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Major Changes to SC485 Temporary Graduate Visa,What You Need to Know

By 20 December 2024No Comments

The Australian Government has implemented significant changes to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) program, effective new changes  from 1st Feb 2025, as part of its Migration Strategy. These reforms aim to enhance the integrity of the international education system and ensure that migration pathways align with Australia’s economic and societal needs.

  • Stream Realignment

  • Age Limit

  • Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

  • Replacement Stream

Stream Realignment :

  • Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (formerly Graduate Work Stream) :

    • Designed for international students who have completed an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification.

    • Applicants must nominate an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and their qualification must be closely related to this occupation.

  • Post-Higher Education Work Stream (formerly Post-Study Work Stream):

    • Intended for graduates holding a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.

    • Stay periods are determined by the level of qualification:

      • Bachelor’s Degree (including honours) : Up to 2 years

      • Master’s Degree (coursework and extended) : Up to 2 years

      • Master’s Degree (research) and Doctoral Degree (PhD) : Up to 3 years

Age Limit :

The maximum eligible age for both streams has been reduced to 35 years at the time of application. Exceptions apply for holders of Hong Kong or British National Overseas passports and for those using a Master’s (research) or Doctoral Degree to meet the study requirement.

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream :

  • The maximum eligible age has been reduced to 35 years. Exceptions apply as mentioned above.

Replacement Stream :

  • This stream has been discontinued. However, family members can continue to apply to join primary visa holders in Australia as subsequent entrants.

Implications for International Students :

  • These changes are designed to streamline the visa process and ensure that international graduates possess skills that are in demand within the Australian labor market.

  • Prospective applicants should carefully assess their eligibility under the new criteria and plan their studies and career pathways accordingly.

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