Types of Australia’s Post-Study Work Visa & How to Apply for it

Looking to kickstart your career in Australia after graduation? Australia’s Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) is your ticket to gaining valuable work experience and potentially securing permanent residency. With recent changes enhancing eligibility and stay periods, this visa offers a great opportunity to grow your career in Australia’s vibrant job market. Read on to find out more about the PSWV!

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What is Australia’s Post-Study Work Visa?

Australia’s Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) is designed to allow international students to stay in Australia after completing their studies. It gives graduates the opportunity to gain work experience, enhance their skills, and potentially apply for permanent residency. The duration of the visa depends on the qualification level and location of the study. This visa is highly sought after by graduates looking to expand their career opportunities in Australia and take advantage of the thriving job market. The Post Study Work Visa in Australia for Indian students offers a valuable opportunity to transition from education to professional life, enabling them to contribute to Australia’s economy while gaining international work experience.

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Latest Updates for Australia’s Post-Study Work Visa

As of July 1, 2024, the Australian Government has made significant changes to the post-study work visa categories under Australia’s Post-Study Work Visa:

• Name Changes:
  • The Graduate Work Stream has been renamed to the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream.
  • The Post-Study Work Stream is now referred to as the Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
• Age Limit:
  • The maximum age for applicants in the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream has been reduced to 35 years or younger at the time of application.
• Special Provisions for Passport Holders:
  • Holders of Hong Kong or British National Overseas passports may be granted a stay of up to 5 years.
• Updated Stay Periods:
  • Bachelor’s degree (including honours): up to 2 years.
  • Master’s degree (coursework and extended): up to 2 years.
  • Master’s (Research) and Doctoral degrees (PhD): up to 3 years.

Types of Post-Study Work Visa Options

International students at top-tier Australian universities can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to pursue post-study work opportunities in Australia. This visa has three main streams:

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (formerly Graduate Work Stream)

This stream is for students who have recently graduated with relevant qualifications in fields related to specific occupations needed in Australia. Successful applicants can:

• Live, study, and work temporarily in Australia for up to 18 months.
• The visa cost starts from INR 106,975.00 (AUD 1,945.00).
• It allows applicants to bring family members along during their stay.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream is designed for graduates who have earned a degree from an Australian higher education institution. The stay duration is typically between 2 and 3 years, depending on the qualification level (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s). Benefits include:

• Temporary residence, study, and work rights.
• The visa cost also starts from INR 106,975.00 (AUD 1,945.00).
• Applicants can bring family members with them.

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream is for graduates who hold a Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement visa and have obtained a degree from an Australian institution in a regional area. Successful applicants can:

• Live, study, and work temporarily in Australia for 1 to 2 years, depending on their regional circumstances.
• The visa cost starts from INR 42,075.00 (AUD 765.00).
• It allows applicants to bring family members along during their stay.

In summary, Australia’s Post-Study Work Visa gives international graduates different ways to gain work experience and explore career opportunities in a growing job market. This visa helps them make the most of their education and skills while living and working in Australia.

How to Apply for Australia Post-Study Work Visa Online

Applying for a post-study work visa in Australia is a straightforward online process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for Australia post-study work visa for Indian students:

Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements for the post-study work visa, including age, qualification, and health insurance.

Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including:

• Your passport and a valid student visa.
• Evidence of your qualification.
• Proof of health insurance.
• An English language proficiency test certificate.
• A recent Australian Federal Police (AFP) check.

Create an ImmiAccount: Visit the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website and create an ImmiAccount. This account will allow you to submit your application and track its progress.

Complete the Application: Fill out the online application form, provide accurate information and upload the required documents.

Pay the Visa Fee: After submitting your application, pay the visa fee through the online payment portal.

Submit Your Application: Review your application for accuracy, then submit it through your ImmiAccount.

Await Processing: After submission, wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process your application. You can check the status through your ImmiAccount.

Receive Your Visa Decision: You will be notified of the decision via your ImmiAccount. If approved, you will receive your visa details, allowing you to start working in Australia.

Following these steps will help you successfully navigate the application process for Australia’s post-study work visa, paving the way for valuable work experience in Australia’s vibrant job market.

Post-Study Work Visa Requirements in Australia

The Department of Home Affairs outlines specific requirements for Australia’s Post-Study Work Visa, which vary by visa type and the applicant’s intended duration of stay. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements for different post-study work visas.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Graduate Work Stream)

This visa is open to international students who have graduated with skills and qualifications relevant to occupations on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). It allows the holder to stay and work for up to 18 months.

Requirements:

• Applicants must be under 50 years of age and a recent graduate.
• Their qualifications must be relevant to the Skilled Occupation List.
• Must hold an Australian student visa, with English as the language of instruction.
• Proof of English proficiency via valid test scores (IELTS, TOEFL-iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced).
• Must have been awarded at least one diploma or degree from a CRICOS-registered course within the last 6 months.
• Must meet the medical and character requirements.
• Should not have previously held a Subclass 476 or Subclass 485 visa.
• Applications will be invalid if the applicant’s visa has been canceled or denied in the past.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Post-Higher Education Work Stream)

This visa is suitable for graduates from Australian institutions and allows them to stay and work in Australia for 2 to 3 years. It also allows them to bring their family members.

Requirements:

• Applicants must be under 50 years of age.
• Must hold a Graduate degree from a CRICOS-registered course.
• Must hold a valid student visa or have held one within the last 6 months.
• Should not have previously held a Subclass 485 or Subclass 476 visa.
• Must meet the Australian study criteria.
• Eligible degrees include:
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Bachelor’s Degree with Honors
  • Master’s Degree by Coursework or Subject
  • Master of Research
  • Doctoral Degree
• Applicants with diplomas or trade qualifications are not eligible for this visa.
• Proof of English proficiency via valid test scores (IELTS, TOEFL-iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced).
• Must meet the medical and character requirements.

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This visa allows international students with a Temporary Graduate visa to live, study, and work in Australia for 1 to 2 years.

Requirements:

• Applicants must be 35 years or younger.
• Must be in Australia during application.
• Hold a Temporary Graduate visa in the relevant stream.
• Have a degree from a CRICOS-registered course in a designated regional area.
• Must have resided in an eligible regional area for at least 2 years before applying.
• Provide evidence of adequate health insurance.

Documents Required for Post-Study Work Visas in Australia

When applying for Australia’s Post-Study Work Visa, it’s essential to gather the following documents:

Identity Documents:

A valid passport and any additional identification.

Educational Documents:

Certificates and transcripts from your completed degree program in Australia.

Health Insurance Documents:

Evidence of adequate health insurance coverage for your stay in Australia.

Character Documents:

Police clearance certificates or other documents demonstrating your good character.

Partner Documents (if applicable):

If your partner is accompanying you, include their identity and character documents.

Dependent Documents:

For dependents under 18 years: provide identity and relationship proof.

For dependents above 18 years: include similar identity and character documents.

Preparing these documents thoroughly will enhance your chances of a successful application for Australia’s Post-Study Work Visa.

Also read: Requirements for an Australia Study Visa

Key Takeaways:

• Australia’s Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) provides international graduates with the chance to gain valuable work experience, enhance their skills, and potentially transition to permanent residency. This visa is essential for expanding career opportunities in Australia.
• As of July 1, 2024, the maximum duration of stay has changed, with Bachelor’s degree holders eligible for up to 2 years, Master’s degree holders for 2 to 3 years, and Doctoral graduates for up to 3 years.
• To qualify for the PSWV, applicants must be 35 years or younger, hold a valid student visa or have held one within the last 6 months, and obtain a qualification relevant to occupations on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
• The Post Study Work Visa Australia for Indian students is a valuable opportunity that allows them to utilize their education and gain practical experience in the Australian job market, ultimately enhancing their employability and skills for future career prospects.

Did you find this blog informative? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. Click here to contact us for more information on Australia’s Post-Study Work Visa. We would be happy to assist you with your queries.

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FAQs

Ques 1. Can I get a work permit after 1-year of study in Australia?

Answer 1 – You generally cannot obtain a work permit after just one year of study in Australia. To apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), you typically need to have completed at least two years of study. However, your eligibility may depend on the specific course and qualifications you have earned. 

Ques 2. Can I buy a house with a 485 visa?

Answer 2– Yes, you can buy a house with a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) in Australia. However, most lenders will allow a maximum loan-to-value ratio (LVR) of up to 80% of the property’s value. You’ll need to secure Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval and demonstrate that you have at least 12 months remaining on your visa.

Ques 3. Can I get a post-study work visa after my diploma in Australia?

Answer 3– Students who have completed academic programs that result in only a diploma are ineligible for the post-study work visa. However, you may be eligible for a visa under the ‘Graduate Work’ stream with only a diploma.