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Post Study Work Visa Australia

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Introduction

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Australia has been facing skill shortages for a while now. Also, the number of occupations suffering from it has almost doubled since 2021, with some roles having thousands of unfilled vacancies. The Australian government has bold plans for an immigration overhaul and a revised migration strategy to benefit Indians in large numbers. If you also want to work in Australia and know all the possible visa options, watch this video till the end. 

Australian work visas for Indians offer a gateway to an abundance of opportunities for individuals seeking employment in the country. Australia's visa system caters to various categories of skilled workers, ensuring a streamlined process for temporary and permanent jobs.

Types of Work Visas in Australia

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Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

This temporary visa allows international students who have graduated to live, study and work for up to 6 years. The 485 visas can also provide a pathway to other visas, such as the skilled visa subclass 189 or 190 and can be a stepping stone to permanent residency. There are three streams to this visa.

Eligibility Criteria

  • You must be younger than 50 years old
  • You must have a valid visa
  • You must have a student visa within the previous six months
  • possess a recent degree from a programme that is registered with CRICOS
  • Only nominate one stream; switching visa streams after applying is not feasible.
  • When applying, include the required supporting documentation.

Graduate Work Stream

The Graduate Work stream, for international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications relevant to specific occupations Australia needs, is usually valid for 18 months and costs 1730 AUD (97,425 INR).

Post Study Work Stream

The Post Study Work Stream, for international students who have recently graduated with a CRICOS-recognised degree from an Australian institution, is usually valid for 2-4 years, depending on the qualification, and costs 1730 AUD (97,425 INR). 

Second Post Study Work Stream

This is the Second Post Study Work Stream for existing post-study work stream holders who have graduated with a degree from an Australian institution located in a regional area. The only condition for this visa, valid for another 1-2 years and costing 680 AUD (38,295 INR), is that you should have remained in that area during your 1st 485 visas.

Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (Subclass 476)

This temporary visa allows international students who have completed an Australian-recognised degree in the past two years to live, work in the country for up to 18 months and gain valuable experience. 

The eligibility criteria require you to be under 31, meet the health and character requirements and provide evidence of English proficiency. You also should not have previously been the primary visa holder of subclass 476 or 485. The visa costs 425 AUD (23,934 INR), and while subclass 476 does not lead directly to permanent residency, it can serve as a pathway to other skilled migration options.

How to get a working visa in Australia: Australian work visa requirements for Indian citizens,

  • You must be younger than 31 years old
  • You must not have a temporary graduate visa
  • You must have engineering qualifications from a specified educational institution.
  • You must meet the health requirements
  • You must have a valid passport
  • You must have paid back your debt to the Australian Government
  • You must not have a visa cancelled or your application rejected
  • When applying, include the required supporting documentation.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

This visa is designed to fill certain jobs without qualified Australians and bring in trained, skilled workers into the country as per the short-term skilled occupation list. There are 2 streams under TSS 482,  First is the Short term stream which allows you to stay and work for up to 2 years and costs 1330 AUD (74,900 INR). Second is the medium-term stream which lets you stay up to 4 years and costs 2770 AUD (1,55,994 INR). 

  • An authorised sponsor must nominate you for a skilled post
  • You must possess the necessary abilities for the task
  • You must possess the necessary English language proficiency

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

This visa allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government to live and work in Australia as permanent residents. This invite-only visa requires an expression of interest (EOI), an age under 45, a minimum score of 65 points, an occupation on the 190-visa occupation list and a full positive skill assessment as part of the eligibility criteria. 

Eligibility Criteria

  • You must be nominated
  • You must be invited to apply
  • You must have a suitable skill assessment
  • You must be under 45 years of age
  • You must be able to score 65 points or more
  • You must meet the skill requirements
  • You must meet the health requirements
  • You must have repaid your debt to the Australian Government
  • You must meet the character requirements
  • You must not have a visa cancelled or an application rejected

India-Australia Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement

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The two countries have signed a migration deal to boost the two-way exchange of students, graduates, researchers and business travel. As per the agreement, 3000 highly skilled Indians (preferably in the IT sector) would be able to work in Australia for a couple of years. As this is a developing story, we will likely cover it in a detailed video once we have more information.

Also Read: Study Visa in France

FAQs

Q. What is a work visa in Australia?

Ans. A work visa in Australia permits foreign nationals to work legally and reside there for a specified period. It grants individuals the opportunity to contribute their skills to the Australian workforce.

Q. How can I apply for a work visa in Australia?

Ans. The application process varies depending on the specific visa category. Generally, it involves submitting an online application, providing supporting documents, meeting eligibility criteria, and paying the required fees. It is advisable to consult the official Australian government websites or seek professional advice for detailed instructions.

Q. What are the main types of work visas in Australia?

Ans. Some of the main types of work visas in Australia include the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, Skilled Independent visa, Business Innovation and Investment visa, Working Holiday visa, and Work and Holiday visa. Each visa has its requirements and conditions.

Q. How long does it take to process a work visa application?

Ans. The processing time can vary depending on the visa type and individual circumstances. It is recommended to check the estimated processing times provided by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for more accurate information.

Q. Can I bring my family with me on a work visa?

Ans. In some cases, work visas include family members, such as spouses and dependent children, who can accompany the primary visa holder. However, specific conditions and eligibility criteria may vary between visa categories.

Q. Do I need a job offer to apply for a work visa in Australia?

Ans. A job offer from an Australian employer is a prerequisite for some work visas, such as the TSS visa. However, other visas, like the Skilled Independent visa, do not require a job offer as they are based on points-based systems.

Q. Can I switch jobs on a work visa in Australia?

Ans. The ability to switch jobs while on a work visa depends on the visa category and conditions. Some visas may restrict employment to a specific employer or industry, while others allow flexibility in changing jobs.

Q. Can I study while on a work visa in Australia?

Ans. Generally, work visas do not automatically grant study rights. However, some visas may allow limited study options, and individuals may have the option to apply for separate student visas to pursue higher education in Australia.

Q. Are there any age restrictions for work visas in Australia?

Ans. Age restrictions can vary depending on the visa category. For example, working holiday visas are generally available for individuals aged 18 to 30 or 35, depending on their country of origin. Other visas may have age limits or specific age-related requirements.

Q. Can I extend my work visa to Australia?

Ans. Extensions are possible for certain work visas, provided the individual meets the visa conditions and requirements. Planning and applying for extensions within the specified timeframes is important to maintain lawful status.

Q. Can work visas in Australia lead to permanent residency?

Ans. Some work visas can be a pathway to permanent residency in Australia. For example, the Skilled Independent visa and certain Employer-Sponsored visas offer permanent residency opportunities based on skills, work experience, and language proficiency.

Q. Are there any restrictions on work rights for work visa holders?

Ans. Work visa holders generally have the right to work in Australia in their nominated occupation or as specified by their visa conditions. However, certain visas may limit the hours worked per week or restrict employment in specific industries. Understanding and complying with the work rights outlined in the respective visa is important.

Q. How much are Australian work visa fees in Indian rupees?

Ans. If you're considering an Australian work visa, the fees depend on the type you apply for. The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482) will cost you about ₹1,15,000. On the other hand, the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (subclass 186) is pricier, around ₹4,95,000. It's always a good idea to double-check the latest fees on the official Australian immigration website.