It’s the final year of uni, and while assignments and exams loom large, for many international students, an even bigger question hovers in the background: “Can I stay in Australia after I graduate?”
If you’ve ever Googled visa types or relied on a friend’s “it-worked-for-me” migration advice, this one’s for you.
To demystify the process, we sat down with migration agent Vaibhav Patel, Director of Aussizz Group NSW. Patel has more than a decade of experience supporting international students and was a former international student himself.
(Vaibhav Patel in his office, Picture credit: Jasmine Kaur, 2025)
According to Patel, the single most important thing students need to understand is their visa conditions.
‘Too often, students aren’t fully aware of what they’re allowed to do, and what could get them into serious trouble’, he says. ‘For example, you must remain enrolled in a registered course, maintain satisfactory attendance and progress, and stick to your work-hour limitations. Simple breaches like downgrading your course or working too many hours can lead to visa cancellations’.
While that sounds daunting, the biggest mistake isn’t always what you do, it’s what you don’t.
‘A lot of students wait too long to plan their post-study visa options’, Patel warns. ‘They approach us just before their visa ends, often under pressure and without the required documents ready’.
So, what should students be doing now? Start early. Explore your options well before graduation, Patel advises. That includes the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), understanding skills assessment criteria, preparing for English proficiency tests like IELTS or the CCL (Credentialed Community Language) test, and looking into state or regional nominations.
‘Don’t wait until the last minute to take these tests’, he says. ‘If you know you’ll need them later, knock them out early. It saves you time, stress, and the risk of falling into a visa gap’.
Then there’s the dilemma of handling applications without professional guidance.
‘While there’s nothing wrong with applying yourself, you need to be fully informed’, Patel cautions. ‘We’ve seen students receive refusals due to small errors or because they relied on friends rather than professionals. Migration law is tricky. Good advice might seem expensive, but bad advice can cost you your future.”
It’s a message he knows all too well.
‘If I could go back, I’d invest more in building a support network early on, attend events, connect with others, build relationships’, he reflects. ‘Having the right contacts is just as important as having the right skills’.
On the topic of student life, he’s clear: part-time work should never come at the cost of studying.
‘Yes, working can help with living expenses and experience’, he says, ‘but your priority should be completing your course and maintaining compliance. Once you’ve graduated, you’ll have more time to work freely. Until then, manage your time wisely’.
What about when things get tough? If a personal or medical issue arises, Patel urges students not to disappear or drop out silently.
‘Always speak to your education provider first. Apply formally for a leave of absence and provide documentation like medical certificates. Once approved, the provider will notify Immigration’, he explains. ‘Never stop studying or leave the country without informing anyone; doing so can put your visa at risk’.
For students with family overseas, there’s some good news: you can bring your loved ones with you.
‘Spouses and children can be added to your visa’, he says. ‘Having a partner with you can be a huge emotional support, and they’re allowed to work, too, which can ease the financial burden’.
As for knowing when your visa might be compromised, Patel points out the red flags: repeated subject failures, warnings from your provider, emails from the Department of Home Affairs, or working beyond your permitted hours.
‘Don’t ignore these signs’, he says. ‘If anything feels off, ask for help. The earlier, the better’.
So, who should you ask?
‘Your university’s international support team is a great first point of contact’, he explains. ‘But for more complex issues, like breaches, course changes, or visa strategy, speak to a registered migration agent’.
His advice for those wanting to stay in Australia long-term is simple: plan smarter.
‘Apply for your graduate visa as soon as you’re eligible. Prepare your documents in advance. Look into job opportunities in your field, complete any required assessments, and research state or regional migration pathways’’ he advises. “Permanent residency is competitive, and you need to position yourself well to receive an invitation’.
The bottom line?
Navigating the post-study visa landscape may seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. With early planning, the right support, and expert advice, your transition from student to skilled migrant can be smoother than you think.
Patel wisely says ‘the right migration advice might cost more, but the cost of getting it wrong is far greater’.
