It is a fact that Australia always needs skilled migrants to cope of with competitive economic world. It is impossible to create skilled workforce within Australia practically. Australian government is trying best to make local skilled so that the there is no migration intake. The reality is that it is impossible. If you are skilled and if your occupation falls under the skilled demand lists anywhere in Australia, then there are more chances that you will get PR.
But there are couple of facts that the international students should be clear with so that you can make informed decision to obtain PR. They are as follows:
As of July 2019, there are 812,104 international students studying in Australia. Out of them 56,847 are from Nepal and 121,815 from India. The quota for 2019 – 2021 migration intake for skilled stream is 108,682. The supply is more than demand.
You are not only competing for PR with international students here in Australia but also with skilled migrants from overseas.
The student visa program and migration program are separate programs.
The government policy is to fill skill shortage in Regional Areas.
Temporary Skill Shortage (“TSS”) Visa and Employer Nomination Scheme (“ENS”) PR are separate programs.
In 2019 – 2020, the migration intake for skilled stream is 108,682. That means the Regional Areas PR is 65% of the whole skilled stream.
You might feel comfortable living in metropolitan cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. It is definite that to obtain PR from metropolitan cities are next to impossible unless you are sponsored under TSS visa with Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (“MLTSSL”). There is also no guarantee for the PR under this program also. Under TSS visa you can only apply for PR under ENS after 3 years. However, as TSS and ENS is separate program, at the time of lodgement of PR, if your occupation is removed from MLTSSL, you may not be able to apply for PR.
It is very important for international students to focus on the policy of the government. It is hard to change your comfort zone when you have made friends, have permanent job, struggled for 2 or 3 years and used to the place better and then suddenly move to Regional Areas and struggle again.
But the fact of life is struggle is always there. You should not be afraid of struggle neither stay in your comfort zone.
You need to plan for your PR pathway 6 months before you complete your education. Or even better to plan 1 year ahead.
At present, you can move to Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia or Northern Territory. Each Regional Areas have its own advantages and disadvantages. But our preference is Northern Territory due to high salary rate, job opportunity and small area.
If you plan your PR properly and stay lawful, there is high chance you will get PR.