Highlights:
- Australia announces significant changes to its Temporary Graduate Visa, effective July 1, 2024.
- The Temporary Graduate Visa allows international students who have completed a CRICOS-registered course to stay in Australia, providing numerous benefits.
- Key changes include the renaming and adjustment of visa streams and new eligibility criteria under the Migration Strategy.
Visa Benefits:
1. Stay: Visa holders can remain in Australia to explore opportunities and gain work experience post-graduation.
2. Include Family: Applicants can include family members, such as partners and children, provided they meet character and health requirements.
3. Work: Visa holders can work unrestricted hours in any sector, allowing them to gain valuable experience in their field.
Graduate Work Stream Adjustments:
- Renamed to Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
- Maximum age limit reduced to 35 years, with exceptions for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders up to age 50.
- Applicants must hold an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification related to their nominated occupation on the MLTSSL.
- Stay duration up to 18 months, extendable to 5 years for Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders.
Post-Study Work Stream Changes:
- Renamed to Post-Higher Education Work stream.
- New age limits and eligibility criteria.
- Stay periods adjusted:
- Bachelor’s degree: up to 2 years.
- Master’s degree: up to 2 years.
- Master’s by research and doctoral degrees: up to 3 years.
- Special provisions for Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders: up to 5 years.
- Indian nationals’ stay periods remain unchanged under AI-ECTA.
Second Post-Study Work Stream:
- Renamed to Second Post-Higher Education Work stream with no further changes.
Replacement Stream:
- The Replacement Stream will be discontinued.