How To Get Post Study Work Visa In Australia
If you are on an Australian post-study work visa and looking for a job in Australia, finding a good job could be a Herculean task. It may be worth looking internationally. Here is how to get post study work visa for foreign students in Australia.
One of the best ways to live and work in Australia at an adult age is to apply for a Post Study Work Visa. A Post Study Work Visa allows the student to work in Australia after they have completed their degree. This program was created specifically to encourage the international students to remain in Australia after they graduate and get a job. In order to receive this visa, student must complete their degree from an approved educational institution. If you study from any of the below-mentioned institutions abroad then you may be eligible for applying for a Post Study Work Visa.
Studying in Australia opens up many opportunities for several types of visa. Studying in Australia can be one of the most enjoyable life experiences that you could ever have. However, after your studies, you will have to look for a job in order to support yourself. Job hunting can be very hard especially if it is your first time out and you are not familiar with the job market. That’s why knowing more about your options regarding post study work visas are important before and after you graduate.
How To Get Post Study Work Visa In Australia
You’ve just completed your masters degree or bachelor course in Australia and now you’re looking for a job. You have a choice to make, will you stay for at least 2 years on a student visa and then look for work?, or would you rather get a post study work visa?
Every year there are thousands of students from countries who study in Australia, but they don’t know how to get a visa after they finish their studies.
3 Types of Post Study Work Visa in Australia
The post study work visa allows international students to stay, work or look for a job in Australia after they graduate. Depending on their qualification and region of study, the stay durations are from 18 months and up to 6 years.
There are three types of post study work visa options that may be available to you.
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – Post-Study Work Stream is the most common post study work visa. This visa is for international students who have recently graduated with an eligible qualification from an Australian educational institution, regardless of their field of study. They must apply for this visa within 6 months of completing their course, depending on the qualification, the stay duration is between 2 to 4 years.
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – Graduate Work Stream is for international students who graduated with skills and qualifications to occupations specified in the skilled occupation list. The skills and qualifications usually are closely related to an occupation identified as being in need in the medium to long-term in the Australian labour market. The stay duration is up to 18 months, and students must apply for this visa within 6 months of completing their course.
- Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (Subclass 476) is for international students who have engineering qualifications from a specified educational institution in the last 2 years. The stay duration is up to 18 months.
Below table gives a good overview of key restrictions and conditions for different post study work visas
Australia Post Study Work Visa Requirements
| Name of Visa | Key Restriction | Maximum Staying | Age Requirement | Dependents Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Post Study Work Stream | Bachelor degree and above qualification, a registered course for at least 2 Academic years but not less than 16 calendar months | 2 to 4 years* | Under 50 years of age | Yes |
| Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – Graduate Work stream | Skills and qualifications to occupations specified in the skilled occupation list | Up to 18 months | Under 50 years of age | Yes |
| Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (Subclass 476) | Engineering qualifications from a specified educational institution in the last 2 years | Up to 18 months | Under 31 years of age | Yes |
*Depending on the qualification, the stay duration for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – Post Study Work Stream is:
- Bachelor Degree, Bachelor Degree with Honours, Masters by Coursework – 2 years
- Masters by Research Degree – 3 years
- Doctoral Degree – 4 years
Latest Updates
In November 2019, Australian Government Department of Home Affairs has announced an additional post-study work arrangement. From 2021, international students studying at all locations outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will have a one or two years extension on the current two years Post study work stream of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).
The purpose of this additional post study work arrangements is for international students to study and live in regional areas, boosting diversity and prosperity in regional Australia. (Source: Australian GovernmentDepartment of Home Affairs)
Below is the summary of post study work visa durations based on Australian qualification and region of study
| Region of Study | Locations | Bachelor Degree; Bachelor Degree (with Honours); Masters by Coursework | Masters by Research Degree | Doctoral Degree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major cities | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane | 2 years | 3 years | 4 years |
| Cities and major regional centres | Perth, Adelaide Gold Coast Sunshine Coast, Canberra Newcastle/Lake Macquarie Wollongong/Illawarra Geelong Hobart | 2 years + 1 year | 3 years + 1 year | 4 years + 1 years |
| Regional centres and other regional areas | All other locations** | 2 years + 2 years | 3 years + 2 years | 4 years +2 years |