The Iglu Guide | Blog
Staying in Australia when you finish studying: What you should do
International students are flocking back to Australia’s sunny shores which is great news for universities, and potential employers looking to boost skills. For many students that have come to Australia to study, staying on after graduation is an appealing prospect – from the weather and lifestyle through to the career development and opportunity. Here’s what you need to know about life in Australia after university is done.
Staying on in Australia
Many international students choose to stay on in Australia after university, and it’s not hard to see why. Aside from the fantastic weather and unbeatable lifestyle, there’s the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, access a diverse job market and enhance your overall career prospects. It might be that you’ve already built a professional network while at university that can help you secure employment, and have a winning resumé just ready to go. Living and working in Australia post-study can also provide a pathway to permanent residency, either through skilled migration, or through an employer-sponsored visa. It could be the beginning of a whole new adventure.
What you will need
Back in 2008, the Australian government introduced a 485 Temporary Graduate visa which allows international students to stay and work in Australia after their degree. Originally this was only for a two-year period after a bachelor’s degree, three-years after a Master’s and four-years after a doctorate. However, in an effort to boost skilled worker shortages these time limitations have all recently been extended:
Bachelor’s degree: four years
Master’s: five years
Doctorate: six years
The degree qualification must meet the Australian study requirement and be at least two years’ duration, taught in English and registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). To meet the extension requirements, all qualifications must be on the approved eligibility list.
What are the 485 visa requirements?
The 485 visa can only be granted once. It allows international students to stay on in Australia and gain work experience, an invaluable opportunity that can lead to future sponsorship from an Australian employer or a professional career anywhere in the world.
• The application must be submitted within six months of finishing an eligible degree
• The 485 visa may take up to six months to be granted – however students will have full working rights under a bridging visa that is issued prior to the 485 visa
• Applicants must be under 50 and hold an eligible visa
• Study requirements have been met
• English language requirements must be met
• Health insurance must be in place along with character requirements
• Applicants must not be in debt to the Australian Government
For more details you can visit the Australian Government’s immigration website.
