Indian international students are exempt from changes to the length of Post Study Work visa Subclass 485 after studying in Australia

Australia has recently revised its migration policies, reducing the validity of Temporary Graduate Visas (Subclass 485) for some international students. Under these changes:

• Students completing a Master’s degree by coursework will now receive a two-year visa instead of three.
• Doctoral (PhD) graduates will be eligible for a three-year visa instead of four.

However, Indian students are exempt from these changes, thanks to the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) signed in late 2022.

What Does This Mean for Indian Students?

The post-study work visa guidelines outlined in the India-Australia free trade agreement remain unchanged. This means that:

• Indian students can still access longer post-study work rights compared to students from other countries.
• The new policy changes will not affect those who applied under previous guidelines.

This decision has been welcomed by education industry leaders, including Nishi Borra, President of the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI), who praised the continuation of extended work rights for Indian graduates.

Indian Students Leading the Way in Australia

In the 2022-2023 academic year, over 100,000 student visas were granted to Indian students, making India the largest source of international students in Australia.

While the right to apply for a second Temporary Graduate Visa remains, the additional two-year extension is no longer available for all international students, including Indians. This has led to discussions within the industry, with many experts advocating for a "grandfather clause" that would protect current students who initially chose Australia based on its previous work visa policies.

Strengthening India-Australia Educational Ties

Australia continues to build strong educational partnerships with India, demonstrated by:

• Mutual recognition of qualifications, signed in March 2023.
• A dedicated India-Australia education strategy, introduced in November 2023.

These initiatives reinforce Australia’s commitment to Indian students, ensuring they have access to high-quality education and career opportunities.

How Bansal Immigration Consultants Can Assist?

At Bansal Immigration Consultants, we help students navigate visa policies, study pathways, and post-study work opportunities in Australia. Our team provides expert guidance on:

• Post-study work visa applications and eligibility criteria.
• Understanding how recent policy changes impact your future.
• Applying for student and graduate visas with the right documentation.