Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in Nepali students seeking higher education in Australia. As of 2023, over 53,170 Nepali students were enrolled in various Australian educational institutions, making Nepal the third largest source of international students in Australia after China and India.
After completing their studies, students have the opportunity to apply for post-study work visas. These visas allow them to gain valuable work experience and explore career opportunities in their field of study. This blog will discuss the types of post-study work opportunities for Nepali students in Australia.
Types of Post-Study Work Permits in Australia
Australia offers post-study work opportunities for international students through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). The Temporary Graduate visa has two streams:
- Graduate Work-Stream
- Post Study Work Stream
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Post-Study Work Stream
The Post-Study Work Stream of the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is specifically designed for international students who have recently completed a degree from an Australian institution. This visa allows graduates to temporarily live, work, and study in Australia, providing valuable opportunities for further professional development and integration into the Australian workforce. The duration of stay under this visa typically ranges between 2 and 4 years, depending on the individual’s qualifications. However, applicants with specific select degrees may be eligible for an extended 2-year stay.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Be under 50 years of age.
- Be in Australia when you apply for this visa.
- Have held a Student visa in the last 6 months.
- Have a recent degree in a CRICOS-registered course.
- Provide evidence of adequate health insurance and an AFP check for all applicants when you apply.
- Provide evidence of the required level of English with the application.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Graduate Work Stream
The Graduate Work Stream of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia and possess qualifications relevant to specific occupations that are in demand in the country. This visa enables graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily, providing them with valuable opportunities to gain practical experience in their field of study. With a duration of stay of up to 18 months, this visa allows graduates to further their professional development, contribute to the Australian workforce, and explore potential pathways to permanent residency.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Be under 50 years of age.
- Be in Australia when you apply for this visa.
- Hold a student visa in the last 6 months.
- Qualify as relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list.
- Provide evidence of adequate health insurance and an AFP check for all applicants when you apply.
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485): Secondary Post-Study Work Stream
The Secondary Post-Study Work Stream of the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is tailored for individuals who already hold a Temporary Graduate visa (either in the first Post-Study Work stream or Replacement stream) and have graduated from an Australian institution located in a regional area. This visa facilitates temporary residence, allowing holders to live, work, and study in Australia. The duration of stay under this visa ranges between 1 and 4 years, contingent upon factors such as the regional location of the educational institution attended and the regional area of residence. Applicants with specific degrees may be eligible for an extended 2-year visa duration.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Be under 50 years of age.
- Be in Australia when you apply for this visa.
- Hold a Temporary Graduate visa in the post-study work stream, or hold a Temporary Graduate visa in the replacement stream and have held a Temporary Graduate visa in the post-study work stream, as the main applicant.
- Have a degree in a CRICOS-registered course from an education institution based in an eligible designated regional area, that led to the grant of your first Temporary Graduate visa in the post-study work stream.
- Have lived in an eligible designated regional area for at least 2 years before applying for the second Temporary Graduate visa in the post-study work stream.
- Have evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants when you apply.
Note that the information provided is correct as of January 30, 2024, and is subject to change. You can find the latest detailed information on PSW eligibility and application processes on the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.
With this, the blog sums up the types of work permits international students are eligible for after completion of their degrees. Nepali students can have access to valuable post-study work opportunities, allowing them to build careers, gain practical experience, and explore permanent residency options in Australia.
Still in doubt? Know everything about PSW Visas by consulting the experts at A-One Global Consultants. Book your free appointment.
