Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa on Post-Higher Education Work Stream Latest Updates
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to temporarily live and work in Australia. It has two main streams: Post-Vocational Education Work stream and Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW).
What are the Recent Updates About?
The recent amendments focus on refining the PHEW stream of the Temporary Graduate Visa to streamline academic requirements and enhance pathways for skilled graduates to contribute to Australia’s workforce.
What are the Key Updates to the Academic Requirements for the Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa?
Updated Academic Requirements:
Applicants must have completed a degree from an Australian educational institution within the last 6 months.
The degree must meet the following criteria:
Be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Involve at least 16 calendar months of study.
Cover a minimum of 2 academic years.
Be completed entirely in English.
Be undertaken while holding a valid student (Subclass 500) visa.
Revised Definition of “Degree”:
Graduate certificates are no longer accepted as eligible qualifications, ensuring that only higher academic standards are recognised.
Institutional and Degree Clarifications:
Educational institutions must now offer courses at the bachelor’s degree level or higher to meet the updated criteria.
Why Were These Changes Made?
These updates reflect the Australian Government’s commitment to maintaining high standards for skilled graduates while simplifying migration. The changes ensure that visa applicants meet rigorous academic benchmarks, aligning with Australia’s migration and economic objectives.
When do these Amendments apply?
The amendments commence on 14 December 2024. This means that any applications submitted after the changes take effect will need to comply with the new requirements.
How can Agape Henry Crux Help You?
Future applicants for the Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) should be aware of their eligibility to avoid visa refusals. Contact us to book a Migration Planning Session with one of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, immigration lawyers and registered migration agents for professional advice. You can arrange it 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.
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