The Australian Government is offering a range of new visa supports to international students and graduates. For eligible Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) holders, these changes include visa extensions, replacement visas and extended ‘stay and work’ periods. The graduate visa provisions are in addition to new visa conditions offered to international student visa (subclass 500) holders.

Visa extensions for eligible Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders

From 18 February 2022, Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders who are eligible for a replacement Temporary Graduate visa because they lost time in Australia as a result of COVID-19 international travel restrictions, will have their visa extended to 30 September 2022. Eligible visa holders will be notified directly by the Department of Home Affairs.

The new measure allows eligible graduates who held a valid Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) and were outside of Australia at any time between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 to enter or remain in Australia, to live and work until they can apply for, and be granted, a replacement Temporary Graduate visa.

Replacement Temporary Graduate visas

Current and former Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders who lost time in Australia due to COVID-19 international travel restrictions will be able to apply for a replacement Temporary Graduate visa. This includes people who were outside of Australia at any time between 1 February 2020 and 1 December 2021 while they held a Temporary Graduate visa.

Applications for the replacement Temporary Graduate visa will be open from 1 July 2022. The replacement visa will provide current and former subclass 485 visa holders impacted by international border restrictions with the same length of stay as their original Temporary Graduate visa, regardless of how long was spent in Australia on the original visa.

Extended ‘stay and work’ periods for Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders

The length of stay for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) holders has been extended from two (2) to three (3) years for masters by coursework graduates, matching the existing provisions for masters by research graduates. Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector graduates will also receive a two (2) year Temporary Graduate visa.

For more information on recent visa policy changes please speak to our migration team either via email at info@australasiaeduconnect.com.au or contact our office via phone +61423064265.

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For more information visit https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/temporary-graduate-visas