Post-Study Work Visas In Australia: A Guide for Indian Students

Are you dreaming of studying in Australia for a rewarding career? For many Indian students, this dream is still a destiny! But it also comes with the additional benefit of a post-study work visa.

These visas offer a gateway to professional growth and a chance to gain international work experience. So we decided to shed more light on this topic! This blog is going to deliver all the information associated with post-study work visas for Indian students in Australia, exploring their types, eligibility criteria, durations and a whole lot more!

Types Of Post-Study Work Visas

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

This type of visa is also known as Subclass 485. It applies to international students under 50 who have completed a registered course. It is a key option for Indian students looking to start their careers in Australia. This visa has four streams:

Graduate Work Stream
Post-Study Work Stream
Second Post-Study Work stream
Replacement stream

Tip: Whichever stream you apply for will determine how long you may stay and how much the visa will cost.

Graduate Work Stream

The graduate work stream is suitable for qualifications closely related to their chosen occupation, while the post-study work stream caters to those with higher education degrees from Australian institutions.

Typically, the duration is up to 18 months (This was temporarily extended to 24 months for visas issued from December 1, 2021).
The need to acquire a skills assessment has been temporarily suspended until June 30, 2023.
You have the opportunity to bring your family to Australia.
The processing time varies.

From 1 July 2023, international higher education graduates in Australia with eligible qualifications will be granted an extra two years of post-study work rights. The work rights can now extend up to 8 years for select programs.

Post-Study Work Stream Visa

Indian students with higher education qualifications can consider this visa as a lifeline! That’s because it allows them to stay in Australia and work for a specific duration, depending on their degree level.

You can work and reside in Australia for a duration ranging from 2 to 6 years, depending on your qualifications (effective from July 2023).
You must possess a recently acquired degree from a CRICOS-registered course.
Additionally, you have the option to bring your family along to Australia.
Please note that the processing time for this varies.

The Post-Study Work Stream visa offers the flexibility and time required to gain valuable work experience and enhance employability.

Second Post-Study Work Stream

Suppose you hold a Temporary Graduate Visa (post-study work stream) and have completed a degree from an Australian institution in a regional area. In that case, you can temporarily reside and work in Australia under this visa category.

Suppose you have chosen to remain in regional areas for living, working, or studying during your initial 485 visa. In that case, you can apply for the Second Post-Study Work Visa, which grants you a stay of 1 to 2 years, depending on your study and living location.
This visa also permits you to bring your family with you to Australia.
Please note that the processing time for this visa is currently unavailable.

Replacement Stream

This visa category is designed for both current and former Temporary Graduate Visa holders who experienced delays caused by COVID-19 travel restrictions. With this visa, you can temporarily live and work in Australia.

Typically, the duration of this visa falls between 18 months and 5 years.
For previous Post Study Work visa holders (for 2 years) who completed a Master of Coursework, the visa duration has been extended to 3 years.
Former Graduate Work Stream visa holders (for 18 months) will now receive a 2-year visa (Note: This change is temporary).
You have the option to bring your family members to Australia under this visa category.
Please be aware that the processing time for this visa is currently unavailable.

Eligibility Criteria For Post-Study Work Visas

To qualify for a post-study work visa in Australia, Indian students must meet specific criteria:

Completion of a Recognised Course

Applicants must complete a course from a registered Australian institution. It’s crucial to ensure that your chosen course meets the eligibility requirements for the desired visa stream.

The Australian Government has announced a two-year extension of post-study work rights for international graduates with select degrees in areas of verified skills shortage to strengthen the pipeline to skilled work. The extension will take effect from 1 July 2023. This extension will give eligible international higher education graduates an additional two years.

English Language Proficiency

Students must demonstrate English language proficiency through standardised tests like IELTS or PTE is typically a prerequisite. The required score varies depending on the visa stream and your qualifications.

Health And Character Requirements

Applicants must undergo health examinations and provide police clearance certificates to prove good character. Meeting these requirements is essential for visa approval.

Specific Visa Requirements

Each type of post-study work visa has unique criteria, including the level of qualification, the duration of the course, and the location of study. It’s essential to understand and fulfil these specific requirements.

Job Opportunities For Indian Students On Post-Study Work Visas

Australia boasts a diverse job market with opportunities in various industries and sectors. Popular choices for Indian graduates include information technology, healthcare, engineering, accounting, and hospitality. To make the most of your job search:

Network Actively: Attend job fairs, join professional associations, and leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn.
Tailor Your Resume: Customise your resume to match job requirements and highlight your Australian education and work rights.
Internships and Volunteering: Gain experience through internships or volunteer work to enhance your employability.
Professional Development: Consider further studies or certifications to strengthen your qualifications.

The Government has also announced an increase to the part-time working hour cap for international students, while studying, from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight, from 1 July 2023.

CONCLUSION:

Without a doubt, the post-study work visas offer Indian students in Australia an invaluable opportunity to bridge the gap between education and professional success. Ensure you understand its types, eligibility criteria, durations, and job prospects to make the most of this experience.

So, why wait? Seize the chance to embark on a transformative journey of education and career growth in the Land Down Under, now with extended post-study work rights!