Australia has recently increased post study work rights for international students. This could improve the way you work, study and live in Australia. Here’s how things may improve.
2 Year Extension of Post Study Work Rights
The new policies, which were first announced in September of last year, will give graduates of foreign higher education who qualify access to an additional two years of post-study employment rights. Additionally, the maximum number of hours that international students may labor per fortnight will rise from 40 to 48.
Overall, the country’s eligible bachelor graduates will have their work rights raised from two to four years, those with master’s degrees from three to five years, and those with doctoral degrees from four to six years.
Around 226 courses in medical and nursing, professional health, diagnostic, allied health, teaching, engineering, ICT, agriculture, and other fields are among the qualified credentials on the list, which will be watched and reviewed on an annual basis. Authorities also stressed that for those living in regional Australia, an extra one to two years of post-study work rights are still in effect.
Increase of Allowable Work Hours Cap from 1 July, 2023
The government has declared that starting on July 1, 2023, the limit on part-time employment for international students during their studies will rise from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight.
Duration of Post Study Work Rights in Australia
In Australia, the duration of post study work rights is between 2 years and 4 years depending on your qualification.
Post-study employment rights for certain degrees in fields where there are certain skills shortages will expand from:
- For certain bachelor’s degrees, two to four years are given.
- For some master’s degrees, three to five years are given.
- For all PhDs, four to six years are given.
|
Regions |
Program Category |
Bachelors (yrs) |
Masters (yrs) |
PhD (yrs) |
|
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane |
Eligible Qualifications |
4 |
2 |
6 |
|
Other Qualifications |
2 |
3 |
||
|
Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, Hobart |
Eligible Qualifications |
5 |
6 |
7 |
|
Other Eligible Qualifications |
3 |
4 |
||
|
All other locations |
Eligible Qualifications |
6 |
7 |
8 |
|
Other Eligible Qualifications |
4 |
5 |
485 Post Study Work Visa
This visa is available to those who received their degree from an Australian university in a regional area and currently hold a Temporary Graduate visa (first Post-Study Work stream or Replacement stream). You are able to temporarily reside, work, and study in selected regions of Australia for up to five years. This is a fantastic upgrade because it allows you to better plan your career because more fields are now open to study and work in, and the validity of post-study work visas is extended.
Qualifications & Eligibility for 485 Visa
In order to be eligible for this extension,
- You must fulfill all requirements for the Temporary Graduate Visa’s Post-Study Work Stream (subclass 485)
- Your occupation and qualification are eligible for the extension. Here’s a list posted by the Australian Government Department of Education.
- You already hold a Temporary Graduate Visa
- You have lodged a request for extension of rights because you have eligible qualifications
Your visa will be automatically renewed by two years if you meet the requirements, have finished a qualification from the authorized list, and are in possession of a valid Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) on July 1, 2023, or apply for one before or after that date.
Skills Priority List
The Australian Government Department has released a list of occupations and qualifications eligible for post-study work rights extension. To find out if you are eligible for the extension, take a look here.
Do note that if your occupation is not listed here, you are not eligible for the extension.
How to Apply for Graduate Visa
Candidates must first visit the Department of Home Affairs’ official website, which is run by the Australian government, in order to submit an online application. It’s also suggested that you apply for this visa within six months after the official completion date of your studies.
- Gather all required paperwork before beginning the application.
- Sign up or log in at the official ImmiAccount website.
- Complete the visa application form and include any required documents.
- Provide their information as well if you intend to invite relatives.
- If required, pay the application cost online using a credit card, PayPal, UnionPay, or BPAY.
FAQs
A list of professions and educational requirements that qualify for the extension of post-study work privileges has been made public by the Australian Government Department. Check this page to see if you qualify.
you should have a degree from a CRICOS-registered course.
You can still apply for this extension even if your Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) expires before 1 July 2023 and you have the necessary credentials. Instead of a second Temporary Graduate visa, you will now be given a two-year Temporary Activity Australian Government Endorsed Events (COVID-19 Pandemic Event) visa (subclass 408) instead of a further Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
Endnote
Australia’s cities are fantastic places to live, work, and study because they combine a world-class education with an excellent quality of life. The new policy will benefit international students in many ways and there are several economic prospects across the nation.
This might be creating a sustainable balance and more chances for everyone, as well as encouraging students to take advantage of education and employment options that are accessible across Australia rather than competing in a small area.
