bachelor's and Master's courses, the visa is valid for two years, while for Master's (by research) and PhD degrees, it is valid for three years. The maximum age to apply for the visa has been reduced to 35 years old, and applicants must meet health and character requirements, including having health insurance. Additionally, there is a minimum English language proficiency requirement, with a score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent required.

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Work restrictions

International students in Australia who are interested in obtaining permanent residency (PR) should be aware of the work restrictions that come with their visa. The type of visa and its specific conditions will determine the extent to which a student can work while studying in Australia.

For instance, the Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight during their semester and unlimited hours during study breaks. This ensures that their primary focus remains on their studies while still providing some flexibility for part-time work.

After completing their studies, international students can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows them to gain valuable work experience in Australia. This visa has two streams: the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study Work stream. The Graduate Work stream is designed for those with qualifications in specific skilled occupations, providing a pathway for those seeking to establish their careers in Australia. The Post-Study Work stream, on the other hand, offers a more general route for students to gain work experience. The Temporary Graduate Visa can be valid for a period ranging from 18 months to four years, providing a significant opportunity to build a strong foundation for a future career.

It is worth noting that the path to PR in Australia often involves a points-based system. Students can accumulate points through various means, including work experience, skilled migration, and employer sponsorship. For skilled migration, points are based on factors such as age, English ability, employment history, and specific skills valued by the country. In some cases, obtaining state government nomination or employer sponsorship can significantly enhance an applicant's chances of securing a permanent visa.

While the Temporary Graduate Visa and similar pathways provide valuable work opportunities, it is important to be mindful of any restrictions or conditions attached to these visas. For example, with a temporary visa, individuals are typically tied to a specific employer, and switching jobs would require the new employer to take over the sponsorship. Additionally, certain visas may require a minimum number of years with the sponsoring employer before achieving free agency. Understanding and adhering to these work restrictions are crucial steps in the journey towards obtaining PR in Australia after completing studies.

Frequently asked questions

You can apply for permanent residency in Austria after completing your studies through various visa categories, such as skilled work, family, and business visas. Each of these has specific eligibility criteria, including age, skills, work experience, and English proficiency.

Permanent residency in Austria allows non-citizens to live, work, and study in Austria indefinitely. It also provides access to healthcare and social security.

The requirements for getting permanent residency in Austria after studying include having a high level of English proficiency and choosing a course that has better prospects of getting PR. Additionally, you may need to meet specific criteria related to age, skills, and work experience.

The process of obtaining permanent residency in Austria can be lengthy and time-consuming. On average, the processing time for a permanent residency visa is estimated to be between 6 to 8 months. However, it is important to note that the duration may vary depending on individual circumstances and visa category.

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