11.09.2026
Webinar on Hiring International Graduates and Visa Pathways by Department of Home Affairs
Webinar on Hiring International Graduates and Visa Pathways by Department of Home Affairs
Current as at 10 September 2026.
Siva Visa recently attended the Department of Home Affairs webinar on Hiring International Graduates and Visa Pathways, presented by Business, Industry and Regional Outreach officers. Below is a summary of the key points relevant to international students, graduates and employers considering sponsorship.
Student and Temporary Graduate visa holders are not restricted to working in their field of study, and there is no obligation to do so. Nonetheless, gaining experience relevant to one's qualification remains valuable when preparing for a future skilled visa application.
Standard student visa holders may work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. Students undertaking a Masters by Research or a Doctoral degree, along with their family members, may work unrestricted hours. Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) holders may also work unlimited hours.
Applicants for the Temporary Graduate visa must apply within six months of completing their eligible qualification, while still holding their student visa, and must meet the required English language standard within the twelve months prior to application. Given the strict application window, students are encouraged to begin preparing well before completing their final semester.
For employers considering sponsorship, both the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) require full time employment of 38 hours per week. Occupations must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list, and sponsorship follows a three stage process: sponsorship approval, nomination of the position, and the visa application itself.
The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) similarly requires the nominated occupation to sit on the Core Skills Occupation List, along with a positive skills assessment and relevant work experience, with three available streams: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, and Labour Agreement.
For tailored guidance on which pathway suits your circumstances, whether as a graduate planning your next step or an employer considering sponsorship, contact Siva Visa for a consultation.
Student and Temporary Graduate visa holders are not restricted to working in their field of study, and there is no obligation to do so. Nonetheless, gaining experience relevant to one's qualification remains valuable when preparing for a future skilled visa application.
Standard student visa holders may work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. Students undertaking a Masters by Research or a Doctoral degree, along with their family members, may work unrestricted hours. Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) holders may also work unlimited hours.
Applicants for the Temporary Graduate visa must apply within six months of completing their eligible qualification, while still holding their student visa, and must meet the required English language standard within the twelve months prior to application. Given the strict application window, students are encouraged to begin preparing well before completing their final semester.
For employers considering sponsorship, both the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) require full time employment of 38 hours per week. Occupations must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list, and sponsorship follows a three stage process: sponsorship approval, nomination of the position, and the visa application itself.
The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) similarly requires the nominated occupation to sit on the Core Skills Occupation List, along with a positive skills assessment and relevant work experience, with three available streams: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, and Labour Agreement.
For tailored guidance on which pathway suits your circumstances, whether as a graduate planning your next step or an employer considering sponsorship, contact Siva Visa for a consultation.
