DIBP to Scrap the Skilled Recognised Graduate (Subclass 476)

This is the last chance for graduate engineers from around the globe to apply for a temporary visa to work in Australia as the department of immigration plans to drop the Skilled Recognized Graduate (Subclass 476) visa as early as next year. This was based on an internal proposal paper of the department, which was obtained by The Australian Financial Review.

The visa was introduced last 2007 allowing recent graduates from recognised overseas institutions to work in Australia for up to 18 months with the goal of easing engineering shortages. Applicants who are aged below 31 years old are qualified to apply, with competent English language ability and who have graduated within 2 years from the date of application.

The quantity of applicants for this visa almost doubled last year to 1100 but DIBP's paper states that it does not see "an adverse outcome arising" from the possible repeal of the visa.  "The cohort for the visa is very small, with approximately 600 visas granted in 2012-13 and 1100 visas granted in 2013-14," says the department's proposal paper."

Foreign engineering graduates will now need another migration pathways which generally require greater experience or sponsorship.

According to the The Australian Financial Review, the proposal is in response to calls from industry and employer groups for a simple, multiple-entry visa that would allow global companies to bring in expert staff for up to a year. This proposal is not yet government policy and is the subject of further consultation.