Australia: Extended Post-Study Work Rights and Increased Working Hour Cap for Student Visa Holders
February 24, 2023
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.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole discusses Middle East-based UHNW clients making short-term moves driven by schooling and timing considerations.
Awards
Partners Chris Spentzaris and Sasko Markovski, Practice Leader Sarah Tan and Counsel Robert Walsh are recognized by Best Lawyers in Australia for their work in immigration law.
Awards
Fragomen is shortlisted across multiple categories in the 2026 EMMA Awards, recognizing innovation and impact in global mobility and immigration services.
Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.
Work authorization
Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outlines the current state of Portugal’s Golden Visa programme, examining how recent policy reforms, proposed changes to nationality rules and ongoing processing delays are reshaping the pathway to long‑term residence and EU citizenship.
Media mentions
In an article published in Mens en Migratie magazine, Senior Associate Tugba Ozyakup explains how authorized representatives support employers with recognized sponsor status by managing complex immigration processes, particularly for international companies navigating Dutch requirements.
Media mentions
Video
Manager Mihaela Dumitru highlights key considerations for business travelers entering Switzerland, emphasizing that compliance is determined by activities—not duration of stay or entry status.
Video
Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Mexico entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa processes, documentation requirements and key considerations for travelers.
Video
Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s offshore visa requirements, including eligibility, application steps and key compliance considerations for assignments over 90 days.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses why EB-5 is becoming a popular option for H-1B and F-1 visa holders in Silicon Valley navigating multiple pathways to permanent residence.
Media mentions
Partner Isha Atassi and Director Nofisatu Mojidi discuss key considerations for investors from Africa and the Middle East in the EB-5 program.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole discusses Middle East-based UHNW clients making short-term moves driven by schooling and timing considerations.
Awards
Partners Chris Spentzaris and Sasko Markovski, Practice Leader Sarah Tan and Counsel Robert Walsh are recognized by Best Lawyers in Australia for their work in immigration law.
Awards
Fragomen is shortlisted across multiple categories in the 2026 EMMA Awards, recognizing innovation and impact in global mobility and immigration services.
Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.
Work authorization
Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outlines the current state of Portugal’s Golden Visa programme, examining how recent policy reforms, proposed changes to nationality rules and ongoing processing delays are reshaping the pathway to long‑term residence and EU citizenship.
Media mentions
In an article published in Mens en Migratie magazine, Senior Associate Tugba Ozyakup explains how authorized representatives support employers with recognized sponsor status by managing complex immigration processes, particularly for international companies navigating Dutch requirements.
Media mentions
Video
Manager Mihaela Dumitru highlights key considerations for business travelers entering Switzerland, emphasizing that compliance is determined by activities—not duration of stay or entry status.
Video
Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Mexico entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa processes, documentation requirements and key considerations for travelers.
Video
Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s offshore visa requirements, including eligibility, application steps and key compliance considerations for assignments over 90 days.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses why EB-5 is becoming a popular option for H-1B and F-1 visa holders in Silicon Valley navigating multiple pathways to permanent residence.
Media mentions
Partner Isha Atassi and Director Nofisatu Mojidi discuss key considerations for investors from Africa and the Middle East in the EB-5 program.