Employing International Students and Graduates in Australia

Monash University is truly international, with students and graduates from over 170 countries who can offer you:

• multilingual skills and enhanced cross-cultural communication abilities
• cultural diversity
• innovative ideas
• global awareness and broad perspectives
• international and regional networks
• insight into overseas markets
• an increased talent pool to consider

With unemployment levels at record low levels, many employers across a wide range of industries are facing acute skills and labour shortages. International students can help bridge these gaps in sectors such as management and commerce; information technology; engineering and related technologies; natural and physical sciences; health and education, amongst others.

Recent changes in government policies have simplified the process for employers to employ international students during or after their study in Australia, notably with the introduction of the post-study work rights visa (subclass 485). From an employers’ perspective, these visa holders can be treated the same as other entry-level or graduate employees and do not represent any additional expense or administration requirements to employers.

Many international students are able to stay in Australia permanently after their post-study visas via skilled migration programs. These allow eligible visa holders to apply for permanent residence independently.

EMPLOYER RESOURCES:

POST-STUDY WORK RIGHTS VISA (SUBCLASS 485)

Most international students upon graduation are eligible to apply for a post-study work rights visa (subclass 485). This allows them to work in Australia for 2 – 4 years, depending on their qualifications. There are no visa sponsorship costs for you to pay when recruiting applicants who hold these visas.

Find out more about the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE POST-STUDY WORK RIGHTS VISA EXPIRES?

The following options may be available if you choose to continue employing the worker after their temporary visa expires.
Please seek independent advice about the following options:

• nominate the employee for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme
• if your business in located in regional Australia, you may nominate employees under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme
• apply for a Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457) Visa
• Employees may also be eligible to apply for permanent residency themselves through the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

CAN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WORK WHILE STUDYING?

Student visa work restrictions were relaxed throughout the pandemic, and completely removed in January 2022 to allow student visa holders to work over their normal limit of 40 hours per fortnight to address workforce shortages. From 1 July 2023, work restrictions for student visa holders will be re-introduced and capped at 48 hours per fortnight.

For more information

For further information, visit the Department of Home Affairs Employer Hub or seek independent advice from a registered migration agent.

The information provided in this article is current as of May 2023. As visa conditions regularly change, it's important you seek independent up to date advice.