Are you a recent graduate in Australia who is ready to join the labour force of this wonderful country? Well, this blog might be the most important of all. We do not want you to miss this. The Visa that you might be after is a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). For your knowledge, we must let you know that recently, on 1st July, a major change was announced by the Australian government. What is that? How does it affect you? What are the changes you should keep an eye on? All will be discussed here! Hold your seats. 

Alert! Update in the Subclass 485 Visa, Know all of it here.

What is a subclass 485 Visa?

A subclass 485 Visa, also known as the Temporary Graduate Visa, is an Australian visa that allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. 

From the previous 4 streams, there are now only 3. We would like to mention and you must note that The Replacement stream has ceased to exist. 

The current 3 streams are: 

  • Post-Vocational Education Work stream (former Graduate Work stream)
  • Post-Higher Education Work stream (former Post-Study Work stream)
  • Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (former Second Post-Study Work stream)

Major changes to note and mark as a graduate/graduating student

The name change of Visas

To not get you confused, let us start with the first change. It is the name of the Visa. Yes! The two of the streams have their names changed. 

  • The Graduate Work stream has been renamed to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
  • The Post-Study Work stream has been renamed to the Post-Higher Education Work stream.

Is it just the name? Or there is more to it? It is not just the name. There have been changes in criteria and much more. Keep Reading! 

Changes in the Post-Vocational Education Work stream (former Graduate Work stream)

The Post-Vocational Education Workstream has undergone some changes. Here are the key points:

  • The maximum eligible age for applicants is now 35 years or under at the time of application.
  • Applicants who are under 50 years of age can still be eligible if they hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport.
  • Those who are no longer eligible for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream due to the new age limit might still qualify for other visa options. It’s important to explore these alternatives.
  • Applicants can continue to stay in the country for up to 18 months under this stream.
  • Holders of Hong Kong or British National Overseas passports may be permitted to stay for up to 5 years.

Changes in Post-Higher Education Work stream (former Post-Study Work stream)

While it is quiet clear on the previous stream. This one has some specification. Do take a close look at it. 

  • The maximum eligible age for applicants has been reduced to 35 years or under at the time of application.
  • Applicants under 50 years old remain eligible if they:
  • Are using a Masters (research) or Doctoral Degree (PhD) to meet the Australian study requirement, or
  • Hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport.

Hold on, there are Additional Updates:

  • The ‘select degree’ 2-year extension is no longer available.
  • Family members can still apply to join primary visa holders in Australia as subsequent entrants.

Changes in Stay Periods:

  • Bachelor’s degree (including honours): Up to 2 years
  • Masters (only coursework and extended): Up to 2 years
  • Masters (Research) and doctoral degree (PhD): Up to 3 years
  • Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders: Up to 5 years

What’s In For Indians?

As an Indian student, you must be a bit relaxed. Why do we say so? Read below! 

Stay Periods for Indian Nationals (as per the Australia-India – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, AI-ECTA):

  • Bachelor degree (including honours): Up to 2 years
  • Bachelor degree which is associated with IT and STEM: Up to 3 years
  • Masters  (all three types) : Up to 3 years
  • Doctoral degrees (PhD): Up to 4 years

Change in Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (former Second Post-Study Work stream)

The changes come with reducing the maximum eligible age for Second Post-Higher Education Work stream applicants to 35 years of age or under at the time of application.

Applicants under 50 years of age are still eligible if they: 

  • Have used a Masters (research) or Doctoral Degree (PhD) to meet the requirements for the grant of their Post-Higher Education Work or Post-Study Work stream visa, or
  • Hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport.

Is it going to be difficult to aspire in Australia? 

No, not at all. However, you must understand why you wish to start your life in the beautiful country down under. The move is to respect the ideas of so many and ensure that the career and life they choose to have is a secure one.

These changes have been implemented from July 1, 2024 & will reopen applications that will be assessed under the requirements of the new Post-Vocational Education Work Visa (Subclass 485). Keep an eye on the updates and chase your dreams of making it big in the land of Oz!