Australia is implementing changes to the Temporary Graduate visa program, including adjustments to eligibility requirements and extension periods. These measures are in line with the government’s Migration Strategy and are set to take effect on 1 July 2024. Applications made after this date will be assessed under the new criteria.
In this article, we outline all the changes to post-study work in Australia that international students should be aware of.
Graduate Work stream
The Graduate Work stream shall be renamed the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. This visa is for international students who have recently graduated with qualifications that are relevant to specific occupations that Australia needs.
Previously, the maximum eligible age for this stream was 50 years. But with the update, this shall be reduced to 35 years at the time of application. That said, applicants may continue to stay for up to 18 months.
The 50-year-old limit shall still apply to Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders. They may also stay for up to five years under this stream.
Post-Study Work stream
The Post-Study Work stream shall be renamed the Post-Higher Education Work stream. This visa is for international students who have recently obtained a degree from an Australian institution. Similar to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, the maximum eligible age for this stream will be reduced to 35 years at the time of application (from 50 years), except for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders. The age limit exemption also applies to Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) graduates.
Stay periods under this stream shall also change as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree (including honours) – up to two years
- Masters (coursework and extended) – up to two years
- Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) – up to three years.
Moreover, the two-year extension granted for select degrees shall cease.
Stay periods for Indian nationals, as agreed in the Australia-India – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) shall remain. At the same time, Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders are still able to stay for up to five years with this visa.
Second Post-Study Work stream
The Second Post-Study Work stream shall be renamed the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream. This visa is for holders of an existing Temporary Graduate visa who graduated with a degree from a regional Australian institution. No other changes will be made to this pathway.
Replacement stream
The Replacement stream, which was intended for current and former Temporary Graduate visa holders who lost time on their original visa due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, will cease.
Realignment of streams to level of study
The qualification a student uses to meet the Australian study requirement shall now determine the post-study work stream they may apply for.
Holders of associate degrees, diplomas or trade qualifications should apply for the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream. Their qualification must be closely related to their nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Meanwhile, holders of degrees or high qualifications should apply for the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Restrictions to visa hopping
Temporary Graduate Visa holders can no longer apply for Student Visas onshore (i.e. from within Australia). Graduates should, instead, find skilled jobs or become permanent residents through other legitimate pathways. Otherwise, they must depart the country upon the expiry of their visa.
Working in Australia after graduation is a popular choice among international students looking to stay in the country to expand their network and enhance their skills. Stay updated on the latest news on post-study work in Australia by checking out our blog or getting in touch with our business development experts.
