Changes to 485 Graduate Visa (May 2024 Update)
The landscape of Australian immigration is constantly changing, and recent proposed adjustments to the Subclass 485 Graduate Visa mark a notable shift in policy.
These changes, outlined in the Migration Strategy Report 2023 and the Second Addendum to the 11th Edition of The Administration of Immigration and Citizenship Programs paper, will significantly impact international students and graduates hoping to extend their stay in Australia.
Let's delve into what these changes involve and how they might affect you.
1. Simplification and Streamlining of Visa ProcessesThe Australian Government is taking steps to simplify the graduate visa process to improve the applicant experience and expedite the transition from student visas to graduate visas. Additionally, the government aims to strengthen the pathway from graduate visas to temporary skilled visas. This development provides employers with greater clarity on a graduate's ongoing work rights and pathways to permanent residence.
2. Renaming and Restructuring Visa StreamsThe 'Post-Study Work' and 'Graduate Work' streams under the Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV) are being renamed to 'Post Higher Education Work' and 'Post-Vocational Education Work' respectively. These new names aim to be more descriptive and user-friendly for applicants. Furthermore, the 'Replacement Stream' and the Subclass 476 Skilled Recognised Graduate visa were abolished in January 2024.
3. Modification of Post-Study Work RightsA significant change is the reduction in post-study work rights, with the initial duration of the Temporary Graduate Visa set to decrease and extensions of post-study work rights becoming less common. This change addresses the issue of graduates remaining 'permanently temporary' in Australia, with extensions now primarily available to those who have studied in regional areas.
4. Age Limitation of 35 YearsThe age limit for the 485 visa will decrease from a maximum of 50 years to 35 years, expected to be effective within the next three months. Age criteria Update (27th May 2024): The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has confirmed today that they will maintain the maximum age eligibility of 50 years for students who have completed a Masters by Research and/or Doctoral Degree (PhD) when applying for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa under the Post-Higher Education Work Stream (formerly the 'Post-Study Work stream') after 1 July 2024. 5. Maximum Length of Visa ReducedCertain degrees that previously allowed an additional two years on the visa are expected to lose this extension within the next three months.
6. English Test RequirementsThe required IELTS score (or equivalent) for a Temporary Graduate visa will increase from 6.0 to 6.5, expected to take effect within the next three months.
7. Restrictions on Transferring to Student VisasTemporary Graduate visa holders will be restricted from transferring back to student visas while in Australia, with this change expected by the end of the year.
8. Faster Processing TimesProcessing times for the Post Study Graduate Visa, currently ranging from 49 to 120 days for 90% of applications, will be reduced to a maximum of 21 days. The timing of this change is still being determined.
In conclusion, while these proposed changes may present new obstacles for international graduates in Australia, they also create more streamlined pathways for those transitioning into skilled roles. Current and prospective students should stay informed and adapt their educational and professional plans accordingly to navigate these evolving immigration policies effectively.
2. Renaming and Restructuring Visa StreamsThe 'Post-Study Work' and 'Graduate Work' streams under the Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV) are being renamed to 'Post Higher Education Work' and 'Post-Vocational Education Work' respectively. These new names aim to be more descriptive and user-friendly for applicants. Furthermore, the 'Replacement Stream' and the Subclass 476 Skilled Recognised Graduate visa were abolished in January 2024.
3. Modification of Post-Study Work RightsA significant change is the reduction in post-study work rights, with the initial duration of the Temporary Graduate Visa set to decrease and extensions of post-study work rights becoming less common. This change addresses the issue of graduates remaining 'permanently temporary' in Australia, with extensions now primarily available to those who have studied in regional areas.
4. Age Limitation of 35 YearsThe age limit for the 485 visa will decrease from a maximum of 50 years to 35 years, expected to be effective within the next three months. Age criteria Update (27th May 2024): The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has confirmed today that they will maintain the maximum age eligibility of 50 years for students who have completed a Masters by Research and/or Doctoral Degree (PhD) when applying for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa under the Post-Higher Education Work Stream (formerly the 'Post-Study Work stream') after 1 July 2024. 5. Maximum Length of Visa ReducedCertain degrees that previously allowed an additional two years on the visa are expected to lose this extension within the next three months.
6. English Test RequirementsThe required IELTS score (or equivalent) for a Temporary Graduate visa will increase from 6.0 to 6.5, expected to take effect within the next three months.
7. Restrictions on Transferring to Student VisasTemporary Graduate visa holders will be restricted from transferring back to student visas while in Australia, with this change expected by the end of the year.
8. Faster Processing TimesProcessing times for the Post Study Graduate Visa, currently ranging from 49 to 120 days for 90% of applications, will be reduced to a maximum of 21 days. The timing of this change is still being determined.
In conclusion, while these proposed changes may present new obstacles for international graduates in Australia, they also create more streamlined pathways for those transitioning into skilled roles. Current and prospective students should stay informed and adapt their educational and professional plans accordingly to navigate these evolving immigration policies effectively.