The Australian Engineering Graduate Visa (subclass 476) is a temporary visa designed for engineering graduates who have completed their studies in the past two years from a recognized institution outside Australia. The visa allows eligible graduates to gain up to 18 months of skilled work experience in their field of engineering in Australia. The visa provides a pathway for international engineering graduates to gain valuable work experience in Australia and possibly even qualify for permanent residency.
Pathways
To be eligible for the Engineering Graduate Visa, applicants must meet certain requirements:
- Applicants must be under the age of 31
- Have completed an engineering degree from a recognized institution within the past two years
- Have a competent level of English
- Have not previously held a skilled graduate visa or a temporary work visa with more than 18 months validity.
Validity and Financial Requirements
The Engineering Graduate Visa is valid for up to 18 months from the date of grant. During this time, visa holders are permitted to work in Australia in any field of engineering to gain practical experience. The visa does not allow for multiple entries or a subsequent application for a skilled graduate visa.
To apply for the visa, applicants must pay a fee, which is subject to change. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Australia. The financial requirements may vary depending on the individual circumstances of each applicant.
Obligations
As with all visas, there are certain obligations that visa holders must comply with. These include:
- Maintaining valid health insurance for the duration of the visa
- Complying with all Australian laws, including workplace health and safety requirements
- Reporting any change of address or contact details to the Department of Home Affairs
- Not engaging in any activities that are detrimental to the interests of Australia or its people
- Leaving Australia before the visa expires
If visa holders breach any of these obligations, their visa may be cancelled, and they may be required to leave Australia.