The Australian Government has recently disclosed modifications to the Temporary Graduate visa program as part of its new Migration Strategy, set to be implemented from 1 July 2024.
Adjustment of Visa Streams Based on Educational Levels
The visa category known as the Graduate Work stream will now be referred to as the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. Similarly, the Post-Study Work stream will be updated to the Post-Higher Education Work stream. The eligibility for each stream will be determined by the qualification you acquired to satisfy the Australian study requirement. Additional qualifications you possess will not be considered for eligibility.
For those with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification, it is appropriate to apply under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
The qualification used must align closely with your designated occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
If you have earned a qualification at the degree level or higher, you are to apply under the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Note: Previous restrictions for applicants whose initial Student visa was granted following an application made on or after 5 November 2011 will be abolished.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (formerly Graduate Work Stream)
The age limit for applicants to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream will be lowered to 35 years or younger at the time of application. However, holders of Hong Kong and British National Overseas passports will remain eligible up to the age of 50. Those who find themselves ineligible for this stream due to the new age limit may consider other visa options.
Applicants may remain for up to 18 months under this stream. Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders may extend their stay up to 5 years.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream (formerly Post-Study Work Stream)
The age cap for the Post-Higher Education Work stream will also be adjusted to 35 years at the time of applying. The age limit remains at 50 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders. Applicants affected by this change in eligibility due to the new age restriction may explore other visa pathways.
The option for a ‘select degree’ 2-year extension will be discontinued. The duration of stay will be adjusted as follows:
- Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years
- Masters (coursework and extended) – up to 2 years
- Masters (research) and doctoral degrees (PhD) – up to 3 years.
Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may qualify for a stay of up to 5 years.
The durations for Indian nationals, as specified in the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), will continue as follows:
- Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years
- Bachelor degree (with first-class honours in STEM, including ICT) – up to 3 years
- Masters (coursework, extended, and research) – up to 3 years
- Doctoral degrees (PhD) – up to 4 years.
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (formerly Second Post-Study Work Stream)
The Second Post-Study Work stream will be renamed as the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream. This section will see no further changes.
Termination of Replacement Stream
The Replacement stream will be discontinued after 1 July 2024.