Changes to the Temporary Graduate visa program (485 Visa)– from 1 July 2024

The Australian Government announced changes to the Temporary Graduate visa programs, effective from 1 July 2024.

Stream Realignment:

• The Graduate Work stream is now the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
• The Post-Study Work stream is now the Post-Higher Education Work stream.

Post-Vocational Education Work stream (former Graduate Work stream)

• For an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification, apply for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. The qualification must be related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
• For a degree level or higher qualification, apply for the Post-Higher Education Work stream.

Post-Higher Education Work stream (former Post-Study Work stream)

• Maximum eligible age reduced to 35 years.
• Applicants under 50 years are eligible if they hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport.
• Stay duration: Up to 18 months, or up to 5 years for Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders.

Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (former Second Post-Study Work stream)

• Maximum eligible age reduced to 35 years.
• Applicants under 50 years are eligible if they:
  • Hold a Masters (research) or Doctoral Degree (PhD), or
  • Have a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport.
• Stay durations:
  • 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 or British National Overseas passport holders: Up to 5 years

Stay Periods for Indian Nationals (Australia India – 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-Higher Education Work Stream:

• Maximum eligible age reduced to 35 years.
• Applicants under 50 years are eligible if they:
  • Used a Masters (research) or Doctoral Degree (PhD) for their Post-Higher Education Work or Post-Study Work stream visa, or
  • Hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport.

Applicants who are no longer eligible due to age reduction may explore other visa options.