News Update: Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) Extension

It's time to rejoice for all the temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) holders and international students residing in Australia! The Australian government has recently announced that it will be extending the 485 visa for two more years. This is certainly great news! 

What is a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

For international students who have recently graduated, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is an ideal way to stay in Australia for an extended period. This type of visa offers terrific advantages, such as the ability to study, work and enjoy life Down Under. Most importantly, points accumulated through this visa can be used toward applying for permanent visas down the track.

New Length of Stay for 485 Visa Holders

Immersion into Australia's employment landscape is now possible thanks to extended post-study work rights for international students and visa holders. With longer residence durations for holders of Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral qualifications, these individuals can gain practical experience that could pave their path to a successful career or permanent residency in Australia.

Here are the changes in the length of stay for 485 visa holders

Eligibility for Extended Post-study Work Rights

The extension of post-study work rights under the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) in Australia is an exciting opportunity for international students. To be eligible for this extension, certain criteria and conditions must be met. Here are the key points regarding eligibility:

Qualifying Degrees for the Extension:

• International students must have graduated from an Australian higher education provider.
• The degree must be listed in the CRICOS course list, which verifies courses offered by registered education providers in Australia.
• The extension of post-study work rights applies only to select degrees that are in areas of verified skill shortage, ensuring that graduates contribute to sectors where there is a demand for skilled professionals.

Conditions to Meet for Eligibility:

To be eligible for the extension of post-study work rights, applicants must fulfill the following conditions:

1. The applicant must meet one of the following conditions:

• Hold a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) on or before 1 July 2023.
• Have lodged an application for a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) by 1 July 2023.
• Lodge an application for a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) after 1 July 2023.

Those who are on a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) that ends prior to 1 July 2023 and have an eligible qualification may still submit an application for the extension.

However, in this case, instead of receiving a further Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), they will be granted a two-year Temporary Activity Australian Government Endorsed Events (COVID-19 Pandemic Event) visa (subclass 408).

These eligibility requirements ensure that the extension of post-study work rights benefits international students who have completed their studies in areas where there is a demand for skilled professionals. The Australian government aims to attract and retain talented graduates, contributing to the country's economic growth and fostering a globally competitive workforce.

Application Process for the Extension

Applying for the extension of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is a straightforward process, whether you are a new applicant or an existing visa holder. Here are the steps involved in the application process:

For New Applicants:

• Gather Required Documents: Before applying, ensure that you have all the necessary documents. These documents are referred to as 'time of application criteria' and must be provided at the time of lodging your application. The specific documents required may vary based on the stream you are applying for, such as the Post-Study Work stream or Graduate Work stream.
  • Prepare Essential Documents: Some common time of application criteria include:
    • Proof of application for police clearance
    • Valid PTE (Pearson Test of English) test result
    • Health insurance coverage
    • Proof of application for skills assessment (Graduate Work stream only)


• Lodge Your Application: To apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) extension, you can visit the official website, ImmiAccount, which is managed by the Australian government. Create an account, complete the application form, and submit the required documents online.


• Pay the Application Fee: As a new applicant, you will need to pay the application fee at the time of lodging your visa extension application. The fee amount may vary, so ensure you check the latest fee schedule provided by the Department of Home Affairs.

For Existing Visa Holders:

• Determine Eligibility: If you already hold a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) on or before 1 July 2023 and wish to apply for the extension, you must confirm your eligibility. Ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria, including the qualification requirements and relevant dates mentioned earlier.

• Lodge Your Extension Application: If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will need to lodge an application for the visa extension. The application process for existing visa holders is typically simpler and does not require an application fee.

Having a hard time navigating the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) process? AECC has you covered! Our team of expert counsellors offer free assistance on everything related to your abroad queries. From start to finish, we are here to guide and assist you.

FAQs

A Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is a visa option provided by the Australian government that allows international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia to live, work, and gain practical experience related to their field of study. It has two streams: the Post-Study Work stream and the Graduate Work stream.

2) What changes have been made to the 485 visa?

The recent changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) include an extension of the post-study work rights. The length of stay has been increased for different qualification levels:

• Bachelor degree holders now have a four-year stay period, up from two years.
• Master's degree holders have a five-year stay period, up from three years.
• Doctoral degree holders have a six-year stay period, up from four years.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

3) How do these changes affect the length of stay for the current 485 visa holders?

These changes positively impact the length of stay for current 485 visa holders. Depending on their qualification level, they can now enjoy an extended stay period in Australia. Also, enables them to immerse themselves in the Australian job market, gain valuable work experience, and potentially pave the way for a successful career or permanent residency in the country. 

• Graduated from an Australian higher education provider.
• Completed a degree listed on the CRICOS course list.
• Possess qualifications in areas of verified skill shortage.
• Meet the eligibility criteria for the Post-Study Work stream of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).
• Hold or have lodged an application for a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) before or after 1 July 2023.

The application process for the extension of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) varies for new applicants and existing visa holders:

• New Applicants: Gather the required documents, such as police clearance, PTE test results, health insurance proof, and skills assessment application (Graduate Work stream). Then, lodge the application and pay the required application fee through ImmiAccount, the official online application portal.
• Existing Visa Holders: Confirm eligibility and lodge the extension application. While the application process is generally simpler for existing visa holders, they may still be required to submit supporting documents. There is usually no application fee for existing visa holders applying for the extension.