Are you an international student diving into the exciting realms of engineering, information & communication technology, and artificial intelligence in Australia?
Here’s something for you!
News flash: From July 1, the Australian Government is bringing back limits on work hours cap for student visa holders (subclass 500) who study and work in Australia.
The Department of Home Affairs has made an important announcement about changes in student and graduate visa programs.
With the aim to help fill job openings in important industries and support the recovery of the international education sector, they implemented Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES).
In this scheme, a whooping 3,000 spots will be open for Indian students to engage in work while pursuing their studies in Australia. It will strike a balance between academic pursuits and employment opportunities for them.
In this blog post, let’s dive deeper into the intricacies of the new work hours cap for student visa holders and how it will impact them and professionals alike.
Work Hour Restrictions: What’s Changing?
Throughout the pandemic, work restrictions for student visa holders were relaxed, and in January 2022, they were temporarily removed altogether. However, this temporary arrangement will come to an end on June 30, 2023.
Starting from July 1, 2023, the number of work hours allowed during study terms and semesters will be capped at 48 hours per fortnight. This is a significant change as before, they were only allowed to work up to 40 hours every two weeks.
This change applies to all international students, regardless of what they are studying.
What About Graduate Visas (Subclass 485) Work Rights?
The government has announced that international students who have graduated from an Australian university will be able to work in Australia for a certain number of years based on their level of education.
From July 1, 2023, eligible graduates can work in Australia for:
- 4 years if they have a Bachelor’s degree.
- 5 years if they have a Master’s degree.
- 6 years if they have a Doctorate degree.
These changes are intended to address skill shortages, support businesses, and rebuild the international education sector after the pandemic.
Additionally, current graduate visa holders who have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in areas where there is a shortage of skilled workers can apply for a two-year extension to their post-study work rights in Australia. This extension will be added to their existing 485 visas, giving them two more years to work in the country. The Department of Education has provided a list of eligible occupations and qualifications, which includes areas like healthcare, information technology, engineering, agriculture, and teaching.
How Will It Impact the Students and Businesses?
This is good news for international students who are currently studying, as many have been facing money problems because of the pandemic. With the new rules allowing them to work more hours, students now have more opportunities to find part-time jobs and reduce their financial stress. Before, international students could only work a limited number of hours, which restricted them to flexible and casual jobs. However, with the increased limit of 48 hours per fortnight (approximately 24 hours per week), students can now work up to three full days a week, which is common for many part-time jobs in Australia.
Similarly, it seems like good news for Australian businesses as well. Earlier, it was challenging to find enough people to fill multiple job openings in different industries.
However, international students should remember that other visa rules, like meeting course requirements, haven’t changed. Moreover, Australia attracts many students from different countries, and the new rules set by the Department will have a significant impact on Australia’s international education sector and its competitiveness globally.
What You Need to Keep In Mind?
As an international student, it’s essential to maintain a healthy balance between your study and work commitments, even with the flexibility in work hours. Here are the things you need to keep in mind.
1. Maintain Your Course Enrolment
Ensure that you remain enrolled in your chosen course throughout your studies. It’s a crucial requirement to maintain your visa status.
2. Attend Classes Regularly
Regular attendance is vital for satisfactory course progress. Make sure you attend classes as required by your educational institution.
3. Attain Consistent Course Progress
To comply with your visa conditions, you must make satisfactory progress in your studies. It’s important to submit your assignments on time and aim for academic excellence.
Note: Failure to meet these requirements may result in a breach of your visa conditions. It’s important to prioritize your education while balancing your work commitments.
What Remains Unchanged?
It’s crucial to remember that as an international student, you have the same rights under Australian workplace law as any other employee. Employers must adhere to these laws, and they cannot allow you to work in violation of your visa conditions.
If you encounter unfair treatment in the workplace, the Fair Work Ombudsman is there to help. Remember these key points:
- Your employer cannot cancel your visa.
- The Department of Home Affairs will not cancel your visa if you report workplace exploitation to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
- If you have worked more hours than allowed in a fortnight, reporting exploitation will not jeopardize your visa status.
Conclusion
The MATES scheme, born out of the bilateral agreement between India and Australia, opens doors for Indian students to gain valuable work experience and contribute to Australia’s high-demand sectors.
Furthermore, the Australian government’s commitment to streamlining the immigration process for skilled workers and ensuring a supportive environment for international students showcases its dedication to fostering a diverse and thriving workforce.
This marks a significant milestone in the journey of Indian students in Australia and promises a bright future for those seeking to expand their horizons in this land Down Under.
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