The Australian Government has announced significant changes to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) program, set to take effect from 1 July 2024. These updates are crucial for postgraduate students planning to stay and work in Australia after completing their studies. This guide provides an overview of the key changes and how they impact you as a postgraduate student.
Key Changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa Program
Re-alignment of Visa Streams
The Temporary Graduate visa streams will be re-aligned to better reflect the level of study of applicants:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: Previously known as the Graduate Work stream, this stream is for those with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream: Previously known as the Post-Study Work stream, this stream is for those with higher education qualifications, such as bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
Age Limit Reduction
One of the most notable changes is the reduction of the maximum eligible age for applicants from 50 to 35 years. This adjustment aims to attract younger, skilled graduates who can contribute to the Australian workforce for a longer period.
Exceptions:
- Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders remain eligible to apply up to the age of 50.
- Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) graduates are also exempt from the new age limit and can apply up to the age of 50.
Stay Duration Adjustments
The duration of stay for the Temporary Graduate visa has been updated to reflect the qualification level:
| Qualification Level | Standard Stay Duration | Hong Kong and BNO Passport Holders | Indian Nationals (under AI-ECTA) |
| Bachelor degree (including honours) | Up to 2 years | Up to 5 years | Up to 2 years |
| Bachelor degree (with first class honours in STEM) | - | - | Up to 3 years |
| Masters (coursework and extended) | Up to 2 years | Up to 5 years | Up to 3 years |
| Masters (research) | Up to 3 years | Up to 5 years | Up to 3 years |
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | Up to 3 years | Up to 5 years | Up to 4 years |
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
The Second Post-Study Work stream will be renamed to the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream. There are no other changes to this stream.
Replacement Stream Discontinuation
The Replacement stream will cease to exist under the new changes.
Why These Changes Matter
These updates aim to streamline the visa application process, making it more straightforward for graduates to stay and work in Australia. By aligning visa streams with qualification levels and updating age limits and stay durations, the Australian Government hopes to attract young, skilled talent to address workforce needs and demographic challenges.
What Postgraduate Students Should Do Next
- Review Eligibility: Check your eligibility under the new streams and understand the changes to age limits and stay durations.
- Prepare Documentation: Ensure your qualifications and other documents are in order to meet the application requirements.
- Consult a Migration Expert: For personalised advice, consider booking a consultation with a registered migration agent to navigate the changes effectively.
Conclusion
The 2024 changes to Australia's Temporary Graduate visa program present new opportunities and challenges for postgraduate students. By staying informed and preparing accordingly, you can make the most of these updates and enhance your prospects of building a successful career in Australia.
Don't let the visa changes catch you off guard. Book a consultation with our experienced migration agents today to tailor a visa strategy that aligns with your goals and the new requirements. Let us help you navigate the changes smoothly and efficiently.
Remember:
This post is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional immigration advice. Given the uniqueness of every case, engaging with a registered migration agent is highly recommended for bespoke guidance and to navigate the specific details of your situation effectively. Book a visa consultation with a Registered Migration Agent
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