Graduate engineers from around the world may well have their last chance to apply for a temporary visa to work in Australia this year if the department of immigration proceeds with plans to drop the Skilled Recognised Graduate (sub-class 476) visa from next year.

The visa which allows recent graduates from recognised universities to work in Australia for up to 18 months in order to gain work experience was introduced in 2007 with the aim of easing engineering shortages. It is available to applicants aged below 31 years, with competent English language ability and who have graduated within two years from the date of application from recognised foreign institutions.  

DIBP is expected to scrap this visa as early as next year, according to an internal proposal paper of the department, which was obtained by The Australian Financial Review.

The number of applicants for the 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 this visa is very small, with approximately 600 visas granted in 2012-13 and approximately 1100 visas granted in 2013-14,” says the department’s proposal paper.

Overseas engineering graduates will now need a Plan B or have to rely on more stringent migration pathways which generally require greater experience or sponsorship.

According to the AFR, the proposal – which is not yet government policy and is the subject of further consultation – 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.

Consult Australia chief executive Megan Motto told the AFR that she would be disappointed if the visa was axed.

According to the AFR, Consult Australia lobbied hard for the introduction of the 476 visa. Ms Motto said this was because the industry wanted to send the message to young engineering graduates that they could come to Australia and work in their profession rather than pick fruit or wait on tables.

“We’d be disappointed by it given engineering is an area of interest to Australia’s national prosperity, but our members will use a more streamlined temporary visa system to achieve the same results,” she said.