1 July 2023 will see the return of certain work restrictions to student visas, along with extensions to graduate visas.

Work Restrictions

The federal government previously removed work restrictions on student visas in an effort to ease workforce shortages resulting from COVID-19. This permitted student visa holders to work full time hours , however, these restrictions will now be returning.

From 1 July 2023, student visa holders will returned to capped hours with a maximum work time of 48 hours per fortnight.

Extensions

Some holders of 485 Temporary Graduate visas will now be able to remain in Australia for an extended period. This will result in a stay period of:

  • four years for a bachelor’s degree graduate, up from two years previously
  • five years for a master’s degree graduate, up from three years previously
  • six years for a doctoral graduate, up from four years previously.

The extension of one or two years for eligible students who live, work and study in regional areas will remain unchanged.

Students must have a qualification listed on the eligible qualifications list to be considered for this extension. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Engineering
  • Early Childhood Teaching
  • Midwifery
  • Nursing
  • Aged Care
  • Systems Analysts
  • Web Developers
  • Programming
  • Cyber Security
  • Building & Construction Management
  • Agricultural Science & Consulting
  • GPs, Dentists, Orthodontists, Pharmacists & Speech Pathologists
  • General Surgeons, Pediatric Surgeons, Plastic Surgeons and Neurosurgeons
  • All doctoral graduates regardless of their qualification

For Temporary Graduate visa holders in Australia whose visa expired or will expire before 1 July 2023, transitional arrangements have been introduced allowing them to apply for a Subclass 408 COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa.

To find out whether your visa will be impacted, contact Nevile & Co. today at nevileco@nevile.com.au

Disclaimer: This publication contains comments of a general and introductory nature only and is provided as an information service. It is not intended to be relied upon as, nor is it a substitute for specific professional legal advice. You should always speak to us and obtain legal advice before taking any action relating to matters raised in this publication.