Australia: Extended Post-Study Work Rights and Increased Working Hour Cap for Student Visa Holders

Starting July 1, 2023, the Australian government will be granting international higher education graduates with eligible qualifications an extra two years of post-study work rights (under subclass 485). Furthermore, as part of the government’s transitional arrangements, eligible international students whose Temporary Graduate Visas will expire between September 1, 2022 and July 1, 2023, as well as Temporary Graduate Visa holders who remained in Australia contributing to the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be able to access a two-year Pandemic event (subclass 408) visa. These extensions are in addition to the existing additional one to two years of work rights for eligible students who study, live and work in regional areas. Lastly, the government will also increase the work hours cap for all international students from 40 hours to 48 hours per fortnight.