Australia has introduced new rules that are particularly beneficial for international students, including those from India. These rules make studying in Australia even more attractive. Indian students now have the opportunity to extend their work rights after their studies, for a period of up to 6 years!
This is a game-changer for anyone with aspirations of a global career. If you envision a future that spans continents, consider studying at one of Australia‘s prestigious universities and leverage these extended post-study work rights under subclass 485.
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Latest Updates
- Starting from July 1, 2023, Indian students who graduate in Australia can work up to 8 years without a sponsorship visa. This means they have more time to work and build their careers after finishing their studies.
- This change applies to students enrolled in tertiary courses. For more information, see the announcement titled “8 Years Without Visa Sponsorship in Australia for Tertiary Courses Students from July 1, 2023.”
- Starting from July 1, 2023, international students in Australia on the 2-year extended subclass 485 visa after graduating can work an additional 8 hours per fortnight. This means they can work for 48 hours every two weeks.
- This change applies to all international students, regardless of when they started their studies. The announcement titled “Australia Increases Working Hours to 48 Hours a Fortnight from July 1, 2023″ provides more information about this update.
- Education Minister Jason Clare announced that international students in Australia can now stay and work for up to six years after graduating. This applies to current students and recent graduates from Australian universities. .
- Australia introduced Temporary (subclass 408) visas for international students to help tackle skill shortages in critical sectors. Students can work more than 40 hours per fortnight before or during their course. Online applications are open, and there’s a fee waiver for students arriving in Australia between January 19 and March 19, 2022. You can find more information in the announcement titled “Temporary (subclass 408) Visa Introduced in Australia to Bridge Employment Decline.”
Types of Post Study Work Permit in Australia
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) has two types: the Graduate Work Stream and the Post Study Work Stream. The main difference between them is the type of qualification the international student has earned.
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Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) – Graduate Work Stream
The Graduate Work Stream of the Temporary Graduate Visa is for international students who have completed their studies in Australia and have the qualifications and skills needed for jobs listed on the Skills Occupation List (SOL). It’s for students who completed Vocational Education and Training courses at places like TAFE institutes.
This visa is usually granted for 18 months, but it’s been extended to 24 months. It costs INR 93k. The processing time for the Temporary Graduate Visa—Graduate Work Stream can vary.
Given below is an overview of the application processing time
| Estimated time to Process Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) – Graduate Work Stream | Applications Processed |
| 72 Days | 25% |
| 5 Months | 50% |
| 10 Months | 75% |
| 13 Months | 90% |
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) – Post-Study Work Stream
The Post Study Work Stream is for international students who finished their studies in Australia and earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a recognised Australian university. This visa is only for students who previously had a student visa for Australia. The length of the visa depends on the type of degree you have.
For example, if you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree without linked industrial training, the visa lasts for 2 years. If you have a research master’s degree, the visa lasts for 3 years, and if you have a doctoral degree, it lasts for 4 years. The cost for this visa is INR 93k.
Given below is an overview of the application processing time
| Estimated time to Process Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) – Post-Study Work Stream | Applications Processed |
| 79 Days | 25% |
| 4 Months | 50% |
| 10 Months | 75% |
| 15 Months | 90% |
What is a 485 Post Study Work Visa?
This 485 post-study work visa from the Australian Government is fantastic! It lets you stay, study, and work in specific regional areas of Australia for up to six years. It’s an excellent opportunity because it gives you more time to plan your career and opens up more places to study and work.
Who Can Apply for a Post Study 485 Visa?
As an international student, you can apply for this visa within 6 months of finishing your course. To be eligible, you must meet Australia’s study requirements, which include staying and studying in Australia for at least 16 months and completing a course listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) for a minimum of 92 weeks.
It’s important to understand that CRICOS determines the duration of your course, not how long you actually take to finish it. So, if CRICOS says a course should take 74 weeks, but you take 92 weeks, only 74 weeks will count. Therefore, extending your study won’t help. Also, ensure the institution and course you choose are recognised and meet the required skill levels before applying for the visa.
Summing Up
Australia’s post-study work permit is a fantastic opportunity for Indian students to study abroad. With options like the Graduate Work Stream and the Post Study Work Stream, students can stay longer after finishing their studies to gain work experience.
Recent updates have made this even better, offering longer durations and opportunities in different regions of Australia. It’s a great way for Indian students to get a top-notch education and kick-start their careers in a diverse and exciting country like Australia.
For more guidance, contact our LeapScholar Team.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q. What is a post-study work permit (PSWP) in Australia?
Ans. A post-study work permit (PSWP) in Australia allows international students who have completed their studies there to stay and work temporarily after graduation. It allows students to gain practical work experience in their field of study and look at career possibilities in Australia. The duration of a residence permit may differ depending on factors such as the type of qualifications obtained and the visa route applied for.
Q. Who is eligible for a post-study work permit?
Ans. The post study work permit may be granted to international students who have completed their studies in an Australian institution and meet certain criteria. The permit allows them to remain and work in Australia for some time after graduation. The eligibility criteria shall include completing a degree at an Australian institution, meeting specific study duration requirements and being able to apply within a certain time frame after completing the course.
Q. How long is the post-study work permit valid?
Ans. The level of qualification obtained determines the validity of the post study work permit in Australia. The permit duration is usually two to three years for bachelor’s or master’s degrees and up to four years for doctorate degrees. These permits allow international students to stay and work in Australia after completing their studies, giving them valuable opportunities to gain work experience in their field of study.
Q. Do Indian students qualify for post-study work permits in Australia?
Ans. Yes, in Australia, Indian students may be eligible for a post study work permit. The temporary residence visa under category 485 permits foreign students, including those from India, to remain and work in Australia for a limited period after completing their studies. The visa duration depends on the level of educational attainment obtained in Australia.
Q. Can I work full-time on a post-study work permit?
Ans. Yes, post-study work permits international students to be employed full-time after completing their studies for a period usually ranging from one to three years in many countries. However, the specific legislations of each country vary, so it is important to keep an eye on the requirements and limitations of a work permit after you have completed your studies in that country.
Q. How do I apply for a post-study work permit?
Ans. The requirements and procedures laid down by the country you have been studying will need to be checked when applying for a work permit after your studies. In general, you must complete a degree or other qualifying course of study from an approved institution, demonstrate your ability to finance and apply in time for the following academic year.
Q. Are there any restrictions on the type of work I can do on a post-study work permit?
Ans. The rules of the country issuing the work permit shall determine the specific restrictions on the type of work that you are allowed to do under your Post Study Working Permit. Such authorisations generally permit you to work in any field or profession without an employer’s sponsorship. However, there may be limits to the degree of self-employment or certain professions which require additional licenses or qualifications.
Q. What happens if my post-study work permit expires before I obtain permanent residency?
Ans. You may need to move out of the country unless you can apply for another type of visa or permit if your post study work permit is about to expire before becoming a permanent resident. To maintain your status in the country, you must explore other options, such as applications for a new work permit, student visa or avenues of continuous residence sponsorship. In addition, it is also possible to navigate your situation by consulting an immigration lawyer or adviser.
Q. Can I study further on a post-study work permit in Australia?
Ans. Yes, in Australia, you can continue to study for a work permit after your study. However, you will have to ensure that your new study programme meets the visa requirements and fully complies with them. In addition, to avoid any problems with your visa status, you must inform the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible about any changes concerning your circumstances, such as new study plans.
Q. What are the financial requirements for applying for a post-study work permit?
Ans. The financial requirements for applying for a postplacement work permit shall usually be to demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your expenses while in residence. This may be different in each country, but it is usually necessary to prove that you can pay for living expenses like accommodation, meals and transportation. In addition, it may be necessary to demonstrate that you are financially able to cover health insurance and related visa application costs.
Q. Is there a minimum English language proficiency requirement for a post-study work permit?
Ans. Yes, you have to demonstrate a minimum English language proficiency level in most countries where post study work permits are offered. Standardised tests such as the IELTS and TOEFL are frequently used to assess this. Depending on the country and its immigration policy, the specific score requirements vary, but it is generally necessary to meet these language proficiency standards to obtain a visa.
