The Graduate 485 Visa is a temporary visa for those who have completed their studies in Australia. Once granted, it allows holders to stay in Australia from 18 to 48 months with full work rights and if used strategically, it could lead to permanent residence in the future.
If you are an International Student in Australia, it is important to know that some rules and requirements for the Graduate Visa 485 are going to change soon. And this is what we will explain in this article.
Recap of the Graduate Visa and past changes
First of all, it is important to understand that there are 2 streams under the Graduate Visa 485:
- Post Study Work Rights Stream – for graduates of Higher Education
- Graduate Work Stream – for students who completed any 2-year Diploma or Trade Certificate in any occupation
From 1 July 2022, all international students completing any 2-year Diploma or Trade Certificate in any occupation in a VET college could apply for a 2-year Graduate Visa 485 under the Graduate Work Stream. This update was for all applicants, regardless of whether their occupation was listed on the MLTSSL or not.
What are the changes for the Graduate Visa 485 now?
From 1 July 2023, the concession just mentioned above will end. From then on, candidates applying will have to nominate a Skilled occupation on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and present a positive skills assessment to apply for the Graduate Visa 485 under the Graduate Work stream.
The course they graduate from in Australia should also be closely related to the nominated occupation, so not any course will do. Get in touch with us to plan your studies so you choose the right course for your case.
When it comes to Higher Education, graduates applying under the Post Study Work Rights Stream will also see changes, as the Australian government has announced a two-year extension of post-study work rights for international graduates with select degrees that are in areas of verified skill shortage, as follows:
- Four years for Bachelor degree graduates, up from two years previously.
- Five years for Master’s degree graduates, up from three years previously.
- Six years for PhD graduates, up from four years previously.
This extension comes on top of the additional one/two years of work rights announced in 2022 for applicants in regional areas.
Graduates will be eligible for the two-year extension if they hold a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) on 1 July 2023 or if they have lodged an application on or after 1 July 2023. Also, their qualification must be on the list of eligible qualifications, which was released by the Department of Education on 1 July 2023.
Please stay tuned for more changes and updates to the Graduate Visa 485 and contact us if you are an International Student finishing your course in Australia and thinking of applying for a 485 visa.
