Completing your studies in Australia is an exciting achievement, but the question of what to do after your student visa expires is a crucial one. Many international students hope to extend their stay in Australia for various reasons, such as furthering their career prospects, gaining more work experience, or simply exploring the country. In this article, we will explore the different options available to international students regarding how long they can stay in Australia after their student visa expires.
Post – Study Work Visas
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Graduate Work Stream
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) has two main streams, and the Graduate Work stream is one of them. To be eligible for this stream, you must have completed an Australian qualification in an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This qualification should be at least an Advanced Diploma level or higher. Additionally, you need to have either at least 12 months of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or have completed a Professional Year program.
For example, if you graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Information Technology, and your occupation as an IT support technician is on the SOL, you can apply for the Graduate Work stream. If you have worked as an IT support technician for 12 months or completed a Professional Year in IT, you stand a good chance of getting this visa. The duration of the Graduate Work stream visa is usually 18 months. This gives you a significant amount of time to work in your field, gain practical experience, and potentially enhance your skills and career prospects.
Post – Study Work Stream
The Post – Study Work stream is another option within the Subclass 485 visa. This stream is more accessible in terms of eligibility. If you have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an Australian institution, you may be eligible. The length of the visa depends on the level of your degree. Bachelor’s degree holders are eligible for a two – year visa, master’s degree holders for a three – year visa, and doctoral degree holders for a four – year visa.
Suppose you completed a master’s degree in Business Administration from an Australian university. You can apply for the Post – Study Work stream of the Subclass 485 visa and stay in Australia for three years. During this time, you can work in any occupation, not necessarily related to your field of study. This provides flexibility for students who may want to explore different career paths or industries.
Skilled Migration Visas
General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program
Eligibility and Points – Testing System
The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is a pathway for international students to obtain permanent residency in Australia, which effectively allows for an extended stay. To be eligible, you need to meet certain criteria and score enough points in the points – testing system. Factors considered in the points – testing include your age, English language proficiency, educational qualifications, work experience, and more.
For instance, if you are under 33 years old, you can get up to 30 points for age. If you achieve a high score in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), such as a band 8 or above in all four components (listening, reading, writing, and speaking), you can earn a significant number of points for language proficiency. A higher – level degree from an Australian institution also contributes to your points. If you have a master’s degree, you may get more points compared to a bachelor’s degree. The minimum points required to be competitive in the GSM program can change over time, but generally, a score of 65 or above is a good starting point.
Application Process and Processing Time
The application process for the GSM program involves several steps. First, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. In the EOI, you provide details about your skills, qualifications, work experience, and other relevant information. Based on your EOI, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a permanent residency visa. Once you receive the ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for the visa.
The processing time for the GSM program can vary. It may take several months to over a year, depending on factors such as the complexity of your application, the demand for your occupation, and the workload of the Department of Home Affairs. During this time, you can stay in Australia if you have a valid visa, such as a post – study work visa. If your application is approved, you will be granted permanent residency, allowing you to stay in Australia indefinitely.
Employer – Sponsored Visas
Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)
The Subclass 482 visa, also known as the Temporary Skill Shortage visa, is another option for international students to stay in Australia. This visa is suitable for students who have a job offer from an Australian employer in a skilled occupation. The employer must be a registered sponsor and prove that there are no suitable Australian citizens or permanent residents available for the position.
For example, if you are a software engineer and have a job offer from an Australian tech company, the company can sponsor you for a Subclass 482 visa. There are different streams within this visa category, such as the Short – term stream (valid for up to 2 years), the Medium – term stream (valid for up to 4 years), and the Labor Agreement stream. The duration of your stay in Australia will depend on the stream under which you are sponsored.
Subclass 186 (Employer – Nomination Scheme)
The Subclass 186 visa, or the Employer – Nomination Scheme, is for students who want to obtain permanent residency through employer sponsorship. The employer nominates the student for the visa, and the student must meet certain requirements, including having the relevant skills and work experience for the nominated occupation.
Suppose you have worked for an Australian employer in a managerial position for a few years after completing your business degree. The employer can nominate you for a Subclass 186 visa. If your application is successful, you will be granted permanent residency, allowing you to stay in Australia permanently. The processing time for this visa can also vary, but it generally takes several months to over a year.
Bridging Visas
Bridging Visa A
When and How to Apply
Bridging Visa A is available to international students who have applied for another substantive visa (such as a post – study work visa or a skilled migration visa) while they are in Australia. If your student visa is about to expire, and you have submitted a valid application for another eligible visa, you can apply for a Bridging Visa A. This visa allows you to stay in Australia while your new visa application is being processed.
For example, if you have completed your studies and applied for a Subclass 485 post – study work visa just before your student visa expires, you can apply for Bridging Visa A. The application process is relatively straightforward. You can usually apply for it online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount.
Conditions and Limitations
Bridging Visa A has certain conditions. You are generally allowed to work and study in Australia, but the work and study conditions may be subject to the conditions of the substantive visa you have applied for. For instance, if the post – study work visa you applied for has a work – only – in – a – certain – field condition, your work on Bridging Visa A may be restricted accordingly. You also need to comply with all the other conditions of the Bridging Visa A, such as not leaving Australia without permission (if you leave, the visa may be cancelled).
Bridging Visa B
Purpose and Eligibility
Bridging Visa B is designed for students who need to leave and re – enter Australia while their substantive visa application is being processed. If you have a Bridging Visa A and need to travel overseas for a specific reason, such as family emergencies or important business meetings, you can apply for Bridging Visa B. However, you need to have a valid reason for travel, and the Department of Home Affairs will assess your application.
For example, if your grandmother is ill in your home country, and you hold a Bridging Visa A while your skilled migration visa application is being processed, you can apply for Bridging Visa B to travel back home and then return to Australia.
Duration and Application Process
The duration of Bridging Visa B is usually for a specific period, which is determined based on your travel plans and the reason for travel. The application process for Bridging Visa B also takes place through the ImmiAccount. You need to provide details about your travel plans, the reason for travel, and any supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate in case of a family medical emergency.
Other Options
Visitor Visas
Subclass 600 Visitor Visa
International students can also consider applying for a Subclass 600 Visitor Visa after their student visa expires. This visa allows you to visit Australia for tourism, business visitor activities (such as attending meetings or conferences), or to visit family and friends. The duration of the visa can vary, but it is usually for a short – term stay, such as 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months.
For example, if you want to travel around Australia for a few months to explore its natural wonders and tourist attractions after finishing your studies, you can apply for a Subclass 600 Visitor Visa. However, it’s important to note that you are not allowed to work on a Visitor Visa, and you need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Australia.
Application Requirements and Considerations
To apply for a Subclass 600 Visitor Visa, you need to provide evidence of your identity, your ties to your home country (such as property, family, or a job waiting for you), and your financial capacity to cover your expenses in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application to ensure that you are a genuine visitor and that you will leave Australia at the end of the visa period. If you have a history of overstaying or violating visa conditions in the past, it may affect your chances of getting a Visitor Visa.
Working Holiday Visas
Eligibility Criteria
The Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or Subclass 462) is available to citizens of certain countries. To be eligible, you usually need to be between 18 and 30 (or in some cases, up to 35) years old. You should also not have previously held a Working Holiday Visa in Australia. For example, if you are a citizen of the United Kingdom and are 25 years old, you may be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa.
Additionally, you need to meet health and character requirements. You should have sufficient funds to support yourself when you first arrive in Australia, and you may need to provide evidence of this.
Benefits and Duration
The Working Holiday Visa allows you to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. This can be a great option for students who want to earn some money while exploring the country. You can work in various jobs, such as in the hospitality industry, on farms, or in seasonal work. The visa also gives you the flexibility to travel around Australia and experience different parts of the country. After the 12 – month period, you may be eligible for a second – year Working Holiday Visa if you meet certain conditions, such as working in regional areas for a specified period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, international students in Australia have several options regarding how long they can stay after their student visa expires. Post – study work visas like the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) offer different streams with varying durations, allowing students to gain work experience. Skilled migration visas, such as the General Skilled Migration program and employer – sponsored visas, can lead to permanent residency and long – term stays. Bridging visas provide a temporary solution for students waiting for other visa applications to be processed. Visitor visas and working holiday visas are also available for shorter – term stays, with different purposes and conditions. It’s important for students to carefully consider their options, plan ahead, and ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria for the visa they choose. By doing so, they can make the most of their time in Australia and achieve their personal and professional goals.
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