The Temporary Graduate visa programs in Australia are undergoing significant changes, as announced by the Australian Government in its recent Migration Strategy. These changes, set to come into effect from July 1, 2024, aim to realign the visa streams with the levels of study undertaken by applicants.
The Temporary Graduate visa programs let international students who have successfully completed a course registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). This visa offers several key benefits:
Stay: Holders of the Temporary Graduate visa can stay in Australia after completing their studies, allowing them to explore further opportunities or gain work experience in the country.
Include Family: Applicants can include family members, such as partners, children, or their partner's children, in their visa application. However, family members must meet health and character requirements as per the visa regulations.
Work: One of the significant advantages of the Temporary Graduate visa is the ability to work unrestricted hours in any sector. This provides graduates with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in their field of study or explore other career pathways while residing in Australia.
Here's a breakdown of the changes to Australia's Temporary Graduate visa programs.
Graduate Work stream
The upcoming changes to the Temporary Graduate visa program in Australia will bring significant adjustments to the Graduate Work stream, which will now be known as the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. These changes include:
Age Eligibility: The maximum age limit for applicants applying under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream will be reduced to 35 years or younger.
Eligibility for Hong Kong and British National Overseas Passport Holders: Despite the age reduction, individuals holding Hong Kong or British National Overseas passports will remain eligible for this stream if they are under the age of 50.
Alternative Visa Options: Applicants who no longer meet the age requirements for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream may still have options available through other visa pathways. They are encouraged to explore these alternatives to continue their stay in Australia.
Qualification Requirements: To be eligible for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, 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 degree-level qualifications or higher will no longer qualify for this stream and must apply through the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Duration of Stay: Successful applicants under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream may continue to stay in Australia for up to 18 months.
Extended Stay for Passport Holders: Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders may have the option to extend their stay for up to 5 years, providing them with an extended period to live and work in Australia.
Post-Study Work stream
The Post-Study Work stream will be rebranded as the Post-Higher Education Work stream. These updates entail:
Age Eligibility: The maximum age limit for applicants applying under the Post-Higher Education Work stream will be lowered to 35 years or younger.
Eligibility for Hong Kong and British National Overseas Passport Holders: Despite the age adjustment, individuals holding Hong Kong or British National Overseas passports will remain eligible for this stream if they are under the age of 50.
Alternative Visa Options: Applicants who no longer meet the age criteria for the Post-Higher Education Work stream may still qualify for other visa options. They are advised to explore these alternatives to extend their stay in Australia.
Termination of the 'Select Degree' Extension: The 'select degree' extension, which allowed for an additional two years of stay, will no longer be available under this stream.
Changes in Stay Periods: Stay periods under the Post-Higher Education Work stream will be adjusted as follows:
