Temporary Graduate SC485 Visa Extensions & Relaxation of Student Visa Work Limitations
Visa extensions for COVID-19 affected temporary graduate visa holders
On 18 February 2022, certain eligible Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders will have their visas extended or enlivened to 30 September 2022.
What does this mean for those eligible?
This interim measure allows eligible Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders who were affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions to enter, or remain in, Australia to live and work until they can apply for and be granted a replacement Temporary Graduate visa.
How to know if you are eligible?
To be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa extension:
- Visa holders must have held a Temporary Graduate visa on 15 December 2021
- The current visa expires before 30 September 2022
- The primary visa holder was in Australia at time of the visa grant
- The primary visa holder has been outside Australia for any period between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 (inclusive)
- The visa has not been cancelled since 15 December 2021
- The holder has not been granted a further substantive visa since 15 December 2021.
To be eligible for visa enlivening:
- Visa holders must have held a Temporary Graduate visa that visa expired between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 inclusive
- The primary visa holder was in Australia at time of grant
- The primary holder of the visa has been outside Australia for any period between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 inclusive
- The visa was not cancelled
- The visa holder has not been granted a further substantive visa.
Visa holders eligible for an extension will be notified directly by the Department or by their Immigration Lawyer or Migration Agent.
How much does it cost to apply and what do you need to do if you are eligible?
The visa extension is free and will occur automatically. You do not need to contact the Department.
The visa extension will include family members that were included in the original Temporary Graduate visa.
COVID-19 Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) replacement stream visa
Applications for the COVID-19 Temporary Graduate replacement stream visa open on 1 July 2022.
The Temporary Graduate replacement stream visa will give current and former visa holders impacted by COVID-19 travel restrictions the same length of stay as their original visa.
Rebate recently announced
On 19 January 2022, the Prime Minister announced that a $630 rebate will apply towards the visa application fee for international students arriving in to Australia from today and will continue over the next 8 weeks.
The rebate will be done through the Department of Home Affairs with further details being released over the coming days.
Temporary Relaxation of Work Restrictions for Student Visa Holders
On 19 January 2022, the Department has announced a temporary relaxation of the 40-hour per fortnight work rights condition for all international students. This also means that students can now work before their course commences and work more than 40 hours a fortnight in any sector.
This temporary relaxation will be reviewed again in April 2022.
Further Information
If you would like further information on the interim measures set to take effect on 18 February 2022, assistance applying for a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa or for further assistance with any other Australian migration matters, please contact our office.