Changes to Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) | Migration Strategy

The Australian Government has announced significant changes to the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa program as part of its Migration Strategy, effective 1 July 2024. The changes include the re-alignment of visa streams based on levels of study and adjustments to eligibility criteria. 

What Are the Key Changes in Re-aligning Subclass 485 Visa Streams?

1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (formerly Graduate Work Stream) 

2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream (formerly Post-Study Work Stream) 

3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (formerly Second Post-Study Work Stream) 

4. Replacement Stream (now ceased) 
    

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream 

• Age Limit: The maximum eligible age is now 35 years or under at the time of application. 

• Continued Eligibility: Applicants under 50 years old holding a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport remain eligible. 

• Duration: Visa holders can stay for up to 18 months. Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders may stay for up to 5 years. 

• Eligibility Requirements: Must have qualifications closely related to a nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

• Age Limit: The maximum eligible age is now 35 years or under at the time of application. 

• Continued Eligibility: Applicants under 50 years old who have a Master's (Research) or Doctoral Degree (PhD) to meet study requirements or hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport remain eligible. 

• Stay Periods: 

  • Bachelor's 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 – up to 5 years. 

• Indian Nationals: As per the Australia-India – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA): 

  • Bachelor's degree (including honours) – up to 2 years 

  • Bachelor's degree (with first-class honours in STEM) – up to 3 years 

  • Masters (coursework extended and research) – up to 3 years 

  • Doctoral degrees (PhD) – up to 4 years 

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream 

• Age Limit: Maximum eligible age is now 35 years or under at the time of application. 

• Continued Eligibility: Similar conditions as the Post-Higher Education Work Stream for those using a Masters (research) or Doctoral Degree, or holding a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport. 

• Alternative Visa Options: Applicants no longer eligible due to age limitation may explore other visa options. 

Replacement Stream 

• Ceased: The Replacement stream has been discontinued. However, family members can still apply to join primary visa holders in Australia as subsequent entrants. 

How can Agape Henry Crux Help You?   

It is important for future Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) applicants to understand their eligibility and options moving forward, to avoid visa refusals. Contact us if you have any questions regarding your visa pathway. You can book a Migration Planning Session with one of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, immigration lawyers and registered migration agents to seek professional advice by calling 02 8310 5230 or emailing us to book a time at info@ahclawyers.com.  

We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Malay. If these aren’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.   

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.