Stress-rupture life of HR6W austenitic stainless steel modified with B and Mg additions was measured, and the microstructures were analyzed by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results indicated that the enhancement of the stress-rupture life was mainly due to the precipitation with B in the elemental form at the grain boundaries, and the improvement of the form of carbides at grain boundaries and the removal of O and S elements by addition of Mg. The micro-alloying elements have a beneficial effect on stress-rupture life of the modified-HR6W austenitic stainless steel at high temperature. Stress-rupture life of HR6W austenitic stainless steel modified with B and Mg additions was measured, and the microstructures were analyzed by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results indicated that the enhancement of the stress-rupture life was mainly due to the precipitation with B in the elemental form at the grain boundaries, and the improvement of the form of carbides at grain boundaries and the removal of O and S elements by addition of Mg. The micro -alloying elements have a beneficial effect on stress-rupture life of the modified-HR6W austenitic stainless steel at high temperature.