Post-study work rights extension up to two extra years for international students in Australia

Post-study Work Rights Extension up to Two Extra Years for International Students in Australia

Starting July 1st, 2023, eligible international higher education graduates in Australia will receive an extra two years of post-study work rights. This recent update by the authorities in Australia is an extension to the already impressive post-study work benefits that have been offered to international students.

The extension of work rights is applicable to selected programs and can now last for up to 8 years. This presents a fantastic opportunity for current and prospective international students who wish to study in Australia, a country renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.

With extended post-study work rights now offered under subclass 485, students who choose to study at highly ranked Australian universities and institutions can take a step towards global career opportunities.

Here are the important updates:

• The Australian Government will extend post-study work rights by two years for international graduates with select degrees in areas of verified skills shortage, effective from July 1st, 2023.
• This extension applies to eligible international higher education graduates and will increase post-study work rights from:
  • Two years to four years for select bachelor's degrees.
  • Three years to five years for select master's degrees.
  • Four years to six years for all PhDs
• The list of occupations and qualifications eligible for post-study work rights extension can be viewed at this link
• This extension is in addition to the existing additional one to two years of work rights for eligible students who study, live and work in regional areas
• Starting July 1st, 2023, the government plans to raise the cap on permissible work hours for international students who are studying part-time, from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight

Duration of Post-study work rights in Australia:

*List of occupations and qualifications eligible for post-study work rights extension - here

*Major Cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

*Cities and major regional centers: Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, Hobart *Regional centers and other regional areas: All other locations**

What is the 485 Post-Study Work Stream Visa?

The Australian government now offers a post-study work stream visa that allows international students to live, study, and work in designated regional areas of the country for up to five years. This is an amazing opportunity for students to plan their careers more effectively, as they will have access to a wider range of study and work areas, and a longer duration of post-study work visa validity.

Who is eligible to apply?

International students who want to work in Australia for a longer period (up to five years) after completing their studies are eligible to apply for this visa. The good news is that this visa provides complete study and work rights and allows for freedom to travel to and from Australia as long as it is valid.

Important things to know:

• Your field of specialization does not determine eligibility for this visa as it does not have an occupations list. However, ensure you are studying at the right level.
• You should have a degree from a CRICOS-registered course
• Skills assessment is not required for this visa
• You need to meet the English language proficiency requirements

The post-study work stream visa offers exciting career opportunities in Australia, with more options, exposure, and employability.

Australia's regional cities provide a great combination of world-class university education and an unbeatable lifestyle. This policy makes other cities like Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, and Canberra more attractive to international students, creating a sustainable balance and more opportunities for everyone. The new policy advantages international students in many ways, ensuring education and employment opportunities are available throughout the country.

To know more and to check your eligibility, contact an MWT Education Consultancy counsellor today!