Post-study work rights extension: qualifications announced
28 Feb 2023
On 22 February 2023, the Australian Government announced the indicative list of qualifications that will be considered for an extended post-study ‘stay and work’ period.
The intention to extend post-study work rights was announced in late 2022. The indicative list of relevant degrees has now been released, based on recommendations to the Government by a group of industry experts.
Extended post-study work rights are intended for international students graduating with degrees linked to workforce shortages in Australia.
Under the Temporary Graduate Work visa (subclass 485), the post-study ‘stay and work’ period for eligible graduates of listed qualifications will increase, as follows:
- Four years for Bachelor degree graduates, up from two years previously.
- Five years for Master degree graduates, up from three years previously.
- Six years for PhD graduates, up from four years previously.
The 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.
The new extensions will apply from 1 July 2023.
Eligibility
Graduates will be eligible for this extension if:
In addition, one of the following must also apply:
- They hold a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) on 1 July 2023.
or
- They have lodged an application for a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) by 1 July 2023.
or
- They lodge an application for a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) after 1 July 2023.
If graduates hold a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) that expires before 1 July 2023, but they do hold an eligible qualification, they can still apply for this extension. However, in this case, they will be granted a two-year Temporary Activity Australian Government Endorsed Events (COVID-19 Pandemic Event) visa (subclass 408) instead of a further Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
Graduates are also eligible for a two-year Temporary Activity Australian Government Endorsed Events (COVID-19 Pandemic event) visa (subclass 408) if:
- They were granted a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) before 15 December 2021, and
- The visa took effect on or after 1 February 2020, and
- They were in Australia for the whole time that their visa was in effect between 1 February 2020 and 15 December 2021, and
- They hold an eligible qualification.
Eligible qualifications
To view the indicative list of identified occupations from the 2022 Skills Priority List, visit the Department of Education website. The lists of occupations and qualifications will be monitored and reviewed on an annual basis.
How to apply
If graduates meet the eligibility criteria, have completed a qualification from the approved list, and hold a valid Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) on 1 July 2023 – or apply for a Temporary Graduate visa before or after 1 July 2023 – their visa will be automatically extended by two years.
If their Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) expires before 1 July 2023 or they are eligible for the two-year Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government Endorsed Events visa (COVID-19 Pandemic event) as above, they will need to apply for the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa with the Department of Home Affairs.