The Australian Government has unveiled changes to the Temporary Graduate visa programs as part of its recent Migration Strategy, with implementation slated for 1st July 2024, pending legislative approval. Here’s an overview of the forthcoming amendments:
Graduate Work Stream Renamed
- The Graduate Work stream will be rebranded as the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
- Eligibility age limit for this stream will decrease to 35 years or younger, except for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders under 50 years.
- Applicants with associate degrees, diplomas, or trade qualifications closely linked to occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) will qualify.
- Degree holders will transition to the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Post-Study Work Stream Changes
- Renamed the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
- Age limit reduced to 35 years or younger, with exceptions for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders under 50 years.
- – ‘Select degree’ 2-year extension will be discontinued.
- Stay periods revised:
- 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 may stay for up to 5 years.
- Stay periods for Indian nationals under the Australian Indian – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA):
- 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-Study Work Stream
Renamed the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream with no changes.
ImplementatioReplacement Stream Ceases
These revisions aim to streamline and enhance the Temporary Graduate visa programs. Applicants affected by age restrictions are encouraged to explore alternative visa pathways.
This news update provides essential information on the upcoming changes to Australian Temporary Graduate visa programs, helping prospective applicants understand the modifications and their implications.
Source
Department of Home Affairs, Australia
