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On February 21st, the Australian Department of Education and the Department of Immigration released the latest news, announcing measures to assist Australian businesses in post-pandemic recovery and revive the Australian education industry. They stated that the 485 Graduate Visa can now be extended for an additional two years, allowing undergraduate graduates to stay for up to four years, master's graduates for up to five years, and PhD graduates for up to six years. This is undoubtedly great news for graduates who aspire to work and immigrate to Australia. Let's dive into the details and interpret the information together!
01
Policy Analysis
This policy specifically targets the Post-Study Work Stream (PSW), which includes undergraduate, master's, and doctoral graduates. Students with certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas are not included in this scope.
Starting from July 1, 2023, eligible graduates can apply for a 4-6 year 485 work visa:
After undergraduate graduation: 4 years (previously 2 years)
After master's graduation: 5 years (previously 3 years)
After doctoral graduation: 6 years (previously 4 years)
Additionally, international students holding student visas will have their working hours limit increased from 40 hours every two weeks to 48 hours.
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02
Selected Courses
This policy targets specific fields of study, which primarily include:
Healthcare and Nursing
Education
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Engineering
Agriculture
Architecture-related disciplines
It is evident that many of these fields are also popular choices for immigration purposes. Therefore, students are advised to consider selecting their majors and universities within these areas if they intend to take advantage of the extended visa opportunities. -
02
Selected Courses
This policy targets specific fields of study, which primarily include:
Healthcare and Nursing
Education
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Engineering
Agriculture
Architecture-related disciplines
It is evident that many of these fields are also popular choices for immigration purposes. Therefore, students are advised to consider selecting their majors and universities within these areas if they intend to take advantage of the extended visa opportunities. -
02
Selected Courses
This policy targets specific fields of study, which primarily include:
Healthcare and Nursing
Education
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Engineering
Agriculture
Architecture-related disciplines
It is evident that many of these fields are also popular choices for immigration purposes. Therefore, students are advised to consider selecting their majors and universities within these areas if they intend to take advantage of the extended visa opportunities.
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03
Q&A
- What should I do if I already hold a 485 Graduate Visa and my occupation is on the above-mentioned list?
If you already hold a 485 Graduate Visa and your visa expiration date is after July 1, 2023, you have the opportunity to apply for an additional two-year extension.
- What if my 485 visa expires before July 1, 2023?
If your occupation is on the list and your visa expires between September 1, 2022, and July 1, 2023, you may have the opportunity to apply for a two-year 408 COVID-19 Pandemic Visa.
- Will graduates from remote areas also receive visa extensions?
Graduates from regional or remote areas can obtain an additional 1-2 years of visa extension. They can apply through the Second Post-Study Work stream.
Please note that it is important to consult with the Australian Department of Home Affairs or a qualified immigration professional for the most accurate and up-to-date information based on your specific situation.
