You may be surprised to learn that over 190,000 individuals are granted Australian permanent residency (PR) each year, with the majority being international students (source: Department of Home Affairs, Government of Australia). If you are a Nepali student currently studying in Australia, you are already on the right path toward permanent residency.
Applying for Australian permanent residency (PR) may seem complex, but with a little guidance, it is absolutely possible. Here is a guide that takes you through the Australian PR process step by step, from ensuring your eligibility to presenting your documents and everything in between.
If you are interested in learning how to obtain PR in Australia, what the requirements are, or are curious about the documents you may need for Australian PR, AECC has you covered. Let us start your journey to Australian permanent residency with clarity and confidence.
The benefits of studying in Australia are numerous. Thankfully, Australia offers multiple permanent residency pathways designed to support skilled graduates. Here are the most accessible options for international students from Nepal:
Eligibility factors are crucial in determining your chances of success in obtaining Australian PR. Meeting these factors, which include age, education, English proficiency, and work experience, can significantly enhance your prospects. For a Nepalese student considering applying for Australia PR in 2025, focusing on meeting these requirements will be key. The following are the updated Australia PR eligibility requirements for Nepal applicants:
Australia PR Age RequirementApplying for Australian permanent residency (PR) involves submitting a series of formal documents. They all have one important thing in common: they all help establish your identity, qualification and suitability. For a student from Nepal, having the correct documentation can help with their application.
The following are a set of Australia PR required documents for Nepal applicants:
Although realising Australia PR seems like a long way away, the process is not difficult if you take your journey one step at a time. Here is a simple guide designed to help students from Nepal take each step into applying for Australian PR one step at a time.
Step 1: Check Your EligibilityUse the PR points calculator to ensure you meet the minimum score of 65 points. Focus on age, education, work, and English skills.
Step 2: Take an English TestTake a recognised English language test, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. A higher score means more points.
Step 3: Get a Skill AssessmentHave your qualifications and work experience assessed by the relevant authority based on your occupation.
Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)Register your profile on SkillSelect with details about your qualifications, English test results, and work experience.
Step 5: Wait for an InvitationIf your EOI meets the required threshold, you will receive an invitation to apply for the PR visa.
Step 6: Prepare and Submit Your ApplicationComplete the online application and upload all required documents for the Australia PR. Pay the visa fee.
Step 7: Undergo Health and Character ChecksAttend a medical check and submit police clearance certificates.
Step 8: Await the OutcomeOnce verified, the Department of Home Affairs will inform you of the decision. If approved, you will receive your PR grant letter.
Planning Australia PR also involves considering the financial aspects of the project. Visa charges, skill assessment, English tests, a host of other charges—it can get expensive, and this really depends on your profile. Here are the key expenses you can anticipate. This summary gives a clearer picture of the cost of Australia PR for Nepalese applicants:
|
Expense |
Approximate Cost (AUD) |
|
Skill Assessment |
300 – 1,000 |
|
English Language Test (IELTS/PTE) |
460 |
|
Visa Application Fee (Main Applicant) |
4,640 |
|
Additional Applicant (18+) |
2,320 |
|
Additional Applicant (Under 18) |
1,160 |
|
Medical Examination |
300 – 500 |
|
Police Clearance Certificate |
100 – 150 |
|
Document Translation (if needed) |
20 – 50 per page |
Note: The approximate cost has been sourced from the official Government of Australia, Department of Home Affairs and other credible websites for references and are subject to change. Prices may vary slightly depending on the institution and location.
Any mistake can delay your Australia PR application, so avoid them all. Here are some mistakes to avoid in an Australian PR application, especially if you are a Nepalese student:
Picking the wrong skills assessment body
Tip: Always use the official Home Affairs website to check the correct organisation that assesses your profession.
Underestimating your PR points
Tip: Be sure to use a verified PR points calculator or get someone to check your estimated points before you submit your Expression of Interest (EOI).
Missing information or incomplete documents
Tip: Create a comprehensive checklist in advance. Check that everything is complete before submitting.
At AECC Nepal, we go beyond just assisting students in selecting the right university. We guide you through every step of your Australian PR journey, from selecting courses that lead to an eligible PR to preparing documents and understanding the points system.
Our AECC professional counsellors are aware of all the changes in immigration rules so that you can make the right decisions and safeguard yourself against the wrong decisions that could end up costing you.
With the right support and planning, getting Australian PR as a Nepali student is achievable. From a clear understanding of the criteria for PR in Australia to the collection of the necessary documents for Australian PR, there are numerous details. We have provided you with an overview of the PR visa in Australia, a step-by-step guide, covered the major costs, and explained how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Now that you are ready to start your journey, AECC Nepal is here to assist you. Contact one of our experts today to get specific advice and take your first confident step to getting your Australian permanent residency.
Australia PR is not too difficult if you meet the points requirement and submit the right documents. With the right planning, it is achievable.
You can fast-track your PR by studying in a regional area and choosing a course on the Skilled Occupation List. Scoring high on English tests also helps.
The Australian Permanent Resident (PR) visa grants you the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely. While the visa itself is permanent, the travel facility, which allows you to leave and re-enter Australia as a permanent resident, is typically valid for five years from the date of grant. After this period, you will generally need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to maintain your travel rights, although your permanent resident status within Australia remains.
As mentioned above, your permanent residency status is indefinite. However, the travel facility associated with your PR visa is usually valid for five years from the date of issue. To continue traveling internationally after this period, you will likely need to apply for a Resident Return Visa.
After five years of holding a permanent resident visa and meeting certain residency requirements, you become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. Alternatively, if you wish to continue traveling internationally as a permanent resident, you will generally need to apply for a Resident Return Visa to renew your travel facility.
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