The Australian government has announced the permanent closure of the Skilled – Recognised Graduate (Subclass 476) visa, effective from July 1, 2024. This decision is part of the broader Migration Strategy, as the visa is no longer considered aligned with the country's policy priorities.

About the Subclass 476 Visa

The Subclass 476 visa was a temporary visa that allowed recent engineering graduates from recognised institutions to live, work, and study in Australia for up to 18 months. It provided an opportunity for graduates in fields such as civil, structural, chemical, environmental, electrical, mechanical, and mining engineering to gain skilled work experience and enhance their career prospects in Australia.

Key Changes from July 1, 2024

1. No Further Visa Grants: From July 1, 2024, the Department of Home Affairs will no longer grant any Subclass 476 visas. This visa subclass will be permanently closed and abolished. 

2. Refund of Visa Application Charges: Applicants who have already applied for the Subclass 476 visa but have not had their visa granted by July 1, 2024, will receive an email from the Department informing them on how to request a refund of the Visa Application Charge (VAC). 

3. Visa Cap for 2023-2024: The Australian government had set a limit of 3,735 Subclass 476 visas for the 2023-2024 program year. Once this cap is reached, no further applications will be approved. 

Motivation for Closure

The decision to close the Skilled – Recognised Graduate (Subclass 476) visa is part of the Australian government's efforts to align its migration programs with current policy priorities. While the visa was initially designed to support the mining and minerals sector by attracting engineering graduates, the government has determined that there are alternative pathways available for internationally trained engineers to work in Australia. 

Alternative Visa Options

International engineering graduates seeking to work in Australia after July 1, 2024, will need to explore alternative visa options, such as employer-sponsored visas or state-nominated visas, if they meet the respective eligibility criteria. It is advisable to seek professional advice from One Planet Migration Lawyers to understand the available options and develop a tailored strategy for a successful visa application process. The closure of the Subclass 476 visa reflects the Australian government's ongoing efforts to review and refine its migration programs to meet the country's evolving needs and priorities. 

Prospective applicants are encouraged to join our newsletter to stay informed about any further updates or changes to the visa landscape to make informed decisions about their migration plans.

Note: The information provided in this article is meant for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Although we strive to provide accurate and useful information, the nuances of Australian immigration law demand personalised advice from legal professionals. Given the dynamic nature of migration regulations, it is essential to consult with experienced immigration experts for up-to-date insights tailored to your individual circumstances. We strongly advise seeking professional guidance to navigate the complexities of Australian immigration law effectively and to achieve the most favorable outcomes for your immigration journey.