Post-Study Work Visa Options in Australia: A Guide for International Students
As an international student nearing the completion of your studies in Australia, you may be considering extending your stay to gain valuable work experience or explore career opportunities. The post-study work visa options available in Australia are designed to help you achieve this.
A post-study work visa allows international students who have completed their studies in Australia to remain in the country temporarily for work. This is an excellent pathway to gain practical experience in your field, build professional networks, and potentially work towards permanent residency.
In general for post study work visa in Australia you must have a recent qualification from a CRICOS-registered course and have held a student visa in the last six months.
Types of Post-Study Work Visas in Australia
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Post-Study Work Visa in Australia, also known as the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), allows international students who have completed their studies in Australia to stay and work temporarily.
Post-Vocational Education Work stream:
- Eligibility: For graduates with qualifications that relate to occupations on the Skilled Occupation List.
- Duration: Up to 18 months (24 months for certain passport holders).
- Key Benefits: Suitable for those with trade qualifications or other courses aligned with high-demand occupations.
Post-Higher Education Work stream:
- Eligibility: For graduates with higher education degrees (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate) from an Australian institution.
- Duration: 2-4 years, depending on your qualification.
- Key Benefits: Open to graduates from any field of study without requiring an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.
Second Temporary Graduate Visa (Regional)
- Eligibility: For graduates who hold a Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement stream, and have a degree from a CRICOS-registered course from an institution in a designated regional area.
- Duration: 1-2 additional years, depending on the regional location.
- Key Benefits: Encourages migration to regional Australia with extended stay options.
In some case you may also be able to apply for Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) or an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186).
Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (subclass 476):
You can no longer apply for a Skilled – Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476). A cap was placed on this visa on 22 December 2023, and it was permanently closed to new applications from 1 July 2024.
Tips for Maximizing Your Post-Study Experience
- Plan Early: Begin researching your options well before completing your studies.
- Seek Professional Advice: Consult a registered migration agent for personalized guidance.
- Gain Relevant Experience: Use your time to build skills that align with your long-term career goals.
- Explore Regional Areas: Consider living and working in regional Australia to benefit from extended visa options.
Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website or consult with a migration expert.
In most cases you can include family members in your application.