Every year, thousands of international students travel to Australia in search of a world-class education. The country provides a compelling post-study work visa that allows international students to get work experience in Australia, potentially leading to permanent residency.

Temporary (subclass 485) visas have been developed in Australia expressly for international students to promote employment in key sectors and guarantee the country's continuous services. Students on this visa can work for more than 40 hours per week, either before or during their education.

Types of Post-Study Visa

The Department of Home Affairs of the Australian Government is in charge of overseeing migration and citizenship in the country. They offer a variety of work permits to help students achieve their goals and develop successful careers.

Let's look at the multiple types of Australian work visas:

• Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) - Graduate Workstream

• Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) - Post-Study Workstream

• Skilled Recognized Graduate Visa (Subclass 476)

The eligibility criteria for a Post-Study Visa

• You must have been the primary holder of a valid student visa (excluding those supported by the Defence or Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry) for at least six months before applying.

• If you currently hold a Bridging Visa A or Bridging Visa B granted based on a valid visa application after your student visa, you may still be eligible.

• If you currently hold a valid visa and had a student visa in the previous six months before your application, you may qualify for the Temporary Graduate visa.

• If you no longer hold a student visa, but COVID-19 travel restrictions prevented you from returning to Australia to apply, you may still be eligible if you held a student visa within the last 12 months.

• If you were previously granted a subclass 485 or 476 visa as the primary visa holder, you would not be eligible for this visa.

• Before submitting your 485 visa application, you and any family members aged 16 and above must obtain an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check.

• The application for the 485 visa must be made within six months of completing your studies in Australia.

The application process for a Post-Study Visa

Students who wish to apply for one of these post-study work visas can do so either online or by filling out a paper application. Due to the complexities of applications, it is recommended that you consult with an expert such as PFEC Global AU.

To apply online, go to the Australian Government's Department of Immigration’s official website. Then, in the order listed below, follow the steps:

• Go to the concerned department's official website, then to the 'ImmiAccount' page.

• If you are a new user, select “Create ImmiAccount” from the drop-down menu, or log in with your credentials (User ID and Password) if you have already registered.

• Fill out the visa application form completely and upload/attach all required documents.

• If you intend to travel with your family, include their information in the form.

• Pay online using your credit card or other payment methods as directed.

The documents you require for a Post-Study Visa

You'll need several essential documents to submit your application successfully. These are the documents:

• Documents of Identification

• Documents Related to the Study

• Characteristics and Documentation

• Papers Relating to Health Insurance

• The Partner's records (If you are living with a dependent spouse)

• Documents of Dependents Under the Age of 18 Years, if required

• Forms of dependents over the age of 18, if required

Duration of your stay in Australia

The post-study visa is a short-term visa. Your qualification in Australia will determine the length of stay in the country.

• The post-study visa grants the students to reside, work, and continue their studies in Australia on a temporary basis, typically ranging from 2 to 4 years.

• Holders of a Hong Kong passport who have completed a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree can reside for up to five years.

Australia's Post-Study Work Visa Terms and Conditions

International students must meet the eligibility requirements for Post Study Work Visas established by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. These requirements may differ depending on the type of visa you're applying for and the length of time you plan to spend in Australia.

Common Mistakes You Should Avoid!

Missing deadlines

Let's face it, missing deadlines is a typical occurrence, and it's just human nature. However, we must always keep in mind important dates that will result in certain major shifts in our lives.

For example, failing to meet critical deadlines during the post-study visa application procedure.

Since each application process has a deadline for submitting documents, failure to do so may result in rejection. Thus, establish a precise timetable with all the necessary actions and deadlines, as well as set reminders to ensure timely completion.

Submitting incomplete documentation

Along with missing deadlines, submitting documents with incomplete information is something that is a usual thing to do as well. As a result, you must check the requirements carefully and double-check whether you have provided the forms, certificates, transcripts, and other necessary documents. As well as making sure every document is up-to-date.

Failing to maintain compliance with visa conditions

There are a few specific conditions for post-study visas and it is required for individuals to adhere to them during their stay, these could be working limits or academic requirements. Always ensure staying informed about the visa conditions, or else it may jeopardize your intention to extend or make a transition to PR. Thus, opting for a professional agency that caters to the best visa services is recommended – they’ll ensure you have your paperworks prepared perfectly.

Important Tips and Advice You Must Follow!

Starting the Job Search Early

When you’re in your last year, or just have a few months left to be done with your studies you should be on the lookout for job opportunities in your field or any desirable occupations in the job market. Thus, when you start early it increases your options and chances of securing a job before the post-study visa expires.

Moreover, when you have previous experience in doing odd jobs, it will become easier for you to fit into the work environment and culture of Australia.

Attending Job Fairs

Job fairs are a fairly good platform where you may meet your potential employers, as you get to socialize and communicate with them in person. It gives them an idea about your skills and enthusiasm. You can make valuable connections and networking, which is valuable for your future.

Networking with Alumni

Connecting with alumni who have successfully transitioned from student visas to work visas to PR, as they may advise you with pointers that can help you with your plans. Also, they may provide insights or connect you with someone who could do potential jobs.

Getting Professional Guidance

Seeking professional guidance is something that can be an effective option, contacting your migration agent can help you with information that no one may be able to. They smoothen out the process from start to end, it’s a reliance of trust with them.

Maintaining a Positive Attitude

Keeping a positive attitude leads to a positive result. Staying focused on your goal is the key, even though the process can be extensively daunting. Encountering challenges as an international student is normal, however, with the right approach, preparation, and persistence you are to resolve anything that comes your way.

Wrapping Up

When it comes to higher education abroad, at PFEC Global, we understand the value of proper counseling and guidance. Students and parents have different questions about studying abroad, qualifications for classes, application procedures, job guidance, visa policies, financial support, and other difficulties when living abroad.

PFEC Global technical education advisors have years of experience representing aspirants abroad in research services. By leading them through every step of the application process, they provide adequate support to all students. They perform comprehensive screening and discussions to help students identify and follow up on their exact criteria by finding the best fit for them.

Please reach out to us at +610396201773 (Melbourne), +610283784282 (Sydney), +610870992258 (Adelaide) for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much gap is accepted for study in Australia after post-graduation?

Answer: Each Australian institution has its admission requirements, however, most accept students with a 1-2 year gap. If the period is extended for three or four years following the completion of your final degree, you must show justification.

How many points are required for Australia PR?

Answer: According to the Australian PR points system, a minimum of 65 points is necessary to be eligible for an Australian PR visa. You must have at least 65 points to be qualified for Australia skilled visa categories such as visa subclass 189, 190 Australia visa, or 491 subclass.

What happens after a post-study work visa in Australia?

Answer: Once the course you’ve pursued in your institute is completed, the visa's validity ends. This could happen right away or after 6 months (depending on the country's Student Visa Guidelines). Following that, the student needs to look for alternate visa options such as applying for a Student Visa or Employer Sponsored Visa or any other visa that allows them to remain in Australia. Or Following they could apply for a Work Permit to remain in the nation for job purposes.

What is the main reason for Australian student visa rejection?

Answer: Insufficient Financial Funds is a typical reason for Australian student visa refusal. We are all aware that schooling abroad is costly, and every country will want to ensure that their visa applicants have sufficient means to support their studies as well as the expense of living.