The government has decided to extend and facilitate the working rights of people holding a student visa or a temporary graduate visa! We tell you more about the new regulations established on July 1, 2023, as well as the eligibility criteria.
Increase the allowable work hours cap for student visa holders.
Good news to all students! The government has announced that the limitation of authorized working hours for student visas will increase from 40 hours to 48 hours authorized per fortnight, as soon as this limitation is restored, i.e. from July 1, 2023.
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) extension.
The Australian Government announced on February 22 the list of qualifications that will allow you to obtain a work visa extension after your studies. This extension is for international students graduating in fields with labour shortages in Australia.
The duration of the post-study work period for eligible graduates will be extended depending on the degree level obtained:
- 4 years for a bachelor’s, compared to 2 years previously.
- 5 years for masters, against 3 years previously.
- 6 years for doctorates, compared to 4 years previously.
This extension will be applicable from July 1, 2023, and in addition to this, an extension of 1 to 2 years for students who study, live and work in regional areas.
To be eligible for this extension, you must meet the eligibility criteria for the temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) and have completed a degree in one of the eligible qualifications. In addition, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Possess a temporary graduate work visa (subclass 485) as of July 1, 2023;
- Have applied for the temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) before July 1, 2023;
- Submit a request for the temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) after July 1, 2023.
If you have a temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) which expires before July 1, 2023, but you have an eligible qualification, you can still apply for this extension. However, in this case, you will receive a two-year Australian Government Sponsored Events (COVID-19 Pandemic Event) visa (subclass 408) instead of another temporary graduate work visa (subclass 485).
If you meet the eligibility criteria, have obtained a qualification on the approved list and have a temporary graduate work visa (subclass 485) valid on July 1, 2023 (or have applied for a temporary graduate work before or after this date), your visa extension will be automatic.
If your temporary graduate work visa (subclass 485) expires before July 1, 2023, or if you are eligible for the two-year visa for Australian government-sponsored events (COVID-19 Pandemic Event) (subclass 408) mentioned above, you will need to apply for a two-year visa for Australian government-sponsored events (COVID-19 Pandemic Event) (subclass 408) with the Department of the Interior.
If you would like more information on this subject or personalized advice based on your current situation, do not hesitate to contact us, we will be pleased to answer your questions!
