The Australian Government is set to implement significant changes to its Temporary Graduate visa programs. These changes will be effective from July 1, 2024, pending legislative approval. Below is the breakdown of the updates.
Changes to the Graduate Work Stream on the Temporary Graduate Visa
In a notable shift, the Graduate Work Stream of the 485 graduate visa will be rebranded as the Post Vocational Education Work stream.
- Maximum age: The maximum age will be reduced to 35, except for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders, who must be under 50.
- Educational qualifications: Applicants must hold an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification relevant to a job listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Degree Level Qualifications: Applicants holding a degree level qualification or higher must apply through the Post-Higher Education Work stream. The initial stay duration is up to 18 months, extendable to 5 years for eligible passport holders.
Changes to the Post-Study Work Stream on the Temporary Graduate Visa
Similar to the Graduate Work Stream, the Post-Study Work Stream of the 485 graduate visa will be rebranded as the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
- Age Limit: The maximum age for the temporary graduate visa will be capped at 35, except for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders, who must be under 50.
- ‘Select Degree’ Extension: The ‘Select degree’ 2-year extension will no longer be available.
- Revised Stay Periods: The duration of stay will vary based on the degree attained:
- Bachelor’s degree (including honours): Up to 2 years
- Masters (coursework and extended): Up to 2 years
- Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD): Up to 3 years
- Indian Nationals: Indian nationals will have specific stay periods outlined in the Australian Indian – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA):
- Bachelor’s degree (including honours): Up to 2 years
- Bachelor’s degree (with first-class honours in STEM, including ICT): Up to 3 years
- Masters (coursework, extended, and research): Up to 3 years
- Doctoral degrees (PhD): Up to 4 years
- Hong Kong and British National Overseas Passport Holders: These passport holders may be eligible for an extended stay of up to 5 years.
Second Post-Study Work Stream: This stream will be renamed the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream with no other alterations.
Replacement Stream: The Replacement Stream for the Temporary Graduate Visa will be discontinued.
