The Australian Government has introduced significant changes to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) that will take effect from July 1, 2024. These modifications aim to enhance opportunities for international graduates and support regional areas. This blog post provides an overview of these changes and their implications for students.

Graduate Work Stream (Renamed to Post-Vocational Education Work Stream)

Age Limit: Reduced to 35 years (Hong Kong and BNO passport holders exempt, up to 50 years).Qualification: Applicants must have an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification aligned with the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Visa Duration: 18 months (5 years for Hong Kong/BNO passport holders).

Key Points:

  • The new stream targets graduates from vocational education and training (VET) institutions.
  • The qualification must be closely related to an occupation on the MLTSSL, ensuring alignment with Australia’s skills needs.

Post-Study Work Stream (Renamed to Post-Higher Education Work Stream)

Age Limit: Reduced to 35 years, with certain exemptions.

Qualification & Visa Duration:

  • Bachelor’s degree: 2 years.
  • Master’s degree (coursework and extended): 2 years.
  • Master’s degree (research) and Doctoral (PhD): 3 years.
  • Indian nationals: Extended visa periods for specific qualifications under the Australian Indian Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA).

Key Points:

  • Designed for international students who have completed a higher education degree in Australia.
  • Encourages highly skilled graduates to remain and contribute to the Australian economy.

How can MultiPath Expert assist?

At MultiPath Expert, we are dedicated to helping international students navigate these changes effectively. Our comprehensive services include:

  • Personalized Counseling: Providing tailored advice based on individual circumstances.
  • Application Assistance: Guiding students through the visa application process to ensure compliance with the new requirements.
  • Regional Insights: Offering detailed information about studying and living in regional areas to help students make informed decisions.

We strive to help our clients maximize their educational and career opportunities in Australia.

For more detailed information, visit the Department of Home Affairs website