Major Changes to Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Visa
Given the unprecedented nature of COVID-19, a legislative instrument F2020L01181 regarding concessions made to certain visa applicants and visa holders, including the subclass 485 visa, has been passed. The intention is to minimize the disruptions that may have caused visa holders and applicants due to circumstances beyond their control, including border closures, restrictions imposed on businesses and the general economic disruptions.
Under this legislative instrument, the concession applies from 01 February 2020 until further notice.
The legislative instrument introduced various changes. Particularly for applicants who are considering applying for a Subclass 485 Visa, the following changes are made:
Applicants could apply for a Subclass 485 visa while in or outside Australia
Applicants could apply for a Subclass 485 while outside Australia without the requirement to have held a student visa within the six-month period immediately before making the application
Applicants could apply for a Subclass 485 within 12 months of completing their Australian studies offshore if the applicants have been prevented from returning to Australia due to COVID-19 travel restrictions during all or part of the period commencing on 1 February 2020 and ending on 19 September 2020
Applicants who have applied for a Subclass 485 visa could be granted the visa when they are in or outside Australia even if the concession period has ended.
How Does the Subclass 485 Visa Changes Affect You?
If you are currently offshore and have graduated from your university recently, you may be eligible to apply for your subclass 485 visa regardless of your current location.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help You
If you have completed your studies in Australia but have been stuck outside Australia due to travel restriction, please contact us immediate. The changes to the subclass 485 visa requirements mean that you may be eligible to apply even if you are not in Australia. You can book one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-72002700 or email us to book in a time at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Korean, Burmese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Indonesian, and Malay. If these aren’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
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