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The Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa is vital for graduates seeking to stay, work, and gain valuable experience in Australia.
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Importance of the Subclass 485 Visa
- Gain valuable work experience
- Enhance career prospects
- Transition to permanent residency

Australia remains a top choice for international students due to its quality education and vibrant lifestyle. However, recent updates effective from July 1, 2024, bring significant changes to this visa program. This guide will help you understand these changes and their impact on international students and graduates.

Summary of Changes to Subclass 485 Visa Program (Effective July 1, 2024)

Stream-Specific Changes:

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

  • Eligibility: International students with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification.
  • Maximum Age: 35 years (50 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders).
  • Stay Duration: Up to 18 months (5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders).

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

  • Eligibility: Graduates with degree-level qualifications or higher.
  • Maximum Age: 35 years (50 years for Masters by Research, Doctoral degree graduates, Hong Kong, and British National Overseas passport holders).
  • Stay Duration:
    • Bachelor 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 AI-ECTA agreement):
    • Bachelor degree (including honours): Up to 2 years.
    • Bachelor degree (with first class honours in STEM, including ICT): 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

  • No changes apart from renaming.
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Changes to Visa Streams

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Renamed Visa Streams The Subclass 485 visa now includes three streams:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (formerly Graduate Work stream)
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream (formerly Post-Study Work stream)
- Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (formerly Second Post-Study Work stream)
Old Stream NameNew Stream Name
Graduate Work StreamPost-Vocational Education Work Stream
Post-Study Work StreamPost-Higher Education Work Stream
Second Post-Study Work StreamSecond Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Replacement StreamRemoved

Changes to Eligibility Criteria

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General Changes:
- Maximum Age: Reduced to 35 years for most applicants. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can still apply if under 50 years old.
- Qualification Requirement: Must be closely related to the nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Stream NameOld CriteriaNew Criteria
Post-Vocational Education Work StreamBe less than 50 years old at application timeMaximum eligible age: 35 years. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders: Under 50 years. Qualification must align with MLTSSL.
Post-Higher Education Work StreamBe less than 50 years old at application timeMaximum eligible age: 35 years. Masters (research) and Doctoral degree graduates, Hong Kong, and British National Overseas passport holders: Under 50 years. Removal of the restriction for applicants whose first student visa was granted after November 5, 2011.

Summary of New Stay Periods

Stream NameOld Stay PeriodNew Stay Period
Post-Vocational Education Work StreamUp to 18 monthsUp to 18 months. Up to 5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders.
Post-Higher Education Work StreamVariableBachelor 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. Up to 5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders. Stay Periods for Indian Nationals Bachelor degree (including honours): Up to 2 years. Bachelor degree (with first class honours in STEM, including ICT): Up to 3 years. Masters (coursework, extended, and research): Up to 3 years. Doctoral degrees (PhD): Up to 4 years.

The Application Process

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Practical Advice:
- Gather Necessary Documents: Prepare proof of qualifications, English language test results, and health insurance coverage in advance.
- Understand Your Eligibility: Verify which stream you qualify for based on your educational qualifications and nominated occupation.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with an immigration lawyer or a registered migration agent for personalized advice and assistance.

Case Studies

Ana's Journey (Indonesian Student):

  • Profile: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology
  • Stream: Post-Higher Education Work Stream
  • Outcome: Secured a job with a leading tech company in Sydney

John's Experience (The Filipino Student):

  • Profile: Trade qualification in automotive engineering
  • Stream: Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
  • Outcome: Found employment in Melbourne

Conclusion

The updates to the Subclass 485 visa program simplify the process and align it with current educational and occupational standards. Understanding these changes is crucial for international students to leverage the visa for career growth and potential permanent residency. Stay informed about these updates and plan your application process accordingly.

For more information and updates, visit Istudentplus and join our community of international students and graduates thriving in Australia.

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