485 Replacement Visa Eligibility
Important Update: The 485 Replacement Visa stream closed for new applicants as of 1 July 2024.
The Department of Home Affairs introduced the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Replacement stream in July 2022 to assist Temporary Graduate visa holders impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and international movement restrictions.
The 485 Replacement stream allowed eligible visa holders to obtain another Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) for the same duration as their original visa, provided they were unable to stay in Australia for the full period of their previous visa due to the COVID-19 restrictions that were in force from 1 February 2020 to 14 December 2021.
485 Replacement Visa Requirements
To satisfy the eligibility requirements for the Subclass 485 Replacement Stream Visa, applicants had to either:
- hold a Temporary Graduate visa as the main holder; or
- have held a Temporary Graduate visa as the main holder and currently hold:
- another substantive visa; or
- Bridging visa A; or
- Bridging visa B.
An applicant may have been eligible to apply as the main holder if:
- The applicant held a Graduate Work stream or first Post Study Work stream Temporary Graduate visa that was granted before 15 December 2021 and in effect on or after 1 February 2020.
- The applicant lost time on their visa because of Australia’s COVID-19 travel restrictions. This means:
- if you were in Australia when your original Temporary Graduate visa was granted, you were outside of Australia while holding this visa between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021; or
- if you were outside Australia when your original Temporary Graduate visa was granted, you entered Australia on that visa and departed Australia on that visa before 15 December 2021.
- The applicant had not had their Temporary Graduate visa or any visa cancelled unless it was cancelled because the visa holder asked it to be, or the decision to cancel the visa was set aside by the Tribunal.
When Could I Apply for the 485 Replacement Stream?
If eligible, an applicant could apply for the Subclass 485 Replacement Stream before 1 January 2027.
There was no English requirement for the replacement stream; however, applicants had to meet the health and character requirements.
Can family members apply?
Secondary visa holders who were granted a Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 visa as a member of the family unit of the primary visa holder were also eligible for the replacement stream if the primary visa holder met the eligibility criteria.
Important Update
Please note that the 485 Replacement Visa stream closed for new applicants as of 1 July 2024.
If you have any questions or need assistance with other visa options, please contact our team for a consultation.
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Related Blog – New Changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa Program: How Will This Affect New Applicants?