🎓 Australia PSWR Guide
Complete guide to applying for Post-Study Work Rights visa after your Australian degree
Post-Study Work Rights (PSWR) Overview
The Post-Study Work Rights (PSWR) visa allows international students who have completed a degree at an Australian educational institution to stay in Australia and work. The visa duration depends on your qualification level, with PhD graduates receiving the longest period.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
You Must Have:
- ✓Completed a CRICOS-registered course
- ✓Studied in Australia on a student visa
- ✓Completed course within the last 6 months
- ✓Maintained enrollment during studies
- ✓Met course attendance requirements
PSWR Duration by Qualification:
Bachelor Degree
2 years PSWR visa
Including Bachelor with HonoursMaster's Degree
2 years PSWR visa
Including coursework Master'sMaster's (Extended)
3 years PSWR visa
With research componentPhD Degree
4 years PSWR visa
Doctorate qualification📋 Step-by-Step Application Process
Check Your Eligibility
Ensure you meet all the requirements for PSWR:
- • You have completed your CRICOS-registered course
- • You studied on a student visa in Australia
- • You completed your course within the last 6 months
- • You maintained full-time enrollment during your studies
- • Your course meets the minimum duration requirements
Gather Your Documents
Prepare these documents before starting your application:
- • Valid passport
- • Completion letter from your education provider
- • Academic transcripts
- • Proof of student visa
- • Health insurance details
- • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- • English proficiency test results (if applicable)
- • Medical certificates (if applicable)
Create Your Account
Register for the Australian immigration system:
- • Go to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- • Create an ImmiAccount or sign in to existing account
- • Verify your identity
- • Start your PSWR application
Complete the Application Form
Fill out the online application form:
- • Personal details and contact information
- • Immigration history
- • Australian study details
- • Employment history
- • Health and character information
Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of your documents:
- • Passport (all pages)
- • Course completion letter
- • Academic transcripts
- • Student visa documents
- • Health insurance documents
Submit and Wait
Complete your application:
- • Review and submit your application
- • Pay any applicable fees (PSWR is free)
- • Wait for processing (typically 75 days)
- • Receive your PSWR visa grant notification
🚀 What You Can Do on PSWR Visa
Work
Work in any occupation without restrictions
Look for Work
Take time to search for suitable employment opportunities
Start a Business
Set up your own business or work for yourself
Study
Study part-time courses without affecting your visa
Travel
Travel freely in and out of Australia during your visa period
Bring Family
Bring your partner and children to live with you
🔄 Extending Your PSWR Visa
Further Study Extension
- •Extend PSWR by studying another course
- •Extension equals the length of the new course
- •Can extend multiple times through further study
- •New course must be at a higher qualification level
Alternative Pathways
- •Apply for General Skilled Migration (GSM)
- •Transition to employer-sponsored visas
- •Apply for permanent residency through state nomination
- •Explore skilled work visas
⏰ Application Timeline
Application Window
Apply within 6 months of course completion
Processing Time
75 days average processing time
Travel Plans
Apply before student visa expires
What's Your Next Step?
⚠️ Important Considerations
- • Application Deadline: Must apply within 6 months of course completion
- • Course Completion: Must have completed all course requirements
- • CRICOS Registration: Course must be registered on CRICOS
- • Health Insurance: Maintain OSHC until PSWR visa is granted
- • Official Sources: Always check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for latest information
- • Biometrics: You may need to attend an appointment for biometrics