Extension of Post-study work visa rights to Australia International Student
For international students studying in Australia and those who are planning to pursue higher education, there will soon be an opportunity to stay back and work in Australia for several years after completing their studies. You will be allowed to work for more hours, effectively 48 hours fortnightly, during their studies in Australia. This change is set to take place in July this year, according to the recent budget announcement for 2023-24.
I am often asked by parents if their children have chosen the right course of study in Australia and what courses are good for them to plan for their permanent residency (PR) and so on.
The Australian government has plans to extend post-study work rights to specific international students graduating with qualifications that can help fill labor market gaps in the country. The list of eligible degrees for this extension is now available.
Australia’s international education sector has experienced significant growth after the pandemic due to the expansion of in-study and post-study work rights for overseas students.
The temporary policy that removed the cap on the number of working hours for foreign students during their studies in Australia will cease on 1 July 2023. International students will be able to work for 48 hours fortnightly instead of the previous limit of 40 hours.
Under the Temporary Graduate Work visa (subclass 485), the post-study “stay and work” period for eligible graduates with listed qualifications will increase as follows:
- Four years for Bachelor degree graduates, up from two years previously.
- Five years for Master degree graduates, up from three years previously.
- Six years for PhD graduates, up from four years previously
It is important to note that priority is given to the health, engineering, agricultural, and education sectors. If you are graduating with a degree not mentioned on the list, the post-study work period for a Bachelor degree is 2 years, and for a Master’s degree, it is 3 years.
Additionally, doctoral graduates, regardless of their specific field, will be given a 6-year post-study work period instead of the previous 4 years.
According to the government, eligible graduates who hold a valid Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) on 1 July 2023 or submit an application for it after that date will receive a two-year extension. If your graduate visa becomes invalid before 1 July 2023, you can apply for an extension on your work rights through the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408).
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