Australia to extend two years work visa for international graduates in skills shortage industries

Australia to extend two years work visa for international graduates in skills shortage industries

In the aftermath of the pandemic, Australia has been facing an unprecedented shortage of skills. Seeking to combat the overwhelming talent crunch, the Government is now extending the two years’ work visa for foreign graduates in industries with workforce shortages. 

This is excellent news for thousands of Indian students who are studying at various Australian universities, and for students who wish to pursue their higher studies here. The aim is to encourage an increase in study abroad applications in the near future which were drastically reduced due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. 

Jason Clare, Minister for Education, has stated that students who study in industries with skills shortages will be able to stay in Australia two years longer. At present, the Ministry is yet to specify the degrees which will be selected for work-rights extensions. These details are expected to be announced in late-October when the working advisory group will submit its advice. 

Under the present rules, students with bachelor’s degrees are allowed to stay in Australia for two years, while students of master’s programmes can stay for three years. Doctoral students are allowed to stay for four years, although students with Hong Kong and British National Overseas passports can stay on for five years. 
 

Now, with these changes in law, selected bachelor’s degree graduates can stay in Australia for four years, selected master’s graduates for five years, and graduates of selected PhD degrees will be able to stay in the country for six years. The degrees and programmes will be chosen based on industries with workforce shortages. 

Jason Clare had earlier stated that he would like to see more foreign students stay on in Australia after graduation, rather than just studying in Australia and working in retail or hospitality, or going to find jobs in other countries after the completion of their study programmes. As he said, skill shortages are chronic across the economy at the moment, and the contribution of these graduates will go a long way toward strengthening the economy. 
 

Students will benefit the most from this move by the Australian government. They will now get an extended period of time to find a job so that they can utilise their skills learnt during their study programs. 

Are you looking to study in Australia? If you’d like guidance from the most reputed education counsellors, visit the MWT Education Consultancy office. We’ll support you, every step of the way!