In addition to the increase of allowable work hours cap from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight coming into effect on the 1st July 2023, the Australian Government has announced the increase of the stay and work visa period for eligible graduates under the Temporary Graduate Work visa (Subclass 485). Following the Jobs and Skills summit and in line with the advice received from key educational institutions, eligible graduates with the qualifications or occupations listed per this link, will be eligible to stay and work in Australia for up to two years more than previously allowed.
Bachelor’s degree graduates will be to stay and work for up to four years after graduating, whilst Masters and PHD graduates will be allowed up to five years and six years respectively.
Among the sectors targeted are Health, Education, ICT, Agriculture and Engineering, with widespread shortages felt across both regional areas and capital cities. In response to labour market needs, the sectors will be revised on an annual basis in order to best respond to chronic skills shortages.
The move comes as the Albanese government seeks to address skills shortages in areas of verified skill shortage across Australia, ensuring Australia remains attractive as a destination for students and enabling businesses to achieve greater employee retention.
By targeting the skills in highest demand across the country, businesses will be able to utilise recent graduates with desirable skills and qualifications to fill labour shortages and ensure the prospective student is able to be utilised for a considerably longer time period than previously, whilst offer enhanced training for the job market. This in turn gives businesses a greater opportunity to ascertain whether they wish to offer longer term employment to the individual and keep them onboard permanently.
Standard pathways for sponsorship are available, whereby the business can decide to offer a longer-term employment visa via means of the Temporary Skill Shortage or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa amongst other permanent visas, to incentive the individual by offering a pathway to permanent residency, a common aspiration for many temporary visa holders in Australia. Should you require further assistance or have any questions related to the article please feel free to contact ross@crystalmigration.net (02) 9189 2988.