Validity Extension for Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa and Increase in Work Hours for Student (Subclass 500) Visa
The Minister for Home Affairs, Clare O’Neil announced the Migration Amendment on 19 June 2023 for (Extension of Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visa and Increase in Subclass 500 (Student) Visa Work Hours) Regulations 2023 which will be effective by 1 July 2023.
Changes For Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) Visa
From 1 July 2023 onwards, the stay in Australia for a Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa (TGV) holders with 'select degrees'. The ‘select degrees’ will be reviewed on an annual basis:
Medicine
Health Care
Engineering
Information Technology (IT)
For the TGV (Subclass 485) applications lodged from 1 July 2023, an extension of two years will be added to the standard visa period.
| Temporary Graduate (sc485) Holders | Current Period (Before 1 July 2023) | Extension Period (After 1 July 2023) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Bachelor degrees | 2 years | 4 years | |
| Selected Masters degrees | 3 years | 5 years | |
| Alll Doctoral degrees | 4 years | 6 years | |
From 1 July 2023, eligible applicants for a TGV Subclass 485 visa in the Replacement stream or TGV (sc 485) in the Post-Study Work stream, based on regional study and residence, will automatically receive an additional two-year extension if they haven't previously been granted an extended visa duration on a TGV.
Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders are the exceptions with a Post-Study Work visa validity of five years.
Changes For Student (subclass 500) Visa
Students who hold a Student (Subclass 500) visa will be allowed to increase their work hours from 40 hours to 48 hours per fortnight from 1 July 2023 onwards.
Student visa holders who were already employed in the aged care sector as of 9 May 2023 are allowed to maintain unrestricted working hours in the aged care sector until 31 December 2023.
How Do These Changes Benefit You?
Applicants who completed the selected degree will have the opportunity for a total of 4 years on a Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa so that they can have the opportunity to gain work experience in Australia and meet work requirements for their next PR pathway.
International students will be allowed to work for an additional eight (8) hours per fortnight to also gain work experience or even just to earn some extra pocket money.
What is the Next step?
If you are soon eligible to apply for a TGV (sc 485) or currently holding a Student (sc 500) visa after 1 July 2023. We encourage you to apply to take advantage of this new change to stay in Australia and gain work experience as it may be beneficial for your migration journey towards permanent residency (PR).
How Can Agape Henry Crux Assist?
Contact us if you require any assistance in relation to any future PR migration pathway planning.
At Agape Henry Crux, Our Accredited Specialist(s) in Immigration Law with our team of Immigration lawyers and migration agents are well-trained to handle highly complex matters. You can schedule a time with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-83105230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, and Malay. If this is not your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
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