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International graduates studying in Australia will soon benefit from extended post-study work rights aimed at addressing ongoing skills shortages.

From 1 July 2023, students who graduate from an Australian higher education provider will be able to work in Australia for an additional two years, ie. from:

• two years to four years for select Bachelor degrees
• three years to five years for select Masters degrees
• four years to six years for all Doctoral degrees.

A list of eligible occupations and qualifications has been released, most in the health, teaching, engineering and agricultural fields. This list is indicative only and will be finalised closer to the date of implementation. Targeted skills will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Eligible graduates holding a valid Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV) on 1 July 2023 or who apply for a TGV after 1 July 2023 will be considered for the two-year extension.

Transitional arrangements to support other graduates

If you are a TGV holder in Australia, you may apply for and be granted a Temporary Activity COVID-19 Pandemic event (Subclass 408) visa with a 2-year period of stay instead of a TGV extension if:

• your TGV expires before 1 July 2023
• you are not eligible to apply for a TGV extension on 1 July 2023
• you currently have an unfinalised 408 Pandemic event visa application, and you held a TGV at the time you made that application.

You must be working in Australia or have an offer of employment, and apply either:

• within 90 days before your TGV expires, or
• within 28 days after your TGV expires.

Next steps and more information

For graduates whose visas are expiring, the 2-year extension could be useful for extending their work experience and potentially open a pathway to other work visas. TGV holders should wait until more concrete information is released and consult with a registered migration agent or lawyer to determine which option best suits their individual circumstances.

More details can be found here:

• Department of Education
  
• Home Affairs website
  
• Home Affairs Minister's media announcement