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Duration of Work Permit After Completing Studies
Hello everyone, I’m Seeking Australian Migration Advice for International Nursing Students.
I’m an international student pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing, and I have a question regarding my study path and its impact on my post-study work visa.
If I complete my first year of studies in Sydney, which is classified as a non-regional area, and then finish the remaining two years in Canberra, a designated regional area, how many semesters from each location would be counted towards my post-study work permit eligibility?
Specifically, I would like to know if having four semesters completed in the regional area and two semesters in a non-regional area qualify me for a two-year or three-year post-study work visa.
Additionally, will I be eligible for five extra points when applying for regional migration points?
I am feeling a bit confused about these requirements and would greatly appreciate any insights or guidance on Australian migration for international nursing students. Thank you!
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1 Reply
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Hi Emma, sorry for the delay and getting back to you and welcome to our community. 🙂
This is a great question! Your post-study work visa duration depends on where you complete your studies. Here’s how it works:
1. Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485 – Graduate Work Stream)
Since you are completing a Bachelor of Nursing, you qualify for the Post-Study Work stream of the 485 visa.
Normally, a bachelor’s degree holder gets a two-year post-study work visa if they study in a non-regional area.
If at least two years of your study (four semesters) are completed in a designated regional area, you may qualify for an additional one-year extension, making it a three-year visa.
Canberra (ACT) is classified as Regional (Category 2) under the Australian Government’s definition.
Based on your study plan (one year in Sydney and two years in Canberra), you should qualify for the three-year post-study work visa since you have completed at least two academic years in a regional area.
2. Regional Migration Points
To get the five additional points for regional study when applying for permanent residency, you must have completed at least two years of study in a designated regional area.
Since you are completing two years in Canberra, you should be eligible for these points.
Make sure your course meets the Australian Study Requirement (ASR) and that you apply for the correct regional classification when lodging your visa application.
I hope this clears things up! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Regards,
Mark
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