Australia offers New Visa Support for Graduates and International Students

New visa support for graduates and international students

The Australian Government is now offering visa support initiatives to graduates and international students. Student visa fee refunds, temporary restrictions on working hours for students (subclass 500), replacement Temporary Graduate visas and extended graduate 'stay and work' periods (subclass 485) are all part of the package.

New visa support for graduates and international students

The new Visa support initiatives by the Australian Government include international student visa fee refund and Covid-19 visa fee

waiver, replacement Temporary Graduate visas, and extended 'stay and work' periods.

Refund of student visa application fees

The visa application fee (around AU$630) will be refunded to all international student visa holders (including dependents) arriving in Australia between 19 January 2022 and 19 March 2022. Refunds are available for those who have current visas and new students coming to Australia between these dates. Students must create an account on the Home Affairs Visa Refund Portal and complete an online claim form to get a refund. Up to 31 December 2022, visa holders who qualify can file a claim.

Waiver of application fee for COVID-19 visas

When applying for a new student visa, students already in Australia who held a student visa on or after 1 February 2020 but couldn't complete their course within the original time may be eligible to waive

their student visa application fee (VAC).

Tests in English, biometrics, and health will be given extra time.

Students who can't take a test due to COVID-19 disruptions will have extra time to provide English language test results. Students will be given spare time for Biometrics collection and health checks where COVID-19 has disrupted services. If students require additional time, they should respond to information requests through their ImmiAccount.

Temporary removal of limits on student working hours

International student visa holders will have a relaxation of work restrictions. Students can now work any number of hours while studying in Australia, and these changes will be reviewed in April 2022. Though there is relaxation in working hours, students must still meet satisfactory course enrollment, attendance and progress requirements and balance their work and study commitments. International students remain protected by Australia's workplace laws and report any concerns to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Visa extensions for eligible Temporary Graduate (subclass

485) visa holders

Graduates with valid Temporary Graduate visas (subclass 485) who were outside of Australia between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 and lost time because of COVID-19 international travel restrictions will have their visa extended to 30 September 2022. This extension is basically to allow the eligible graduates to enter or remain in Australia, to live and work until they can apply for, and be granted, a replacement Temporary Graduate visa. The Eligible visa holders will be notified directly by the Department of Home Affairs.

Replacement Temporary Graduate visas

Former and current Temporary Graduate (i.e. Subclass 485) visa holders who lost time in Australia because of COVID-19 international travel restrictions can apply for a replacement Temporary Graduate visa. The application process for the replacement Temporary Graduate visa will open on 1 July 2022 and will provide the same length of stay as the original Temporary Graduate visa.

Extended 'stay and work' periods for Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders

Masters by Coursework graduates will now be able to stay up to three years on a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), matching the existing provision for Masters by Research graduates. Graduates from the vocational education and training (VET) sector will also receive a two (2) year Temporary Graduate Visa.

To know more, visit: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/english/latest-travel-and-visa-advice

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