Australia Implements New Visa Policies and Work-Hour Cap for International Students from July 1

Starting July 1, Indian graduates from Australian universities can apply for an extended work visa, allowing them to work in Australia for up to eight years. Additionally, the work-hour cap for international students will increase from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight from July 2023.

Extended Work Opportunities for Indian Graduates

Indian graduates from Australian universities and colleges will now have the opportunity to apply for work in Australia for up to eight years starting from July 1. This favorable change is a result of a bilateral agreement signed between India and Australia, paving the way for increased work opportunities. A key aspect of this agreement is the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES), which allows 3,000 young professionals from India to spend two years in Australia without requiring a visa sponsorship.

Introduction of MATES Program and Research Visa

The MATES visa program is designed for recent graduates from recognized Indian universities who specialize in various fields of study. Engineering, Mining, Financial Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Information & Communication Technology, Agricultural Technology, and Renewable Energy are among the eligible fields. The MATES visa, a temporary visa program, offers opportunities for Indian graduates to pursue their careers in Australia. The application fee and processing time for the MATES visa will be announced soon.

Eligibility for the MATES visa includes being below the age of 31, having graduated from a recognized university, being a recent graduate, and being in the early stages of one’s career. Additionally, Australians seeking to conduct research in India can now apply for an S-5 visa, allowing them to stay in India for up to three years or the duration of their research project.

Changes in Post-Study Work Rights

Effective July 1, 2023, international higher education graduates with eligible qualifications will receive an additional two years of post-study work rights. This extension applies to the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) and provides eligible graduates with an extended period to gain valuable work experience in Australia. This extension is in addition to the existing one to two years of work rights for eligible students studying and living in regional areas.

Increased Work-Hour Cap for Student Visa Holders

Starting from July 1, 2023, there will be a revised work-hour cap for student visa holders in Australia. Previously, work restrictions were lifted during the pandemic, allowing primary and secondary student visa holders to work beyond the normal limit of 40 hours per fortnight. However, work restrictions will be reintroduced for all student visa holders (except those in the aged care sector) and capped at 48 hours per fortnight. This change aims to strike a balance between supporting students financially and enabling them to focus on their studies while addressing workforce shortages.

Student visa holders already employed in the aged care sector as of May 9, 2023, can continue working unrestricted hours until December 31, 2023. It is important for students to maintain their course enrollment, ensure satisfactory course attendance, and make progress in their studies to comply with visa conditions. Failure to meet these requirements may result in a breach of visa conditions.

Australia’s new visa rules and work-hour cap aim to provide greater opportunities for international students while ensuring their focus remains on education and contributing to the country’s workforce needs.