In an effort to retain successful overseas students there are three categories of skilled visa which allow successful tertiary-qualified overseas students in Australia to remain permanently.

Applications must be made while the former student is still in Australia, and within six months of completion of a diploma, degree, or trade certificate for award by an Australian educational institution after a qualifying period of full time study in the English language medium at that institution in Australia.

A new temporary Graduate - Skilled visa (subclass 497) is available to allow Student Visa holders to remain in Australia for up to six months while their application for a permanent Skilled Overseas Student visa is being processed.

Applicants for an 880 Independent Overseas Student visa must have a successful skills assessment for a skilled occupation assigned at least 60 points on the skilled occupation list or 50 points if they are a successful PhD student.

Applicants for an 881 Australian-sponsored Overseas Student visa must have a satisfactory skills assessment for a nominated skilled occupation assigned at least 50 points on the Skilled Occupations List.

Applicants for an 882 Designated Area-sponsored Overseas Student visa must simply have a satisfactory skills assessment for any nominated skilled occupation that carries 40 points or more.