Changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa Program: How Will This Affect New Applicants?
The Department of Home Affairs confirmed on 24 April 2024 that the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) changes announced in the Migration Strategy are expected to take effect from 1 July 2024.
Although the changes are subject to legislative amendments, it is important to consider how they may impact individuals currently onshore completing their studies on a Student (Subclass 500) visa.
Notable Changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa
The Temporary Graduate Visa has undergone several significant changes, including:
Graduate Work Stream
The Graduate Work Stream will be renamed the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream.
The maximum eligible age for applicants will be reduced to 35 years or under, except for those holding a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport, who will remain eligible until 50 years of age or under.
At the time of application, the required qualification for this stream must be a trade, diploma, or associate degree, and it must be closely related to the applicant’s nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
The stay period will remain up to 18 months, with Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders eligible to stay for up to 5 years.
Post-Study Work Stream
The Post-Study Work Stream will be renamed the ‘Post-Higher Education Stream’, and the maximum eligible age will be reduced to 35 years.
Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders will continue to be eligible provided they are under 50 years of age.
The ‘select degree’ 2-year extension will also end.
The stay periods will change as follows:
- Bachelors degree (including honours) – up to 2 years.
- Masters (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 may be able to stay for up to 5 years.
Second Post-Study Work Stream
The Second Post-Study Work Stream will be renamed the ‘Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream’.
Replacement Stream
The Replacement Stream will no longer be available for new applicants.
The Importance of the Graduate Visa
The Temporary Graduate Visa program has been instrumental in equipping Australia’s workforce with skilled migrants who have acquired Australian qualifications and provides them with much-needed time to obtain Australian work experience.
This subsequently allows recent graduates to meet the eligibility criteria for State Nomination and Employer Sponsored visas.
Alternative Visas
Reducing the age limit will impact thousands of international students over the age of 35 who are currently onshore completing their studies and will prevent them from obtaining Australian work experience.
International students who do not meet the new eligibility criteria for the Temporary Graduate Visa will need to consider alternative visa pathways, such as training visas or employer-sponsored visas.
Identifying the right visa pathway requires careful consideration of the applicant’s qualifications, skills, and work experience, as well as how they might contribute to the Australian economy.
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Related Blog – The New Australian Migration Strategy