If you are planning your migration strategy for 2026, understanding the Australia PR Points Calculator is essential. The current threshold to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) is 65 points, but realistically, you need a much higher score to receive an invitation.

Core Areas to Claim PR Points

• Age: You score the maximum 30 points if you are between 25 and 32 years old.

• English Language Proficiency: A "Competent" score (IELTS 6.0/PTE 50) gives you 0 points. You need "Proficient" (IELTS 7.0/PTE 65) for 10 points, or "Superior" (IELTS 8.0/PTE 79) to claim the maximum 20 points.

• Educational Qualifications: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an Australian institution yields 15 points, while a PhD awards 20 points.

• Australian Study Requirement: Completing a CRICOS-registered course that took at least two academic years to finish gives you 5 points.

3 Ways to Boost Your PR Score in 2026

1. NAATI CCL (Credentialed Community Language): Passing the NAATI CCL test in your native language (e.g., Nepali) is one of the easiest ways to secure an extra 5 points.

2. Professional Year Program (PYP): If you are an IT, Accounting, or Engineering graduate, completing a 12-month PYP adds 5 points to your profile while giving you valuable local work experience.

3. Regional Study: Studying and living in a designated regional area (like Adelaide, Perth, or Hobart) adds a crucial 5 points to your total.

Maximizing your points requires strategic planning from the day you choose your course. Book an express migration counseling session with Everest Global Education's registered agents to map out your personalized PR pathway today.

Tags: #AustraliaPR #PRPoints #MigrationAustralia #EverestGlobalEdu #SkilledMigration

4. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): 2026 Post-Study Work Rights

Graduating from an Australian university is a massive achievement, and the next logical step for most international students is applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). This visa allows you to live, work full-time, and gain vital industry experience in Australia.

However, 2026 has brought several significant changes to the post-study work rights framework that you need to be aware of.

Key Changes to the 485 Visa in 2026

• Age Limit Reduction: The maximum eligible age for the standard Post-Study Work stream has been lowered from 50 to 35 years (with exceptions for Masters by Research and PhD graduates, who can still apply up to age 50).

• Tougher English Requirements: The minimum English proficiency score has been raised to IELTS 6.5 (with no band under 5.5) or a PTE equivalent. Furthermore, your test results must now be no older than one year at the time of application, down from the previous three-year validity window.

• Streamlined Visa Streams: The government has simplified the 485 visa categories, focusing strictly on the Post-Higher Education Work stream and the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.

How Long Can You Stay?

Visa durations are tied strictly to your qualification level:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Up to 2 years.

• Master’s by Coursework: Up to 2 years.

• Master’s by Research / PhD: Up to 3 years.

• Note: The previous 2-year extensions for degrees in "select demand areas" have been scrapped to stabilize the migration intake.

Why You Shouldn't Wait to Apply

You only have six months from the date of your course completion to lodge your 485 visa application. Failing to gather your documents—especially the updated English test scores and Australian Federal Police (AFP) checks—can result in missed opportunities.

At Everest Global Education, we handle the entire Subclass 485 application process, ensuring your paperwork is flawless. Contact our Perth or Pokhara offices to secure your post-study future in Australia!

Tags: #Subclass485 #PostStudyWork #TRVisa #WorkInAustralia #EverestGlobal