Post-Study Work Visa in Australia

Do you want to work and stay in Australia after finishing your studies? Here’s some good news for you. You can apply for a subclass 485 visa, a post-study work visa in Australia, to stay 2-3 years more after completing your studies in Australia. And if you’ve  Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport, you’ll be allowed to stay in Australia for 5 years.

This comprehensive guide will discuss the PSW and how you can extend your stay with a post-study work visa in Australia.

What is a Post-study work visa in Australia?

A Post-Study Work Visa in Australia allows international graduates to remain in the country for up to 3 years after completing their studies to gain work experience, enhance their skills, and potentially transition to permanent residency. This visa is particularly beneficial for those who have completed higher education degrees in Australia and wish to build their careers in the country.

Benefits of post-study work visa in Australia

The Post-Study Work Visa in Australia offers several benefits to international students who have completed their studies in the country:

• Work Experience: It provides an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in Australia related to the field of study. This practical experience can enhance skills and increase employability both in Australia and internationally.
• Extended Stay: The visa allows graduates to stay in Australia after completing their studies for an extended period, depending on the level of qualification obtained. This offers the chance to explore career opportunities, further education options, or simply experience life in Australia.
• Flexibility: Graduates with a PSWV in Australia have the flexibility to work for any employer, in any occupation, and any location within Australia. This flexibility can be advantageous in exploring different job opportunities and industries.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: In some cases, the PSWV can serve as a pathway to permanent residency in Australia. Gaining work experience during the visa period may make graduates eligible for certain skilled migration or employer-sponsored visas.

Types of post-study work visa in Australia

Australia offers different types of post-study work visas for international students based on their level of qualification:

• Temporary Graduate Visa (Graduate Work Stream): For graduates with skills and qualifications that relate to occupations on the skilled occupation list. It is valid for 18 months.
• Temporary Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Stream): Available to graduates who have completed a higher education degree in Australia. The duration of this visa varies depending on the level of study completed: two to four years for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees.
• Skilled Regional Visa: These visas are for graduates who wish to live and work in regional Australia. They require nomination by an Australian state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area. They can be pathways to permanent residency.

Extended rights for a post-study work visa in Australia

Starting from July 1, 2023, international graduates with degrees in certain high-demand areas were given an extra two years on their Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This helped those with skills in shortage areas stay and work longer in Australia. However, by mid-2024, this two-year extension will no longer be available.

Duration of post-study work visa in Australia

The Australian government offers a Temporary Graduate Work visa (subclass 485) for every international student from bachelor’s, master’s programs and all Ph.D. programs. With this visa, an undergraduate and master’s student can stay in Australia for 2 years and if you are applying for a master’s with research or a PhD program you can stay in Australia for 3 years after completing your studies.

Eligibility requirements for the post-study work visa in Australia

Are you eligible for a post-study work visa in Australia or not? Let’s explore the eligibility criteria for an Australian post-study work permit for international students.

• You must be 35 years of age or under when you apply.
• You must be in Australia (but not in immigration clearance) when you apply for this visa.
• You held a Student visa within the past 6 months before your application and you now hold a substantive visa
• Your course must have been with an Australian education provider who is registered on CRICOS
• You and your family members must have and maintain adequate health insurance
• You or any family members owe the Australian Government money, you or they must have paid it back or arranged to pay it back.

How to apply for a post-study work permit in Australia?

Do you want to apply for a post-study work visa in Australia? Applying for a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) in Australia involves several steps:

• Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific PSWV subclass you intend to apply for based on your qualifications, duration of study, and other requirements.

• Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including your passport, academic transcripts, completion letter or certificate from your Australian institution, English language proficiency test results, health insurance, proof of financial capacity, and any additional documents specified by the Department of Home Affairs.

• Create an ImmiAccount: Set up an ImmiAccount on the Australian government’s Department of Home Affairs website. This account allows you to submit your visa application online and manage correspondence with the immigration authorities.

• Complete the Online Application: Log in to your ImmiAccount and fill out the online visa application form accurately, providing all required information and attaching the supporting documents.

• Pay the Application Fee: Pay the visa application fee as required. The fee amount can vary based on the visa subclass and individual circumstances.

• Biometrics and Health Checks: Depending on your country of origin and individual circumstances, you might need to undergo biometric data collection and health examinations. Follow the instructions provided by the immigration authorities regarding these processes.

Final words

Post-study work visa in Australia, allows students to work, travel, and gain practical experience in their field within Australia. It’s important to note that eligibility criteria, including the course of study, the institution attended, and the date of visa application might change over time, so always stay tuned to AIMS Education to get updated information regarding student visas in Australia.