Subclass 485 Visa: New Rules in Australia

Subclass 485 Visa: New Rules in Australia

This document outlines the latest updates regarding the Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 visa for international students in Australia. The information applies to both existing visa holders and eligible applicants preparing to apply.

Latest Updates on the 485 Visa

Extended Post-Study Work Rights

The Australian government has announced extended post-study work rights for international students who graduate with specific qualifications from Australian higher education providers. These additional two years of work rights apply to a broad range of occupations and eligible qualifications in areas experiencing skills shortages, such as health, teaching, engineering, and agriculture. This is particularly beneficial for students who have studied or plan to study in regional areas, as the existing additional year of post-study work rights has been retained.

Effective from 1 July 2023, eligible students will enjoy the following post-study work rights:

  • Four years for select Bachelor degrees (plus an additional year for those studying in regional areas)
  • Five years for select Master’s degrees (plus an additional year for those studying in regional areas)
  • Six years for all Doctoral degrees (plus an additional year for those studying in regional areas)

Eligible Occupations and Qualifications

All doctoral studies are automatically considered eligible for the extended work rights, irrespective of the field of study, and thus are not listed individually. A comprehensive list of eligible qualifications, mapped to CRICOS course codes, will be released by the Department of Education prior to the implementation date of 1 July 2023. Students should refer to this list to confirm the eligibility of their particular course at their educational provider.

Changes to Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) for Higher Education International Students

The Australian Government aims to strengthen the pipeline of skilled labor in Australia by increasing the duration of post-study work rights for international students. Changes to the Subclass 485 Post-Study Work visa rights include:

  • Increased from two years to four years for select Bachelor’s degrees.
  • Increased from three years to five years for select Master’s degrees.
  • Increased from four years to six years for select Doctoral degrees.

Additionally, Temporary Graduate visa holders who have faced travel restrictions due to COVID-19 will now have the opportunity to apply for a replacement visa. Typically, applicants are limited to one initial Subclass 485 visa in a lifetime, with additional visas available only based on regional work and study. Approximately 30,000 Temporary Graduate visa holders who lost time in Australia due to travel restrictions will be eligible to apply for another Subclass 485 visa. Fully vaccinated Temporary Graduate visa holders currently outside Australia can also travel to Australia.

Graduates whose visas have expired may apply for a replacement visa. The government will implement other changes to the Temporary Graduate visa settings to ensure Australia remains a competitive and attractive destination for international students.

Removal of Occupation Nomination and Skills Assessment Requirements

The requirement for applicants of the Temporary Graduate visa Graduate Work stream to nominate an occupation from the Skilled Occupation List and obtain a skills assessment has been removed for applications lodged between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023.

Disclaimer: Aussie Migration Services Pty Ltd and its associates are independent consulting entities and are not associated in any way with the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DOHA). The information provided on this website does not constitute personal migration advice. For customized migration advice based on your personal circumstances, please call and consult one of our Immigration Consultants or register your interest with our associates.