Work visas explained
Hiring international graduates in Australia is designed to be hassle-free. With clear guidelines, supportive resources, and a self-managed visa process, employers can confidently tap into a pool of highly qualified, diverse talent—ensuring your business remains competitive in a global marketplace.
We’ve collated a suite of information to help organisations understand visa information. For questions around visas or visa status – visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.
Simplified visa management
No Extra Burden for Employers
Self-Managed visa process: International students and graduates typically manage their own visa requirements.
Employer verification only: Use the free Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service to quickly confirm work entitlements.
Sponsoring Employees
Sponsorship Options: Sponsorship for a temporary visa to retain key talent is available for individuals with at least 1 year of experience who meet specific criteria, with an option to support permanent residence after 2 years. For more information visit Sponsoring employees.
Post-Higher Education Work Rights
International graduates who completed a degree(s) in Australia following at least 2 academic years of study are generally eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) which has full work rights.
The visa period is determined by the level of study as follows:
- Bachelor (including honours): 2 years
- Master (coursework/extended): 2 years
- Master (research): 3 years
- Doctoral: 3 years
Work Eligibility & Conditions
For International Students
During Study Periods: International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (approved curriculum-related placements are exempt).
During Scheduled Breaks: Work is permitted for unlimited hours.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
48 hours per fortnight during semester/study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Student visa holders who are studying a Masters by Research, or PhD can work unlimited hours at any time.
To confirm work entitlements:
- Check the individual’s current visa and work rights via the Department of Home Affairs’ online tool VEVO, using their passport details. You will need their written consent to do this. Alternatively, they can also have a VEVO check result sent to you directly from the site.
- Sight the following additional documents:
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) to verify their course of study
- Evidence they have commenced their course – generally they can only work once they have commenced their studies
- Track the individual’s visa expiry date.
Other Visa Options
Graduates may qualify for the following visa options.
Employer-sponsored
- Skills in Demand Visa [Subclass 482]
- Employer Nomination Scheme Visa [Subclass 186]
Non-employer sponsored
- Skilled Independent Visa [Subclass 189]
- Skilled Nominated Visa [Subclass 190]
- Skilled Work Regional [Provisional] Visa [Subclass 491]
For further details, see the Department of Home Affairs.
Employer Support & Resources
- Verify Work Entitlements: Use VEVO for a quick check
- Leverage External Expertise: Access government and industry resources for additional support.
For International Graduates
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Enables eligible graduates to live and work full time post-study.
Work Rights at a Glance
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
48 hours per fortnight during semester/study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Student visa holders who are studying a Masters by Research, or PhD can work unlimited hours at any time.
In order to confirm work entitlements:
- Check the individual’s current visa and work rights via the Department of Home Affairs’ online tool VEVO, using their passport details. You will need their written consent to do this. Alternatively, they can also have a VEVO check result sent to you directly from the site.
- Sight the following additional documents:
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) to verify their course of study
- Evidence they have commenced their course – generally they can only work once they have commenced their studies
- Track the individual’s visa expiry date
Employer Support & Resources
- Verify Work Entitlements: Use VEVO for a quick check
- Leverage External Expertise: Access government and industry resources for additional support.
Additional resources
- Visa Finder [Department of Home Affairs]
- Hiring someone in Australia [Department of Home Affairs]
- Your work rights
- Your FAQs
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