The Australian Government recently announced significant updates to the Temporary Graduate visa programs as part of its new Migration Strategy. These changes, set to take effect from 1 July 2024, will impact international students planning to work in Australia after completing their studies. Let's dive into the key changes for each visa stream.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
- The Graduate Work stream will be renamed to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
- The maximum eligible age for applicants will be reduced to 35 years, except for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders who can apply up to age 50.
- Applicants must hold an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification closely related to their nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Those with a bachelor's degree or higher will need to apply through the Post-Higher Education Work stream instead.
- The visa duration remains up to 18 months, or up to 5 years for eligible Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
- The Post-Study Work stream will be renamed to the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
- The maximum eligible age for applicants will also be reduced to 35 years, with the same exception for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders up to age 50.
- The 2-year extension for 'select degrees' will be discontinued.
- Visa durations will change based on qualification:
- Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years
- Masters (coursework and extended) – up to 2 years
- Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) – up to 3 years
- Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may qualify for up to a 5-year stay.
- Durations for Indian nationals under the Australia-India trade agreement remain unchanged.
Second Post-Study Work Stream
- The Second Post-Study Work stream will become the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
- No other changes to this stream have been announced.
The Australian government is implementing these reforms to strengthen the quality and integrity of the international education system. While some students may no longer be eligible due to the lowered age limit, there are still many visa pathways available to live and work in Australia after graduation.If you're an international student planning your future in Australia, be sure to carefully review these upcoming changes to the Temporary Graduate visa program. Consider how they may impact your post-study work rights and explore alternate visa options as needed. With proper planning and understanding of the new rules, you can still achieve your career goals down under.
Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/changes