International students who plan to work in Australia after their master’s degree must apply for a post-study work permit. From academic excellence to guaranteeing career prospects, Australia remains one of the top study destinations for international students. Although there are jobs available, it is challenging to get one as you must plan to apply for a work permit to avail you the opportunity to legally work in the country after the completion of your studies.
With such an improvement in the job scenario, the prospects for job seekers in several sectors of the country are undoubtedly bright. Surely, you must stay back in Australia after completing your higher studies. But it is not as easy as it sounds; you need to obtain a work permit after studying in Australia, which requires proper planning and preparation. If you’re planning to stay in Australia after bagging your master’s degree to work, then this article gives a step-by-step process on how you can go about it. Do not also forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more informative updates.
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What are the types of work permits available in Australia?
International students who plan on staying back in the country after their studies to work must apply for a post-study work visa. Additionally, there are different types of post-study work visas available in the country and they are issued based on the applicant’s qualification. They include:
1. Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 (Post-Study Work)
This is one of the most common work visas for international students in the country. Holders of this visa can stay in Australia for 2-4 years. Students who have just graduated from an approved institution are eligible to apply for this visa. However, application must be made within 6 months of the completion of your course.
2. Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 (Graduate Work)
The graduate work visa on the other hand is for students who have completed their qualifications and skills specified in the list of skills occupations. These skills and occupations must be relevant and useful in the Australian job market. Applicants are also recommended to apply within 6 months after completing their course. Holders of this visa can stay in Australia for 18 months
3. Skilled Recognized Graduate Visa Subclass 476
International students who have completed their engineering degree from a specified institution in Australia in the last two years can apply for the Skilled Recognized Graduate Visa. Holders of this visa can stay in Australia for 18 months
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Benefits of applying for a post-graduation work permit in Australia
There are different benefits international students stand to gain when they apply for a post-graduation work permit in Australia. Some of them include:
- Career growth is one of the top benefits international students stand to gain when they decide to work in Australia. The country has so many opportunities and is one of the top-growing economies in the world. Being rightly positioned will advance your career goals.
- Additionally, the country is home to top global companies like Microsoft, Google, Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, and Macquarie Group among others.
- Also, international students can gain valuable work experience there.
- Applying for a work permit in Australia enhances the process of applying for permanent residency.
Can I stay back in Australia after my studies?
Yes. As an international student after completing your studies, you may have the option of staying back in the country for a while. However, you need to have a residency permit for your studies to enable you to apply for an extension of your permit so that you can seek employment opportunities. Once you get a job offer, you can not apply for a work permit. The duration of your stay back in the country can range from 18 months to 6 years depending on your qualifications.
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What is a Post Graduation Work Permit in Australia?
A post-graduation work permit allows you to live and work full-time in Australia legally after the completion of your studies from an endorsed educational institution. Your study level might be a master’s or upper-level degree. Holders of this visa can work anywhere in the country irrespective of their occupation. Additionally, you can only access this visa once as a primary applicant.
Who is Eligible for a post-graduation work permit?
To be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit in Australia, you must meet the following criteria:
- Application should be submitted within 6 months after the completion of your course.
- Applicants must meet the Australian study requirement. (They must have stayed for at least 16 months in the country and completed at least 92 weeks of the course duration)
- Courses must be registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
- Courses taught must be in the English language.
- Applicants with a standalone diploma or a trade qualification holder are not eligible to apply for this visa.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and not more than 5p years
- Applicants must provide a valid copy of their passport or must prove their language proficiency.
- IELTS: At least 6
- TOEFL iBT: 64
- PTE: 50
- Applicants must have adequate health coverage throughout their stay in the country.
- Applicants must meet the character requirements of Australia
- Applicants must ensure that their visa must not be canceled or refused while they stay in the country.
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Required Documents Needed to Apply for Post Graduation Work Permit in Australia
Below is a list of the documents you’ll need to provide if you’re planning to apply for a PGWP in Australia:
- Certificate: it should be gotten from your education provider and must have the start and finish date and a CRICOS code.
- Language proficiency test scores
- International Passport: include your photograph and other details plus the expiration date.
- Health insurance and medical certificate.
- Character certificate
NOTE: Documents that are not in English should be accompanied by the English translation and a certified copy of your original documents. The officials might also ask for other documents which must be provided on demand.
How to Apply for PGWP in Australia?
Below is a list of what the process of applying for a post-graduation work permit in Australia entails:
- Visit the website of the Australian government immigration and Citizenship.
- Create an account and select the visa type you plan to apply for.
- Fill in the details requested in the application form. Ensure all the information provided is correct. Afterwards, you can proceed to submit.
- If your biometric details are requested, you will have to provide them and then proceed to pay the application fees.
- You’re also to upload all of the necessary documents that will be requested.
- If your application is successful you will be contacted to come for an interview.
- If you emerge successful, you will receive a letter that shows that you’re eligible to work in the country.
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How long does it take to process a PGWP in Australia?
Processing your post-graduation work visa can take as much as 7 to 14 months if you’re applying after your master’s degree.
If you applied for the Graduate Workstream visa, it would take as long as 10 to 13 months.
What is the validity period of the PGWP?
The validity is dependent on your qualifications and the type of visa you currently have.
- The graduate work stream visa allows students to stay in the country for up to 18 months after completion of their studies.
- The Post-study skilled visa holders can stay for up to 18 months.
- The Post work visa holders can last between 2 and 4 years
What should I do if my Passport Expires Before PGWP Australia?
It is important to ensure that your passport does not expire and is valid throughout your PGWP. However, if it expires,
- You might be contacted by immigration for an extension or your passport.
- Note that your visa is electronically connected to your passport. If you have a new passport, update it with the immigration so that your visa is linked with the new one.
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