2-Year Australian Post-Grad Work Extensions Announced for Eligible International Students.
The benefits for international students planning to choose Australia as their study destination just keep piling up. After first announcing this work rights extension last year, the government is now officially granting two-year Australian post-grad work extensions to international students who graduate from an Australian education provider with an eligible degree.
As of July 1, 2023, international graduates of healthcare, teaching, engineering, and several other degrees will be able to stay and work in Australia for up to six years after completing their studies.
If that wasn’t enough, the working hours cap for students is also being raised from 40 hours biweekly to a more flexible cap of 48 hours.
These improved working rights for both students and qualified graduates have the potential to be life-changing. If you’re considering studying abroad in Australia, this might be just the time for you to take the leap.
Click this link to read: Financial Questions International Students Should Consider When Studying Abroad
2-Year Australian Post-Grad Work Extensions Announced for Eligible International Students
Occupations Qualifying for Post-Grad Work Extensions
On February 21, 2023, the Department of Education revealed the eligible fields of study which will qualify students for Australian post-grad work extensions. These new rights will come into effect as of July 1, 2023.
According to the list, eligible qualifications include:
- Health Science
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Dentistry
- Veterinary Medicine
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Psychology
- Therapy
- Optometry
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Teaching
- Early Childhood Education
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Cyber Security
- Agriculture
- Biotechnology
- Food Science
In addition to this list, all doctoral graduates, no matter their field of study, qualify for the extra two years of post-study work rights—enabling them to stay in the country for up to six years after graduation.
An international student’s eligibility for a two-year extension is determined by the start date of their program, and is not affected by any potential changes to the occupation list in the future.
Click this link to read: What Is a Statement of Purpose and Why Is It Important?
Note: Not every degree offering studies in these fields may qualify. Before the policy begins in July, the government will release an exact list of eligible courses via the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Post-Grad Work Extension Timelines
Thanks to this new policy, current post-graduate work limits will be increased by two years, from:
- two years to four years for eligible bachelor’s degrees
- three years to five years for eligible master’s degrees
- four years to six years for all doctoral degrees
Whether or not you qualify for the new two-year extension, international students in Australia may work after graduating by applying for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This is also often referred to as a post-study work visa.
These two-year Australian post-grad work extensions provide graduates more time to stay in the country and begin their career. Since the above-listed fields of study all address current sector skill gaps, the opportunities for graduates to find employment in these fields are also greater.
Click this link to read: Job Interview Tips for Overseas Students
Increased Work-While-Studying Hours
In another beneficial move for international students, the Australian government relaxed working limits for student visa holders in early 2022, letting students work unlimited hours while studying. These unrestricted work-while-studying hours are in place until July 1, 2023, at which point they’ll be capped again.
Here’s the great part: instead of being capped at the original limit of 40 hours per fortnight (two weeks) while studying, students will now be permitted to work 48 hours per fortnight beginning July 1.
By permanently raising the working hours cap, Australia both addresses its workforce shortages and gives students more flexibility to define their own part-time employment. This will be welcome news to many students, who often seek to work increased hours during study terms to get Australian work experience, develop their skills, and increase their employability.
These are just the latest in several policy updates over the past two years aimed at improving the international student experience. Australia is one of the hottest study abroad destinations for good reason, and 2022/2023 is expected to be a record-setting year for Australian student visas.
If your dream is to study and work in healthcare, teaching, engineering, information technology, or any of the specializations listed earlier in this article, sunny Australia is calling your name.
FAQ
Yes, it is possible for Indian citizens to obtain a work permit in Australia through various visa programs and pathways. Australia offers several visa options for individuals who wish to work in the country temporarily or permanently, depending on factors such as skills, qualifications, work experience, and employer sponsorship. Here are some common pathways to obtaining a work permit in Australia for Indian citizens:
Skilled Visas: Australia’s skilled migration program allows individuals with skills and qualifications in high-demand occupations to apply for permanent residency or temporary work visas. The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which includes visas such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia based on their skills and qualifications.
Employer-Sponsored Visas: Employer-sponsored visas allow Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to work in Australia temporarily or permanently. The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) are examples of employer-sponsored visas that may lead to permanent residency.
Working Holiday Visa: The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417 for Indians) allows young adults aged 18 to 35 to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. This visa program is designed to promote cultural exchange and allows individuals to work in various industries to support their travel expenses.
Temporary Graduate Visa: The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows international students who have completed their studies in Australia to remain in the country temporarily to gain work experience. This visa is available to recent graduates of Australian institutions and provides full work rights for a specified period.
Regional Visas: Australia offers regional visa programs that encourage skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of the country. The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187) and Skilled Regional visa (subclass 491) are examples of regional visas that may lead to permanent residency.
It’s important to note that each visa program has specific eligibility criteria, application requirements, and processing times. Additionally, visa policies and requirements may change over time, so it’s advisable to check the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs or consult with a registered migration agent for the most up-to-date information and guidance on obtaining a work permit in Australia from India.
Yes, it is possible to obtain a work permit in Australia after completing a one-year study program. International students who complete their studies in Australia may be eligible to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which allows them to remain in the country temporarily to gain work experience. Here are some key points about the Temporary Graduate visa:
Post-Study Work Stream: The Temporary Graduate visa has two streams: the Post-Study Work stream and the Graduate Work stream. The Post-Study Work stream is specifically designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution with a degree, diploma, or trade qualification. This stream allows graduates to work in Australia temporarily after completing their studies.
Duration of Work Rights: The duration of work rights granted under the Temporary Graduate visa depends on the level of the qualification obtained by the student. Typically, graduates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees are eligible for a two- to four-year work visa under the Post-Study Work stream, while graduates with doctoral degrees may be eligible for a four-year visa.
Full Work Rights: Holders of the Temporary Graduate visa have full work rights, allowing them to work in any occupation and for any employer in Australia during the validity of their visa. This provides graduates with opportunities to gain valuable work experience, develop professional skills, and explore career options in Australia.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: The Temporary Graduate visa may serve as a pathway to permanent residency for international students who wish to settle in Australia permanently. Graduates who gain relevant work experience in skilled occupations may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through skilled migration programs such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186).
Application Requirements: To be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having completed a registered course of study in Australia, holding adequate health insurance coverage, meeting health and character requirements, and satisfying English language proficiency requirements if applicable.
It’s important for international students to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for the Temporary Graduate visa and to apply for the visa before their student visa expires. Additionally, students should consider seeking advice from their education provider’s international student support services or consulting with a registered migration agent for guidance on visa options and pathways to work in Australia after completing their studies.
Yes, it is possible to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Australia while holding a work permit, depending on various factors such as your occupation, skills, work experience, and employer sponsorship. There are several pathways to permanent residency for individuals working in Australia, including employer-sponsored visas, skilled independent visas, state-nominated visas, and regional visas. Here are some common pathways to PR for individuals holding work permits in Australia:
Employer-Sponsored Visas: Employer-sponsored visas such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187) allow skilled workers nominated by their employers to apply for permanent residency in Australia. These visas require sponsorship from an Australian employer and typically involve a two-step application process, including nomination by the employer and visa application by the employee.
Skilled Independent Visas: Skilled independent visas such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) are points-tested visas that allow skilled workers to apply for permanent residency based on their occupation, skills, and other eligibility criteria. These visas do not require employer sponsorship and are suitable for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for skilled migration.
State-Nominated Visas: Some Australian states and territories offer nomination programs that allow skilled workers to apply for permanent residency through state sponsorship. Examples include the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), which require nomination by a state or territory government based on the individual’s skills and contribution to the local economy.
Regional Visas: Regional visas such as the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) and the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) provide pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers who live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. These visas require applicants to meet specific regional eligibility criteria and may lead to permanent residency after a certain period of residence and work in a regional area.
Graduate Visas: International students who have completed their studies in Australia may be eligible for permanent residency through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) or other skilled migration pathways. Graduates with relevant qualifications and work experience may qualify for skilled migration programs and apply for permanent residency based on their skills and occupation.
It’s important to note that each PR pathway has specific eligibility criteria, application requirements, and processing times. Additionally, visa policies and requirements may change over time, so it’s advisable to check the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs or consult with a registered migration agent for the most up-to-date information and guidance on obtaining permanent residency in Australia while holding a work permit.
The exact amount of bank balance required for an Australia student visa in 2023 can vary depending on factors such as the duration of the course, the cost of living in the chosen location, and individual circumstances. However, as a general guideline, international students are typically required to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover the following expenses:
Tuition Fees: You will need to provide evidence that you have paid or have access to sufficient funds to cover the tuition fees for your course of study. The amount will vary depending on the institution, level of study, and duration of the course.
Living Expenses: You will need to show that you have enough money to cover living expenses for the duration of your stay in Australia. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and other personal expenses. The Australian Department of Home Affairs publishes indicative living costs on their website to help students estimate their expenses.
Return Travel: You may also need to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover the cost of return airfare to your home country at the end of your studies.
While there is no fixed amount of bank balance required, as it depends on individual circumstances and the cost of living in Australia, international students are generally advised to have access to at least AUD $20,290 per year for living expenses, in addition to tuition fees and other costs. This amount is based on the living cost requirement set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for student visa applicants.
It’s important to note that you will need to provide evidence of your financial capacity, such as bank statements, loan documents, or sponsorship letters, to support your visa application. The Australian Department of Home Affairs assesses each application on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as the duration of the course, the location of study, and the financial resources available to the student.
In general, international students studying in Australia on a student visa are not automatically permitted to bring their family members with them. However, there are certain circumstances under which family members may be eligible to accompany or join the student in Australia. Here are some options to consider:
Dependent Family Members: If you are enrolled in a full-time course of study in Australia for more than 12 months, you may be eligible to bring your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children with you as dependents on your student visa. Dependent family members will need to apply for their visas separately and meet certain eligibility criteria.
Student Guardian Visa: If you are under 18 years of age and studying in Australia on a student visa, you may be eligible to have a parent or legal guardian accompany you to Australia as a student guardian. The student guardian would need to apply for a Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) and meet the requirements for this visa category.
Visitor Visa: Family members who do not qualify as dependents or student guardians may be able to visit you in Australia on a Visitor visa (subclass 600) or another appropriate visa category. Visitor visas allow individuals to visit Australia for short periods for purposes such as tourism, family visits, or attending special events.
Permanent Residency: If you plan to pursue further studies or work opportunities in Australia after completing your course of study, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through skilled migration programs or other pathways. Once you become a permanent resident or citizen of Australia, you may be able to sponsor your family members to join you in Australia through family migration programs.
It’s important to carefully review the visa requirements and eligibility criteria for bringing family members to Australia, as well as the application process and documentation requirements. The Australian Department of Home Affairs website provides detailed information on family visas, student visas, and other visa categories, as well as guidance on how to apply.
Additionally, I recommend consulting with a registered migration agent or contacting the nearest Australian embassy or consulate in your country for personalized advice and assistance with visa applications for family members. They can provide you with guidance on the most appropriate visa options for your situation and help you navigate the application process.
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