Key Points
- Tertiary graduates with eligible degrees will receive an additional two years to the standard visa period at no extra cost as of July 1, 2023.
- Graduates of 3,264 courses will now be eligible for the 485 visa extension program.
- Those who plan to pursue these courses in the future will also benefit from the extended visa stay.
issued by the Department of Home Affairs, confirms that international higher education graduates with eligible qualifications will be granted an additional two years of work rights after graduation beginning July 1, 2023.
Temporary Graduate visa holders (subclass 485) who are holding visa in post study stream as of 1 July 2023 or students who will be lodging visas under the post study stream on and after 1 July 2023 and who are 'eligible graduates' can apply this visa.
Speaking to SBS Punjabi, Sydney-based migration consultant, Prabhjot Kaur, says 3,264 courses were released on 30 June, 2023, on the eligible qualification list.
"The primary qualifications are across health care, medicine, engineering and information technology and will be reviewed annually. With an expanded range of eligible courses, more individuals can pursue their career aspirations while enjoying an extended stay in Australia," she says.
"This extension is for the 'eligible graduates' whose CRICOS Code and qualifications are there on the list published by the Department of Home Affairs."
Sydney-based migration consultant, Prabhjot Kaur.
Graduates in the selected master's degree courses will enjoy a longer visa stay of five years, as opposed to the previous three years, and the extension for individuals with doctoral degrees will be from four to six years.
"To be eligible for this, applicants must meet the relevant criteria. If approved, the visa will grant an additional two years of stay in Australia, starting from the original expiration date of the applicant's current visa at no extra cost," says Ms Kaur.
How to apply for the extension?
Ms Kaur says applicants who studied an eligible qualification in the post-study work stream will need to make a new application.
"There are no automatic extensions going to happen, you need to apply to get the additional two (or more) years," she says.
"Right now, there is no visa fee, no English language test, or police check requirements."
Nirlep Singh, a temporary graduate from Melbourne, says that his course is listed in the legislative instrument. Still, the online portal is warning him about his eligibility, regardless of being eligible according to the criteria given.
"Even though my degree and (tertiary) institute are on the list, I have received an error message warning me that I may not be eligible," he tells SBS Punjabi.
Many applicants are receiving this warning while applying. Credit: Supplied.
"It's a casual warning to confirm and review the eligibility criteria. It says 'you may not be eligible' but lets you continue the application," Ms Kaur says.
When announcing this decision, previously, Minister for Education, Jason Clare, stated that he would like to see more international students stay in Australia after graduation rather than just studying in Australia and working in retail or hospitality.
Earlier in April, in a significant shake-up to repair the Australian immigration system, the Albanese Government released to protect the interests of skilled migrants, international students and families.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. For specific visa advice, people are urged to check with the
Tune into this interview with Prabhjot Kaur in Punjabi to know more details:
LISTEN TO
This interview in Punjabi on subclass 485 visa extensions.
09:58
