Graduate 485 Visa Extension post 1 July 2023 and the current Qualification List announced
The Australian Government released the qualifications that would be taken into account for an extended post-study “stay and work” period. This new extension will apply from 1 July 2023.
In late 2022, it was stated that post-study work rights will be extended. On the basis of suggestions made to the government by a panel of business experts, the list of relevant degrees has now been made public.
WHAT IS GRADUATE 485 VISA EXTENSION ?
International students who graduate with degrees linked to labour shortages in Australia are eligible for extended post-study work rights.
Under the Temporary Graduate Work visa (subclass 485), the post-study ‘stay and work’ period for eligible graduates of listed qualifications will extend, as follows:
- Four years for Bachelor degree graduates, up from two years previously.
- Five years for Master degree graduates, up from three years previously.
- Six years for doctoral graduates, up from four years previously.
The extension is in addition to the existing additional one to two years of work rights for eligible students who study, live and work in regional areas.
ELIGIBILITY
You will be eligible for this extension if:
- you meet all the eligibility criteria for the Post-Study Work stream of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) and
- your qualification is on the list of eligible qualifications.
In addition, one of the following must also apply:
- You hold a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) on 1 July 2023, or
- You have lodged an application for a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) by 1 July 2023, or
- You lodge an application for a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) after 1 July 2023.
If you hold a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) that expires before 1 July 2023, but you do hold an eligible qualification, you can still apply for this extension.
However, in this case, you will be granted a two-year Temporary Activity Australian Government Endorsed Events (COVID-19 Pandemic Event) visa (subclass 408) instead of a further Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
You are also eligible for a two-year Temporary Activity Australian Government Endorsed Events (COVID-19 Pandemic event) visa (subclass 408) if:
- You were granted a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) before 15 December 2021, and
- The visa took effect on or after 1 February 2020, and
- You were in Australia for the whole time that your visa was in effect between 1 February 2020 and 15 December 2021, and
- You hold an eligible qualification.
HOW TO APPLY
If you meet the eligibility criteria, have completed a qualification from the approved list, and hold a valid Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) on 1 July 2023 – or apply for a Temporary Graduate visa before or after 1 July 2023 – your visa will be automatically extended by two years.
If your Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) expires before 1 July 2023 or you are eligible for the two-year Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government Endorsed Events visa (COVID-19 Pandemic event) as above, you will need to apply for the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa with the Department of Home Affairs.
ELIGIBLE QUALIFICATION LIST
To view the list of identified occupations from the Skills Priority List, visit:
- Department of Education website, or
- Migration (Specified Qualifications Applicable for Extension of Subclass 485 Visa) Instrument (LIN 23/048) 2023 (legislation.gov.au)
SOURCES
