When your Australian student visa is nearing its expiry, it’s normal to feel uncertain about what comes next. But the good news is, if you’ve completed your studies in Australia, you have a variety of options to continue your journey. Whether you’re hoping to gain work experience, migrate permanently, or continue your studies, there’s likely a visa pathway that fits your goals.
From post-study work opportunities to skilled migration and permanent residency, it’s crucial to understand your options before your visa expires. This ensures you remain legally in Australia while you plan your next steps.
What Are My Options After My Student Visa?
Once your studies are complete, you may be eligible for the following visa pathways:
- Graduate Visas (Subclass 485): Available to recent graduates, this visa lets you live, study, and work in Australia temporarily.
- Skilled Migration: If your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List, and you meet the other eligibility requirements, you may be able to apply for a skilled visa.
- Permanent Residency: Many international students use the 485 visa or skilled migration as a stepping stone to permanent residency.
- Further Study: Want to continue studying? You can apply for a new student visa to undertake a higher qualification or a different course.
Each option comes with its own criteria, so it’s important to have a migration agent assess your situation carefully.
The Application Process After Your Student Visa
Here’s how to start transitioning from your student visa to another visa type:
Check Your Visa Expiry Date
You can find your student visa’s expiry date on your Visa Grant Notice or by logging into your ImmiAccount. Don’t wait until the last minute; planning ahead is essential.
Explore Your Eligibility
Each visa pathway has different eligibility requirements. For example, the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) offers two streams—Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) and Post-Vocational Education Work (PVEW)—each with distinct eligibility criteria depending on your level of study.
Skilled visas like the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) or Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) require a positive skills assessment and enough points under the points-tested system.
Gather Your Documents
Typical documents include:
- Proof of study completion (e.g., transcript, certificate)
- English language proficiency (IELTS or equivalent)
- Health and character documents
- Proof of funds or job offers (for applicable visas)
Apply for a New Visa or a Bridging Visa
If your student visa is about to expire and you need more time to apply for a different visa, you may be granted a Bridging Visa. This allows you to stay legally in Australia while your next visa is processed.
Submit Your Application Online
Most Australian visas can be applied for online or through a migration agent. Ensure you submit a complete application to avoid delays or refusals.
Stay Informed
Visa processing times vary, so be sure to regularly check your ImmiAccount and email for updates or requests for additional documents.
Can I Stay in Australia After My Student Visa?
You can stay in Australia after your student visa but only if you apply for another visa before your current one expires.
Be aware: overstaying your visa, even by a day, is considered unlawful and can lead to serious consequences such as detention, deportation, or bans on re-entry. Always take action early to remain compliant with immigration laws.
Benefits of Staying in Australia After Your Student Visa
Staying in Australia after your studies can offer significant advantages:
- Gain local work experience that enhances your resume
- Build a career pathway through employer-sponsored visas or skilled migration
- Improve your eligibility for permanent residency by increasing your points
- Stay close to friends, family, or a partner you’ve met during your studies
- Enjoy more time in a country with a high quality of life and diverse opportunities
What Are My Options if I Can’t Apply for a Graduate Visa?
If you’re not eligible for a graduate visa, you still have options! To make sure you select the right visa application for your situation, please contact a registered migration agent.
How Family Relationships Can Help You Stay in Australia After Your Student Visa
If you have close family members living in Australia, there may be visa pathways available to you:
- Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): If you’re in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be eligible.
- Parent Visas: If your children are Australian residents or citizens, there are contributory and non-contributory parent visa options.
You’ll need to provide proof of the relationship, such as shared finances, joint leases, photos, or travel records. Partner and family visas can take time to process, so start early and ensure you meet all criteria.
Work Rights After Your Student Visa Expiry
After your student visa ends, you cannot work unless you hold another visa that grants work rights.
- Graduate Visas allow full-time work
- Bridging Visas may allow work depending on your circumstances and visa conditions
- Employer-sponsored visas, such as the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand), allow full-time employment with a sponsoring employer
- Family and partner visas can grant full work rights once the visa is granted or under certain bridging conditions
Always check your new visa’s work entitlements to avoid unintentional breaches.
FAQs
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Can I apply for permanent residency after my student visa expires?
Yes, you can apply for permanent residency through pathways like the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), or Partner Visa. However, you must ensure you hold a valid visa (e.g. bridging visa) while your PR application is being processed.
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How long can I stay in Australia after my student visa expires?
You cannot stay legally after your student visa expires unless you have applied for another visa or hold a bridging visa. Overstaying your visa can lead to a re-entry ban or removal from Australia.
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What are the requirements for a graduate work visa in Australia?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently completed a qualification from an Australian institution. It allows graduates to live, work, and continue studying in Australia, and is often a stepping stone toward skilled migration or employer-sponsored visas.
To be eligible, all applicants must meet the Australian study requirement, demonstrate competent English, and satisfy health and character checks. The visa is split into two streams based on the level of qualification completed: the Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) stream and the Post-Vocational Education Work (PVEW) stream.
The PHEW stream is for those who have completed a Bachelor degree or higher. Visa duration ranges from two to three years depending on the qualification. Applicants must generally be under 35 years old, or up to 50 if they’ve completed a Master’s by research, a PhD, or hold a Hong Kong passport.
The PVEW stream is for those with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification. These applicants must nominate an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), apply for a skills assessment in that field, and be under 35 (or under 50 for Hong Kong passport holders). This stream typically grants an 18-month visa.
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Can I change my visa status after my student visa expires?
Yes, you can apply for a different visa, such as a graduate work visa, skilled migration visa, or partner visa. You must apply before your student visa expires to remain lawful.
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What happens if I overstay my student visa in Australia?
Overstaying makes you unlawful and can result in a removal order, detention, and a 3-year re-entry ban. Always act before your visa expires by applying for another visa or leaving the country.
Get Expert Assistance from AVIE for Your Post-Student Visa Pathway
Not sure which visa option is right for you? AVIE (Australian Visa and Immigration Experts) is here to help.
We specialise in helping international students navigate the transition from student visas to work, skilled, or permanent visa pathways. Whether you’re considering a 485 visa, skilled migration, or exploring partner visa options, our expert team can guide you step by step.
Contact us today to book a consultation and ensure your next move is the right one.