After completing your studies, you can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows you to stay and work in Australia. There are two streams:
- Graduate Work Stream—For trade occupations, valid for 18 months.
- Post-Study Work Stream—For degree holders, valid for 2 to 6 years, depending on your qualification.
This visa enables eligible international graduates to remain in Australia for one to two years longer than they would under standard visa conditions. The exact length depends on the regional location of their graduating institution (for the first graduate visa) and their current residence in a designated regional area. The application fee starts at AUD 880, and processing times vary. Applicants generally need to be under 36 years old, be in Australia, and hold a specific existing Temporary Graduate visa. Their qualifying degree must be from a CRICOS-registered institution in a designated regional area. Those in the post-higher education work stream must have lived there for at least two years. Adequate health insurance is also required for all applicants.
Post-Study Work Rights
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) enables international students to gain valuable work experience in Australia. Duration depends on qualification level and study location. Regional graduates may qualify for extended stay periods. Work experience gained can lead to permanent residency options.
Visa details:
- Bachelor's/Master's graduates: 2-4 years work rights
- PhD graduates: up to 6 years of work rights
- Regional bonus: An Additional 1-2 years for studying outside major cities
Regional Employment Opportunities
Regional Australia offers distinct advantages for job seekers. Many states provide incentives for workers to relocate outside major cities. Occupation lists for regional areas often include additional professions. Housing costs are generally lower than in capital cities.
Regional programs:
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
- Priority processing for regional applications
- State-specific occupation lists