BREAKING NEWS: Two-year extension of post-study work rights for some 485 Graduate Visa holders
From 1 July 2023, the Australian Government will increase the duration of stay for some 485 visa holders by extending the post-study work rights by two years. This is applicable to international students graduating from an Australian higher education degree in one of the target skills: health, teaching, engineering and agricultural fields. The graduates from these selected fields and courses who currently hold a SC485 visa are eligible to apply for an extension. International students will also be able to work 48 hours fortnightly which is 40 hours currently.
International higher education graduates who meet the requirements will be granted an extra two years on their Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) with this extension. This supplement is on top of the current one to two years of additional work rights granted to eligible students who study, reside, and work in regional areas.
Only international graduates with specific degrees in verified skill shortage areas are eligible for the two-year extension, extending the subclass 485 visa validity 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 Doctoral degrees
According to Clare O’Neil, the Minister for Home Affairs, “Enabling students that gain an education in Australia to stay longer and contribute to our economy benefits us all”.
“After a lost decade on immigration and skills we are looking for ways to utilize skilled migrants via enhanced training and better targeted, less exploitative programs for temporary visa workers and students,” she added.
Source: Addressing skills shortages in key industries and rebuilding the international education sector (homeaffairs.gov.au)
