The Australian government has announced significant reforms to the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa program, set to take effect from July 1, 2024, subject to the passage of legislative amendments. These changes aim to align the visa pathways with the country's skilled migration needs and address concerns about international graduates struggling to transition into the Australian labour market. 

Here's an overview of the changes, highlighting the key differences before and after the reforms.

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

Before July 1, 2024

• Open to international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications related to occupations in demand.

• Maximum eligible age: 50 years.

• Visa duration: Up to 18 months.

After July 1, 2024

• Renamed to the "Post-Vocational Education Work Stream."

• Age Limit Reduced: Maximum eligible age will be 35 years, except for Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders, who will continue to be eligible until the age of 50. 

• Qualification Requirements: Applicants must hold an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Those with a degree-level qualification or higher will no longer be eligible for this stream. 

• Visa Duration: Eligible applicants will be granted a visa for up to 18 months, while Hong Kong and BNO passport holders will be eligible for up to 5 years. 

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

Before July 1, 2024

• Open to international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution.

• Visa duration: Up to 4 years, depending on the qualification level.

• Select degrees were eligible for an additional 2-year extension.

After July 1, 2024

• Renamed to the "Post-Higher Education Work Stream."

• Age Limit Reduced: Maximum eligible age will be 35 years, except for Hong Kong and BNO passport holders, who will continue to be eligible until the age of 50. 

• End of Select Degree Extension: The two-year extension for select degrees will cease. 

• Visa Duration Based on Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (including Honors): Up to 2 years.

• Master's (coursework and extended): Up to 2 years.

• Master's (research) and doctoral degrees (PhD): Up to 3 years

• Hong Kong and BNO passport holders: Up to 5 years

• Indian Nationals: Stay periods for Indian nationals will remain unchanged, as agreed in the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA). 

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

Before July 1, 2024

• Open to Temporary Graduate Visa holders (Post-Study Work stream) who graduated with a degree from an Australian institution located in a regional area.

• Visa duration: 1-2 years, depending on the regional location of the institution and the applicant's place of residence.

After July 1, 2024

• Renamed to the "Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream."

• No other changes have been announced for this stream. 

Replacement Stream

Before July 1, 2024

• Introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist international students impacted by travel restrictions.

• Visa duration: 18 months to 5 years, depending on the applicant's previous visa and circumstances.

After July 1, 2024

• The Replacement stream will cease and no longer be available from July 1, 2024. 

These reforms to the Temporary Graduate visa program are part of the Australian government's broader migration strategy, aimed at strengthening the integrity and quality of international education while addressing skill shortages in the country. 

The changes seek to provide clearer pathways to permanent residency for international graduates with in-demand skills while limiting the stay of those without relevant qualifications or job prospects.

It is fundamental for current and prospective international students and graduates to understand the new eligibility criteria and plan accordingly. Those above the new age limits or without the required qualifications should explore alternative visa options that align with their situation and goals. 

Seeking professional advice from One Planet Migration Lawyers will help navigate these changes smoothly and develop tailored strategies for a successful visa application process.

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.