Employing international students
As an employer or alumni of the university you may not have considered recruiting an international graduate or intern for your business. You may also be confused by the working Visa requirements and do not understand the benefits such employees can bring to your organisation.
Recruiting international students and skilled migrants means going beyond the traditional applicant pool and gaining an edge at a time of high-skill demands and skill shortages. They can bring a range of benefits to your organisation that you may have overlooked.
Skills and benefits that international students can bring to your organisation:
- very adaptable having successfully completed an Australian qualification,
- show drive, motivation and commitment having settled in a new country,
- bring fresh new and innovative ideas to your business,
- add cultural diversity to your business,
- fluent in English and at least one or two other languages,
- provide an important cultural and linguistic match when liaising with non-English speaking clients,
- help you better understand your market place with their professional and cultural knowledge,
- bring bicultural intelligence that can give your business an edge,
- have local Australian knowledge and cultural awareness,
- grow with the business when they are employed as graduates,
- have networks in their home countries for trade development opportunities,
- help staff better understand the cultural nuances of the business culture in their home countries.
Employing an international student for part-time or casual work
International students can also be employed on a part-time or casual basis while studying for up to 20 hours per week during semester and can work unlimited hours outside of study periods. They will have a tax file number so you can hire them in the same way you would for a local student. Like other graduates this is a good way to trial students before offering them permanent employment.
Visa options for recent grads
Skilled Graduate Visa: 485
Many international students who have completed at least two years of study are able to apply for a temporary 485 Skilled Graduate visa under the current or transitional General Skilled Migration arrangements. This visa is valid for 18 months and allows unlimited work. See: www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/485/.
In response to the Knight Review of the Student Visa Program, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) announced that as of 2013 the duration of the 485 Skilled Graduate visa will be extended to two years for eligible graduates who were granted a student visa after 5 November 2011
Standard Business Sponsorship: 457
Employers could also consider sponsoring recent graduates for the 457 Business (Long Stay) visa to take up a position in a range of approved occupations, including Accounting, Engineering and ICT occupations. Specific sponsor and position requirements apply. See: www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/sbs/
Bridging visa
Recent graduates who have applied for a General Skilled Migration visa or an employer sponsored visa, are usually granted a bridging visa that allows them to stay, study and work in Australia while their application is being processed by DIAC.
Payment of fees associated with visa applications
There are no fees associated with the student visa which allows students to work 20 hours per week during semester on a part-time or casual basis.For the Temporary Business (Long Stay) – Standard Business Sponsorship (Subclass 457) visa the fees are usually negotiated between the employer and the employee.
Fees for all other visa types are paid for by the student.
Go to the Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) for the latest information or phone the DIAC Employer Hotline on 1800 040 070.
Disclaimer:
The information provided here is intended as a guide only. Government policy, visa requirements and eligibility can change at short notice. We advise you to check with the Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) for the latest information.
Contact
Contact our International Employment Assistant Qi Sun who can assist you to recruit our talented international students.