Australia is a popular destination for international students seeking quality education and promising career prospects. One of the key advantages of studying in Australia is the opportunity to apply for a post-study work permit, which allows graduates to stay and work in the country for up to four years after completing their studies.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of post-study work visas available, their eligibility criteria, application process, and the benefits of applying for these visas.
Post-Study Work Opportunities in Australia
Australia offers post-study work permits to international students who have completed their studies in the country. The main visa for this is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which has two streams:
- Graduate Work stream: Allows eligible graduates to work in Australia for up to 18 months.
- Post-Study Work stream: Allows eligible graduates to work in Australia for 2-6 years, depending on their qualification.
Eligibility requirements vary, but generally include:
- Holding a recent Australian degree from an eligible institution
- Having a qualification relevant to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (for the Graduate Work stream)
- Meeting health and character requirements
- Applying within six months of completing your studies
Benefits of post-study work permits:
- Gain valuable work experience in your field of study
- Explore career opportunities in Australia
- Potentially apply for permanent residency in the future
- Live and travel in Australia for an extended period
Recent updates:
- From July 1, 2023, Indian students who graduate in Australia can work up to 8 years without a sponsorship visa if they are enrolled in tertiary courses.
- International students on the extended subclass 485 visa can work an additional 8 hours per fortnight from July 1, 2023.
Types of Post-Study Work Permits
With the promise of a vibrant economy and a plethora of job opportunities, understanding the various types of work permits available is crucial to maximizing your potential and securing a foothold in the professional world down under.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- Graduate Work Stream: For international students with skills and qualifications that relate to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List. It’s valid for 18 months.
- Post-Study Work Stream: Available to students who have completed a higher education degree from an Australian education provider, regardless of their field of study. This visa is valid for 2 to 4 years, depending on the qualification.
Skilled Recognized Graduate Visa (Subclass 476)
- Specifically designed for recent engineering graduates, this visa allows eligible applicants to gain up to 18 months of skilled work experience in Australia.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- This permanent visa requires a job offer from an Australian employer. It includes three streams: the Direct Entry stream, the Labour Agreement stream, and the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- A points-tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member. With this visa, you can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory. It also allows you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.
Each of these visas has specific requirements and conditions, so it’s important to choose the one that best aligns with your qualifications and career goals.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a post-study work permit in Australia, international students must meet certain qualifications and work experience requirements:
Qualifications Needed:
- Graduate with an Acceptable Qualification: This typically includes a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, or a PhD degree from an Australian institution.
- Australian Study Requirement: At least two years of academic study in Australia at the Bachelor’s level or above.
Work Experience Requirements:
- While specific work experience is not always mandatory for every visa type, having relevant work experience can enhance the application, especially for skilled visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190).
- For the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), applicants usually need to demonstrate a certain level of skill, which often includes work experience in the nominated occupation.
It’s important to note that these criteria can change, and there may be additional requirements or conditions based on the specific visa subclass. Always check the latest information from the Department of Home Affairs to ensure you have the most current details.
Duration and Conditions
The duration and conditions for post-study work permits in Australia vary depending on the type of visa. Here’s a summary of the validity period for each permit type, along with work rights and restrictions:
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- Graduate Work Stream: Valid for 18 months.
- Post-Study Work Stream: Valid for 2 to 4 years, depending on the level of Australian qualification.
Skilled Recognized Graduate Visa (Subclass 476)
- Valid for 18 months. It allows recent engineering graduates to gain work experience in Australia.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- This is a permanent visa and includes various streams such as the Direct Entry stream and the Labour Agreement stream.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- A permanent visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer or family member.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Also a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.
Work Rights and Restrictions:
- Temporary visas like the Subclass 485 and Subclass 476 generally allow full work rights for their duration.
- Permanent visas like the Subclass 186, 189, and 190 grant full work rights without restrictions, as they lead to permanent residency.
It’s important to check the latest information from the Department of Home Affairs for any updates on visa conditions and work rights, as immigration policies can change.
To conclude, here’s a recap of the post-study work permit options in Australia and some final thoughts on selecting the appropriate permit:
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right permit depends on your individual circumstances, career goals, and the duration you wish to stay in Australia. The Types of Post Study Work Permits in Australia is a popular choice for those seeking to gain work experience in Australia after their studies and can serve as a stepping stone to permanent residency.
However, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest regulations and perhaps seek professional advice to ensure you make the best decision for your future.
