Australia Introduces Post-Study Work Visa for Graduates

Australia's Department of Home Affairs has announced a new pathway for international students who have completed vocational qualifications to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) under the Post-Vocational Work stream. This visa allows graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily.

To be eligible, applicants must meet nine requirements: they must be 35 years of age or under at the time of application, be in Australia, hold an eligible visa, have held a Student visa within the last six months, possess a relevant associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification linked to an occupation on Australia's skilled occupation list, have applied for a skills assessment in that nominated occupation, provide evidence of adequate health insurance, apply for an Australian Federal Police check, and demonstrate the required level of English. The age cap of 35 is a significant consideration for many applicants from Africa, although exceptions exist.

Timing is crucial, as applicants must be in Australia and hold a valid visa when applying.