Increased working hour cap for international students
Article Highlights
Increased working hour cap for international students to 48 hours per fortnight
Post-study work rights are to be extended by two years for eligible international graduates
Recently, the Australian Government declared that the maximum number of working hours permitted for international students has been raised to 48 hours per fortnight which will take effect this 1 July 2023. Irrespective of the time of commencement of their studies in Australia, the cap will be applicable to all international students.
Increased working hour cap for international students
Before, international students were only allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight and had the liberty to work without any limit during vacation periods. But due to the pandemic-induced workforce shortages, these restrictions were eased and eventually lifted altogether in January 2022.
The Australian government announced that the working hour cap will be reintroduced on 1 July 2023 with an increased rate of 48 hours per fortnight. This will greatly help a lot of international students to meet their needs while attending classes at the same time. To be eligible for the new working hour cap, an international student who was working in Australia must:
Continue with your course enrolment
Maintain satisfactory attendance in the course
Ensure that you make satisfactory progress in the course
Top 5 jobs for student visa holders
As the skill shortage is crippling various industries, the Australian government is ready to utilize onshore skilled student visa holders by offering them an increased working hour cap. To tackle the current skill scarcity in Australia, a lot of jobs are offered to student visa holders without experience requirements.
Here are the top 5 jobs for student visa holders:
Retail Industry
Cleaning
Food Delivery
Construction
Hospitality
Post-study work rights are to be extended by two years
Starting from 1st July 2023, graduates holding eligible qualifications from overseas will be granted an extra two years of post-study work rights. The extension of post-study work rights will be applicable to all individuals who possess a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa and have completed their studies in a specific field on or after 1 July 2023. The two years extension will increase the number of years that international graduates can stay and work legitimately in Australia.
Here are the following changes per category:
From two years to four years for select bachelor’s degrees
From three years to five years for select master’s degrees
From four years to six years for all doctoral qualifications.
Think Visa has been in the industry for more than twenty years and we know that these new changes in Australian immigration are making the visa application process faster than ever. Although the recent change benefits migrants, it is also important to note that immigration policies are complex and dynamic. That is why applicants are likely to commit errors throughout the process.
The best way to avoid mistakes is to talk with an immigration expert that will understand your goals, assess your eligibility, and provide personalized guidance to help you achieve your immigration objectives. Take charge of your future and make these opportunities to your advantage.
