Australia is making big changes to its Temporary Graduate visa programs, which are important for international students looking to work in Australia after their studies starting July 1, 2024.
Here's what you need to know:
Graduate Work Becomes Post-Vocational Education Work
One major change is the name of the Graduate Work Stream, which will now be called the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream. This is for students with vocational qualifications like diplomas or trade certificates related to jobs on specific skills listed by the government.Â
To apply for this stream, you must be under 35 years old. However, if you're from Hong Kong or a British National Overseas passport holder, you can apply up to age 50.
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How Long Can I Stay?
Under the Post-Vocational Education Workstream, you can stay up to 18 months. But if you're from Hong Kong or a British National Overseas passport holder, you might stay longer, up to 5 years.
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Degree Requirements Change
If you possess a degree or higher qualification, you are no longer eligible to apply for the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream. Instead, you will need to apply through a separate stream known as the Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
The Post-Study Work stream has been renamed as the Post-Higher Education Work stream. This stream is designed for students who have completed bachelor's, master's, or PhD degrees in Australia.
Visa grant periods will be as follows:
Note:Â Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders will be granted a visa for five years regardless of their course of study.
Visa grant periods for Indian nationals in the Post-Higher Education Work Stream under the Australian Indian Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) will remain as follows:
Second Post-Study Work Stays the Same
The Second Post-Study Work Stream will stay as it is, just with a new name: the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream. Nothing else has changed for this stream.
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Goodbye to the Replacement Stream
Lastly, the Replacement stream is ending. This stream allowed some temporary residents to extend their stay, but it won't be an option anymore.
It's important to understand these changes if you're planning to work in Australia after studying.
Make sure to check your options carefully, especially if you're affected by the new age limits or qualification requirements. Keep an eye out for more updates.