Extension of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) Post Study Work Rights for Graduates commencing 1 July 2023

The Department of Home Affairs has released Legislative Instrument Migration Amendment (Extension of Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visa and Increase in Subclass 500 (Student) Visa Work Hours) Regulations 2023 – F2023L00821 which confirms that from the 1 July 2023, international higher education graduates with eligible qualifications will be granted an additional two years of post-study work rights.

The qualifications selected are across medicine, health care, engineering and information technology and will be reviewed on annually.

Post-study work rights for eligible graduates will be increased from:

• Two years to four years for eligible Bachelor degrees
• Three years to five years for eligible Masters degrees
• Four years to six years for all doctoral qualifications.

Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders are eligible for a 5-year Post-Study Work Subclass 485 visa.

From 1 July 2023, first Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) applicants will be granted a visa with an additional period of two years to the standard visa period.

Applicants of the Replacement stream, or the Post-Study Work stream on the basis of study and residence in regional Australia, will also be granted the additional two years, if it has not been provided on a previous Temporary Graduate visa.

It has also been confirmed that an additional Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Study Work stream will be available for eligible visa holders who have not previously been afforded the extended visa duration on a previous Temporary Graduate visa. There will be no government charge applicable to this stream.

Are you eligible?

You will be eligible for this extension if:

• you meet all the eligibility criteria for the Post-Study Work stream of the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), and
• your qualification is on the list of eligible qualifications mentioned above.

In addition, one of the following must also apply:

• You hold a current Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) on 1 July 2023, or
• You will have a pending application for a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) on 1 July 2023, or
• You will lodge an application for a Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) after 1 July 2023.

Further information and assistance

If you would like to discuss your circumstances in detail or require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact our office on 1300 083 843 or submit an online enquiry.