As part of the government’s Migration Strategy, several changes have been proposed to the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa program. The Department of Home Affairs has now confirmed these updates, which will take effect from 1 July 2024.
Changes to the Graduate Work Stream
New Name: The current Graduate Work stream will be renamed to “Post-Vocational Education Work.”
Age Limit: The maximum age for this stream will be lowered to 35 years or under at the time of application. However, Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders can still apply until age 50.
Qualification Requirements: Applicants must hold an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification closely related to an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Those with degrees at a higher level must apply through the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Visa Duration: Successful applicants in the Post-Vocational Education Work stream will receive visas for 18 months, except for Hong Kong and BNO passport holders, who will receive a five-year visa.
Changes to the Post-Study Work Stream
New Name: The Post-Study Work stream will now be called “Post-Higher Education Work.”
Age Limit: The maximum age will also be reduced to 35 years or under. Hong Kong and BNO passport holders can still apply until age 50.
Visa Duration: The length of the visa will vary depending on the applicant’s qualification:
Bachelor’s degrees (including honours) will grant a 2-year visa.
Master’s degrees (coursework and extended) will also offer a 2-year visa.
Master’s (research) and doctoral degrees (PhD) will grant a 3-year visa.
Note that Hong Kong and BNO passport holders will receive a five-year visa regardless of the level of their degree.
Visa Grant Periods for Indian Nationals
Under the Australian Indian – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), Indian nationals applying through the Post-Higher Education Work stream will have different visa grant periods:
A Bachelor’s degree (including honours) provides a 2-year visa, while first-class honours in STEM fields or ICT grants a 3-year visa.
Master’s degrees (coursework, extended, and research) will offer a 3-year visa.
Doctoral degrees (PhD) will grant a 4-year visa.
Changes to the Second Post-Study Work Stream
The “Second Post-Study Work” stream will be renamed to “Second Post-Higher Education Work.” The requirements will remain unchanged, with no additional modifications.
End of the Replacement Stream
The Replacement Stream, which was designed to assist students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions, will end on 1 July 2024.
At Migration Guru, we understand that visa requirements can be complex and ever-changing. If you have any questions or need assistance navigating these new age requirements, our experienced team is here to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized advice and guidance to help you achieve your educational and migration goals in Australia.
For more information contact Our team via email at info@migrationguru.com.au or by calling 07 3036 3800. Readers are encouraged to follow us on Facebook for all the updates.
