How Hard Is It to Get a UK Job After Post-Study Visa?

In Australia, the Post-Study Work Visa is part of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), which allows international students to stay in the country and gain work experience after completing their studies. The duration of the visa depends on the type of course you have completed and the location of your study.

For a Master's degree completed in rural Australia, you are eligible for the Post-Study Work stream of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), and the visa duration is determined as follows:

1. Duration Based on Study Location:

• If you completed your Master’s degree in rural Australia (that is, outside major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane), you can benefit from an extended stay under the Regional Development incentives.

• Post-Study Work Stream (Master’s Degree in Regional Australia):

o Duration: You will typically be granted a visa for 3 years if you completed your Master's degree in a regional area of Australia.

o This applies if your course is on the regional occupation list and if you have studied in a designated regional area.

• If you studied in a major city (Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane), the typical duration for a Master's graduate on a Post-Study Work stream visa is 2 years. However, since you mentioned rural Australia, the 3-year duration will apply.

2. Eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485):

• Study: You must have completed a two-year course (Master’s or higher) in Australia on a full-time basis.

• Visa Application: You need to apply for the visa within 6 months of completing your studies.

• Regional Study Requirement: If your course was completed in a designated regional area, and if you meet the regional study requirements, the visa can be granted for a longer period (3 years for a Master’s degree).

3. Further Opportunities:

• After the 3-year stay on the Temporary Graduate Visa, you may consider applying for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or a Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) if you have gained the required skills and meet the eligibility criteria.

• Regional study may also improve your chances of qualifying for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) or other employer-sponsored visas if you work in rural or regional areas.

In Summary:

• If you completed your Master’s degree in rural Australia (in a designated regional area), you can stay in Australia for up to 3 years after graduation on the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) under the Post-Study Work stream.