Australia Migration Pathway Planner
This tool generates a timeline from now to permanent residence (PR) based on your starting point (preparing to study, currently studying, graduated/485 stage, offshore direct skilled migration, employer sponsorship 482→186, regional 491→191), occupation field, target visa category, and estimated score. It marks the key milestones — which month to start, which month to graduate, the 485 application deadline, skills assessment, lodging your EOI, securing an invitation, and applying for PR — and, combining the latest invitation scores, gives score and occupation-field decision advice. Occupation and invitation round data is mapped from official Department of Home Affairs information. This page is an information-aggregation reference tool and does not constitute migration agent or legal advice; for exact cut-off scores, quotas, and requirements, refer to the Department.
Migration Pathway Planner
From now to PR: which month to start, which month to graduate, when you must be employed, and which year to apply for permanent residence
Your starting point
Your migration timeline
- Enrol (start the course)7 2026
Choose a CRICOS-registered course that aligns with a migration occupation; accumulate about 2 years of study to meet the Australian study requirement.
- Start the skills assessment (Relevant authority)4 2028
Begin 3-6 months before graduation; assessments often take 8-12 weeks — the earlier the better.
- Graduate (meet the 2-year Australian study requirement)7 2028
Obtain your completion letter and confirm you meet the Australian study requirement.
- ⚠️ 485 application deadline (must lodge within 6 months of graduation)1 2029
Missing it means losing 485 eligibility; before lodging you need your English score (valid within 1 year), health check, and insurance ready.
- Secure a relevant full-time job as soon as possible11 2028
The 485 gives you 2-3 years of work rights — get into a relevant role early, build Australian work experience (+5~10 points), and seek employer sponsorship opportunities.
- Complete the Professional Year (PY +5) / push your English7 2029
IT/accounting/engineering can do a Professional Year (+5); pushing English to Proficient (+10) / Superior (+20) is the fastest way to add points.
- Lodge your EOI (once you have enough points)1 2030
Lodge the EOI once your score is enough; if points are tight, consider 190 (+5) / 491 (+15).
- Secure an invitation and apply for 189 permanent residence1 2031
189 is direct permanent residence; 190 requires living in the nominating state for 2 years.
Score and occupation decision advice
No latest minimum invitation score reference for this pathway yet.
First use the points calculator to get an accurate score, then come back to plan.
Scope & disclaimer Pathways and timelines are reference estimates based on public history, not a prediction or guarantee of invitation or approval. This site is an information guide and does not constitute migration agent (MARA) advice; for application decisions, refer to the official information from the Department of Home Affairs, or consult a registered migration agent (OMARA registered).