Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa: The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) program in Australia is set to undergo substantial modifications starting from July 1, 2024, as part of the government’s efforts to improve the incorporation of international students into the job market.
Temporary Graduate Visa:
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa provides a route for graduates freshly out of Australian educational institutions to extend their stay in the country for several years following their studies, enabling them to accrue practical work experience in their chosen fields.
Key Updates:
Changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa program encompass alterations to the Graduate Work Stream (now known as the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream) and the Post-study Work Stream.
Age Eligibility Requirement:
Effective July 1, 2024, candidates applying for the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream must be 35 or younger, underscoring the program’s emphasis on skill enhancement. Exceptions are granted to individuals holding Hong Kong or British National Overseas passports who must be under 50 years old.
Stream Simplification:
The framework now comprises two primary streams:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: Geared towards graduates holding associate degrees, diplomas, or trade qualifications that align with Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream: Specifically crafted for graduates with bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees (including both coursework and research), and doctoral degrees (PhDs).
Duration of Post-study Work Visa:
Under the Post-Higher Education Work Stream, extended work privileges are provided as follows:
- Graduates with a bachelor’s degree, including first-class honors in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), can stay for up to 3 years.
- PhD graduates, under the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), can extend their stay for up to 4 years.
- Graduates from other countries are eligible for a maximum stay of 2 years for bachelor’s and 3 years for doctoral degrees.
Application Timeline:
Australia encourages students who are sincerely dedicated to their studies and eager to contribute to the workforce. There is a focus on skill enhancement and attracting talented individuals to fulfil positions in high-demand sectors. Providing thorough documentation to verify genuine student status is essential.
Also Read: Turkish University Offers Scholarships for Pakistani Students
Student Visa Criteria:
Commencing May 10, 2024, Australia has introduced more stringent financial prerequisites for student visas. To fulfil the visa eligibility criteria, international students must exhibit a minimum savings balance of A$29,710. This represents the second enhancement in financial requirements within seven months, following a previous adjustment in October 2023.
How useful was this article?
Please rate this article
Average rating / 5. Vote count:
