On 21 February 2023, the Australian Government announced important changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). These changes are designed to support the rebuilding of the international education sector and to address skills shortages in key industries.
One of the most significant changes is the extension of the Post Study Work Rights for Higher Education Students. From 1 July 2023, the duration of stay for some Temporary Graduate visas (subclass 485) will increase.
Graduates with a Bachelor, Honours, or Masters degree will be eligible for a visa with a further two-year validity if their qualification is listed on the Department of Education’s ‘Eligible Qualifications List (EQL)’. Additionally, all doctoral graduates will be eligible for a further two-year validity. More details on eligibility and how to apply for the extended Temporary Graduate Visa will be provided closer to 1 July 2023.
In addition to the above, transitional arrangements are also in place to support other graduates. Temporary Graduate visa holders whose visas expired or will expire between 1 September 2022 and 1 July 2023, or those who were in Australia throughout the pandemic period and are therefore not eligible for the TGV Replacement stream, may be eligible for the COVID-19 Pandemic Event (subclass 408) visa with a two-year stay period. To be eligible for this visa, you must be working in Australia or have an offer of employment. You must apply 90 days before your TGV expires or 28 days after your TGV expires.
Furthermore, the Australian government has removed the occupation nomination and skills assessment requirements for Temporary Graduate visa Graduate Work stream applicants. This applies to applications lodged between 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.
Finally, the Australian government is streamlining requirements for temporary visa applicants in Australia. The government is updating its systems to reflect this new policy, and ImmiAccount will be updated soon. If you are a temporary visa applicant, check if you still need to undertake a medical examination and chest x-ray.
These changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) and the transitional arrangements in place aim to support international students and graduates to continue to contribute to the Australian economy and society. It is important to stay up to date on any changes and consult with a migration agent or immigration lawyer for further guidance on your visa options.
Source 1: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485
Source 2: https://www.education.gov.au/extended-poststudy-work-rights-international-graduates