Graduate visa allows recent graduates of selected overseas universities to gain up to 18 months of skilled work experience in occupations in demand in Australia. As a holder of this visa, you may apply for permanent residence at any time if you are able to meet the pass mark on the General Skilled Migration points test. This visa does not have a points test but other requirements must be met.

Visa benefits

This visa allows you and any secondary applicants included in your visa application to remain in Australia for up to 18 months with no restrictions on work or study.  During this period you may choose to:

• Live
• Work
• Study
• Travel
• Do Business

Eligibility

The main applicant:

Must have completed an Engineering degree at a recognised overseas institution in the last two years.

A recognised overseas institution is a university recognised by Australian employers as offering world-class degree programs in the field of Engineering.

This visa is for you if you completed an Engineering degree (2007, 2008 & 2009 pass out) at a Recognised Overseas Institutions in the last two years.

Age

You must be under 31 years of age on the day of making your application.

English Language Ability

IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) Number to show you have a band score of at least six (6) on each of the four (4) components - speaking, reading, listening and writing.

Eligible Qualification

In the two (2) years immediately before the date of making your application,

you must have completed an eligible degree qualification in Engineering:

An eligible degree qualification can be any of the following:

• A bachelor's degree
• A masters degree
• A doctoral degree
• A postgraduate diploma

Your degree qualification must contain a major sequence of study or specialisation in an Engineering discipline. Engineering specialisations include but are not limited to:

• Civil Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Mechanical, Production and Plant Engineering
• Mining and Material Engineering

Location

Unless you are an eligible New Zealand citizen, you and any secondary applicants included in your application, must be outside Australia at the time that a decision is made on your application.

Health

As medical report has a period of validity, it is recommended that only on request by the Australian High Commission the medical examination needs to be undertaken.

Character

Police Clearance Certificate has to be submitted upon request against clearance of civil/criminal records.

Note – While lodging a visa application

• You must make sure that you can meet these requirements at the time you lodge your application. If your application does not meet the minimum requirements, either:
• You will not be considered as having made an application, and your papers and any monies paid will be returned to you, or
• Your application will be refused.

Processing Times

The current processing time is 2-6 months from the date your application is lodged.