Are you planning to study in Australia or currently pursuing your studies there? If so, this information is essential for you. The Australian Government has announced significant changes to the Temporary Graduate visa programs, set to take effect from 1 July 2024. Here’s everything you need to know!
New Visa Stream Names
Starting from 1 July 2024, the Temporary Graduate visa streams will be renamed to better reflect the levels of study:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: Previously known as the Graduate Work stream.
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream: Previously known as the Post-Study Work stream.
Your eligibility for these streams will depend on your highest qualification. Specifically, the qualification you use to meet the Australian study requirement determines which stream you should apply for.
Eligibility Criteria
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream:
- Qualifications: Associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification.
- Occupation Requirement: Your qualification must be closely related to your nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List.
- Age Limit: 35 years or under at the time of application. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can apply up to age 50.
- Stay Duration: Up to 18 months (5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders).
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream:
- Qualifications: Degree level or higher.
- Age Limit: 35 years or under at the time of application. Masters (research) and PhD graduates, along with Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders, can apply up to age 50.
- Stay Duration:
- Bachelor degree: Up to 2 years.
- Masters (coursework and extended): Up to 2 years.
- Masters (research) and PhD: Up to 3 years.
- Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders: Up to 5 years.
Specific Stay Periods for Indian Nationals
Under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, Indian nationals have specific stay periods:
- Bachelor degree: Up to 2 years.
- Bachelor degree with first-class honors in STEM: Up to 3 years.
- Masters: Up to 3 years.
- PhD: Up to 4 years.
Other Notable Changes
- The Second Post-Study Work stream will be renamed to the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream with no other changes.
- The Replacement stream will be discontinued.
Important Deadlines
To be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa under the current rules, you must complete your qualification and lodge your application before 1 July 2024. Ensure you meet the Australian study requirement and provide evidence from your education provider of your course completion date before a visa decision is made.
These changes aim to better align visa programs with the qualifications and skills Australia needs. Stay informed and plan ahead to make the most of your study and work opportunities in Australia.
Stay informed and good luck with your studies and career in Australia!
Disclaimer – The information provided by Edulogix and its representatives in this blog are generic and for educational purposes only. It should not be treated as legal advice under any circumstances. Always seek legal advice from an authorized professional before taking any actions. Edulogix hereby disclaims any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any of the video content which is provided as is, without any warranties.