Significant Changes Affecting International Graduates (Effective July 1, 2024, Subject to Legislation)
The Australian Government announced changes to the Temporary Graduate visa programs in its recent Migration Strategy. These changes are intended to take effect from 1 July 2024.
The 485 visa, also known as the Temporary Graduate visa, is a visa option for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. It allows you to stay in Australia temporarily to work and potentially continue studying. Overall, the 485 visa is a valuable tool for international students who want to gain work experience, improve their employment prospects, and potentially transition to permanent residency in Australia.
The proposed changes to the 485 visa program will be impacting eligibility, stream names, and maximum stay periods. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates:
Stream Renames:
- Graduate Work Stream becomes Post-Vocational Education Work Stream.
- Post-Study Work Stream becomes Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
- Second Post-Study Work Stream becomes Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream. Replacement Stream will be discontinued.
Age Limit:
- The maximum eligible age for both Post-Vocational and Post-Higher Education Work Streams will be reduced to 35 years old
- Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) graduates and Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders will still be eligible if they are under 50 years of age.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream:
- Open to applicants with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Degree-level qualifications will no longer be eligible for this stream. Maximum stay remains 18 months (except for Hong Kong/British National Overseas passport holders who can stay up to 5 years).
Post-Higher Education Work Stream:
- The “select degree” 2-year extension option will cease.
- Stay periods are based on qualification level: Bachelor degree (including honors) – up to 2 years. Masters (coursework/extended) – up to 2 years. Masters (research)/Doctoral (PhD) – up to 3 years.
- Hong Kong/British National Overseas passport holders may be eligible for up to 5 years.
- Stay periods for Indian nationals under the AI-ECTA remain unchanged (up to 4 years for PhD).
Impact on Applicants:
These changes significantly impact eligibility for the 485 visa program. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Age: If you’re over 35 (except for specific passport holders), you might not be eligible for the Post-Vocational or Post-Higher Education Work Streams.
- Qualification Level: The Post-Vocational Work Stream now targets specifically vocational qualifications. Degree holders should focus on the Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
- Occupation Choice: Ensure your chosen occupation aligns with the MLTSSL if applying for the Post-Vocational Work Stream.
- Planned Stay: Be aware of the revised maximum stay periods based on your qualification level and passport.
Next Steps
- For the latest information and application details, refer to the official Australian government immigration website (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/).
- Consider seeking professional immigration advice for personalised guidance from us here in Migration Affairs, regarding your specific situation and eligibility for the revised 485 visa program.
By understanding these changes, you can make informed decisions about applying for the 485 Temporary Graduate visa and maximise your chances of a successful application.
At Migration Affairs, we understand the importance of a smooth transition from student life to the workforce. With the recent 485 visa updates, navigating the path forward can feel uncertain. That’s why our experienced immigration specialists are here to provide you with clear, personalized advice tailored to your specific situation. We’ll help you understand the changes, explore your options, and develop a personalized strategy to achieve your goals in Australia.
Changes to the migration program can occur without notice. The above information is not intended to be legal advice and is correct as of the date of writing this article.
Contact Migrations Affairs to speak with our immigration experts for tailored advice on the circumstances and eligibility.
