35 year age limit for 485 Visa
As part of the Migration Strategy, significant updates to the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa program will come into effect on 1 July 2024.
The Department of Home Affairs has outlined these changes, which include revisions to the age limits and eligibility criteria for various streams within the visa program.
Graduate Work Stream – Now Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
The Graduate Work stream will be renamed the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. Key changes to this stream include:
- Age Limit- The maximum eligible age for applicants will be reduced to 35 years or under.
- Eligibility for Hong Kong and British National Overseas Passport Holders- These applicants will continue to be eligible provided they are under 50 years of age.
- Qualification Requirements- Applicants must hold an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification closely related to their nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Exclusion of Higher Qualifications- Those with a degree level qualification or higher (Bachelor, Master, PhD, etc.) will no longer be eligible for this stream and must apply through the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
- Stay Period- The stay period remains up to 18 months, with an extension up to 5 years for Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders.
Post-Study Work Stream – Now Post-Higher Education Work Stream
The Post-Study Work stream will be renamed the Post-Higher Education Work stream. Significant changes include:
- Age Limit- The maximum eligible age will be reduced to 35 years or under.
- Eligibility for Hong Kong and British National Overseas Passport Holders- These applicants will continue to be eligible provided they are under 50 years of age.
- Stay Period Adjustments:
- Bachelor’s 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 be able to stay for up to 5 years.
Special Provisions for Indian Nationals
As part of the Australian Indian – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), stay periods for Indian nationals will be as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree (including honours)- Up to 2 years
- Bachelor’s 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 to Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream will be renamed, but no other changes are expected.
Cessation of the Replacement Stream
The Replacement stream, introduced for those unable to stay in Australia for the full period of their previous visa due to COVID restrictions from 1 February 2020 to 14 December 2021, will cease to exist.
How Ultimate Migration Can Assist You
Navigating the complex landscape of visa applications can be challenging, especially with the upcoming changes to the Temporary Graduate visa program.
At Ultimate Migration, immigration agent Perth, we offer comprehensive services to help you successfully apply for and obtain your visa:
- Personalized Consultation
- Our experienced team provides one-on-one consultations to understand your unique situation and determine the best visa stream for you. We ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and prepare your application accordingly.
- Application Preparation
- We guide you through the entire application process, from gathering the necessary documents to filling out forms accurately. Our experts ensure that your application is complete and meets the latest requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Stay Period Maximization
- For applicants from Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders, we help you understand and leverage the extended stay periods. Similarly, for Indian nationals, we assist in making the most of the special provisions under the AI-ECTA agreement.
- Streamlined Process
- With the cessation of the Replacement stream and the introduction of new age limits and qualification requirements, our team stays updated on all changes to provide you with the most current advice and streamline your visa process.
- Ongoing Support
- From initial consultation to final visa grant, Ultimate Migration offers ongoing support and advice, ensuring that you are well-prepared for each step of your migration journey.
Conclusion
These changes reflect the evolving needs of Australia’s migration strategy, focusing on aligning visa programs with current economic and educational priorities.
The adjustments are designed to streamline pathways for skilled graduates and ensure that Australia continues to attract and retain top talent from around the world.
Individuals impacted by these changes should review the new requirements and adjust their application strategies accordingly to ensure compliance with the updated regulations.
