These changes should take effect from 1 July 2024, subject to the passage of legislative amendments. Clarification of these changes is listed below.

Graduate Work stream

The Graduate Work stream will be renamed to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.

The maximum eligible age for Post-Vocational Education Work stream applicants will reduce to 35 years of age or under. 

Applicants must hold an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification, closely related to their nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Applicants with a degree level qualification or higher will no longer be eligible for this stream. If an applicant holds one of these qualifications, they must apply through the Post-Higher Education Work stream.

Applicants may continue to stay for up to 18 months.

Post-Study Work stream

The Post-Study Work stream will be renamed to the Post-Higher Education Work stream.

The maximum eligible age for Post-Higher Education Work stream applicants will reduce to 35 years of age or under. 

The ‘select degree’ 2 year extension will cease.

Stay periods will change to the following:

• Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years
• Masters (coursework and extended) – up to 2 years
• Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) – up to 3 years.

Second Post-Study Work stream

The Second Post-Study Work stream will be renamed the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream. There are no other changes to this stream.

Replacement stream

The Replacement stream will cease.