Extended post-study work rights for international graduates (AUSTRALIA)

International graduates from higher education who meet the prerequisites will receive an additional two years of post-study work rights starting on July 1, 2023. The maximum number of hours that overseas students may work per fortnight will rise from 40 to 48.

Two-year extension of post-study work rights

For international graduates with specific degrees in fields where there is a confirmed skill shortage, a two-year extension of post-study employment privileges is offered.

This extension will extend the Temporary Graduate Visa for qualified overseas higher education graduates by an extra two years (subclass 485).

In addition to the current additional one to two years of work privileges, the extension is available to qualifying students who study, reside, and work in regional areas.

See the indicative list of in-demand professions that are eligible for the extension and the corresponding qualifications.

The Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education and the Hon Clare O’Neil MP, Minister for Home Affairs established a Post‑Study Work Rights Working Group to provide advice on the measure. The Working Group Report and the Government’s response to the report’s recommendations are both available for reading.

Further information can be found in the post-study work rights factsheet.

Increase to allowable work hours cap from 1 July 2023

The Government has also announced an increase to the working hour cap for international students, from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight, when the cap is reinstated on 1 July 2023. 

For more information, read the International student working hour cap factsheet.

For futher more information or your Visa extension contact HS Consultants