Staying in Australia after finishing Studies for International Students

As your studies come to an end, you may be wondering about your options for staying in Australia. You have several options to consider if you wish to remain in the country. These options primarily revolve around work and further education:

After finishing their studies in Australia, international students have the option to apply for a work visa, enabling them to remain and work in the country. The most popular choice is the 485 Skilled Graduate Temporary Visa.

Option 1: 485 Skilled Graduate Temporary Visa Overview

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows international students to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after completing their studies. This temporary visa permits students to stay in Australia for a duration ranging from 18 months to 4 years, depending on their qualification level and the specific stream they select.

• Graduate Work Stream: Up to 18 months.
• Post-Study Work Stream: Between 2 to 4 years, depending on the qualification.
• Second Post-Study Work Stream: Additional 1 to 2 years.

If you have completed a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), you may be eligible for a 2-year extension of your post-study work rights under the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), allowing you to stay for up to 4 years (instead of the usual 2).

Option 2: Extending Your Studies

You may decide to extend your academic journey by pursuing a PhD, another higher degree, or a new field of study. Ensure that your chosen course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) to qualify for a student visa.

Before applying for an extension of your student visa in Australia, you must purchase an OSHC policy for the duration of your new course; otherwise, your application may be denied. If you plan to enroll in short courses at TAFE or community colleges, you can also study while on a Working Holiday visa.

Common Reasons for Visa Extension

• Course Completion Delay: Additional time needed to finish your current course due to failed subjects or unforeseen circumstances.
• Further Studies: Enrolling in a new course or degree program after completing your current one.
• Changes in Study Plans: Switching institutions or courses that require extended study duration

Once your current visa expires, you will automatically be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) while your extension application is being processed

Option 3 – Employment Opportunities in Australia

If you’re considering working full-time after completing your course in Australia, various temporary work visas are available to help you extend your stay.

If you graduate with a skill that is in short supply, you might qualify for a Temporary Skill Shortage visa, which requires sponsorship from an approved employer. The duration of this visa will depend on the application specifics.

Employer-Sponsored Visas

If you find a job with an employer in Australia, they may sponsor you for a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) or a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494). After working for a certain period, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Regional Visas

If you are willing to live and work in regional areas of Australia, you might be eligible for a Regional Visa (Subclass 491) or Regional Skilled Visa (Subclass 191). These offer pathways to permanent residency after living and working in regional Australia for a certain period.

Option 4 – Exploring Australia on Holiday

Before heading back to your home country, you may want to travel around Australia for an extended holiday after graduation. The 600 Visitor Visa could be a suitable option, allowing stays of up to 12 months. You can apply online while already in Australia, with options for three, six, or twelve-month stays. However, working is not permitted on a visitor or tourist visa.

If you reside outside Australia, you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority visa (Subclass 601) or a 651 eVisitor visa to visit as a tourist, see friends or family, or enjoy a holiday. Both visas allow entry for three months per visit and multiple entries within twelve months from the date of issue.

Option 5 – Applying for a Working Holiday

After your studies, you might consider taking an extended holiday to explore Australia while working to support your travels. If you are between 18 and 30 years old and from an eligible country, you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) or a Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462). Note that you cannot have dependents accompanying you on these visas.

Typically, travelers on a working holiday visa engage in casual work to supplement their income, which may include jobs in hospitality, agriculture, tourism, and other approved industries in regional areas.

Option 6 – Permanent Migration Options

If you’ve enjoyed your time in Australia and wish to stay permanently, you can express your interest in permanent residency through the SkillSelect migration program. Upon completing your Expression of Interest (EOI), you may receive an invitation to apply for a skilled visa or be nominated for one by an Australian employer. Keep in mind that not every applicant will be invited to submit a skilled visa application, as there are often more EOIs than available places.

The Skilled Independent Visa operates on a points-based system, requiring you to pass a points test to achieve permanent residency. Factors considered include your age, English language proficiency, work experience in Australia and abroad, and educational qualifications.

Once you obtain a skilled worker visa, you can also sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.

As a holder of a student visa, you were required to obtain adequate health insurance coverage (Overseas Student Health Cover – OSHC) for the entire duration of your visa. If you intend to continue your studies and apply for a new student visa, you will need to secure OSHC for this new period.

Alternatively, if you opt for a work visa, you will likely need to acquire a different insurance policy known as Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). It’s important to review your health insurance to ensure it aligns with your new situation and visa requirements.