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485 Visa Update 2024 – Latest Updates Available

Updated

485 Visa Update Takes Place in July 2024

The Australian Government officially announced changes to the 485 Visa age requirements and validity period on 1 July 2024. These updates align with the Migration Strategy, in which the 485 Visa age requirements will be 35 years old, and the validity period for the 485 Visa Post-study work stream will also decrease. The Government will also close the Replacement stream on 1 July 2024. These changes mean that if you are over 35 years old, you may no longer be eligible for the 485 Visa, and you will need to explore other visa options.

There is much to process here, but rest assured—ONEderland Consulting, with our extensive knowledge and experience, has summarised it below for your convenience.

485 Visa Update December 2024

Important updates on 485 Visa were announced on 16 December 2024, particularly for the Post-Higher Education Work stream. The most recent updates on 485 Visa are:

1. You must have earned a degree from an Australian university within the last six months. The degree needs to:

    • Be CRICOS-registered.
    • Entail a minimum of 16 calendar months of study.
    • At least two academic years should be covered.
    • Be finished only in English.
    • Be carried out while in possession of an active student visa

2. Graduate certificates are no longer considered suitable qualifications, ensuring they align with higher academic expectations.

3. To meet the new criteria, educational institutions must now offer courses at or above the bachelor’s degree level.

485 Visa Update June 2024

On 12 June 2024, the Department of Home Affairs announced a significant update for 485 visa holders. Starting 1 July 2024, 485 visa and Visitor Visa holders will no longer be able to apply for a Student Visa (subclass 500) in Australia. This means that if you are currently on a 485 visa and wish to continue your studies, you are expected to apply for a new visa from outside Australia. The update underscores the importance of your skills and qualifications, as well as the need to secure a skilled job or consider returning to your home country.

We have seen many international graduates, maybe you, have to hop back to Student Visa (subclass 500) for various reasons, including to obtain an additional degree to strengthen your background for a skilled visa or to get more work experience so you can pass the Skills Assessment. The update might disadvantage you in many ways. Still, you can stay longer in Australia after your 485 visa expires. Whatever your reason to stay onshore, there’s always another visa option available for you. You may consider one of the following to extend your stay after your 485 visa expires:

1. Training Visa (subclass 407)

If you need to gain more work experience after your 485 visa expires, either for Skills Assessment or to meet the requirement for a Skilled Visa, the Training Visa (subclass 407) could be a suitable option. This visa allows you to take part in workplace-based training to enhance your skills and experience in your nominated occupation. It is valid for up to 2 years, providing ample time to gain the necessary work experience.

While finding a potential employer that offers a training program for international graduates can be challenging, it’s a worthwhile option to consider. To increase your chances, we recommend networking within your industry, attending job fairs, and contacting professional organizations. Additionally, you can explore online job boards and career websites that cater to international graduates.

2. Second Post-Study Work stream of 485 Visa

If you’ve completed your study in a regional area and currently hold the post-study work stream, the Second Post-Study Work stream of 485 Visa could be your best option. This visa is available to international students who have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in Australia, regardless of their field of study. It is valid for up to 4 years, providing ample time to gain more work experience or prepare a Skilled Visa application.

However, if none of the above options suits your purpose or situation, rest assured that we are here to support you. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate these changes and find the best option to extend your stay in Australia. Even if the worst case is that you must leave Australia, we will guide you with the utmost migration plan to achieve your dream!

Changes for 485 Visa Graduate Work Stream

The Government announced renaming the stream to the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream. Then, the following changes on the 485 Visa will apply from 1 July 2024:

  • The maximum age requirement for the 485 Visa Post-Vocational Education Work stream is 35.
  • The age requirement for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders will remain a maximum of 50 years old.
  • The visa will be valid for 18 months. Except for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders who can stay up to 5 years on this stream.
  • Applicants must be working on an occupation listed on MLTSSL.
  • Applicants with a Bachelor’s or higher degree will not be eligible for this stream.

Read more: IELTS Test Score: New Student Visa Rules for Australia 2024

Changes for 485 Visa Post-study Work Stream

The Government also announced renaming the stream to the Post-Higher Education Work Stream. And the following updates on the 485 Visa will apply from 1 July 2024:

  • The maximum age requirement for the 485 Visa Post-Higher Education Work Stream is 35.
  • The age requirement for Master’s (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) graduates, Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders, will remain at a maximum of 50 years old.
  • The validity period for 485 Visa Post-Higher Education Work Stream (other applicants) will be as follows:
    • Up to 2 years for Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree by coursework and extended;
    • Up to 3 years for Master’s degree by research and PhD
  • The 485 Visa validity period for Indian applicants (as agreed on AI-ECTA) will be:
    • Up to 2 years for a Bachelor’s degree (including honours)
    • Up to 3 years for a Bachelor’s degree with first-class honours in STEM, including ICT
    • Up to 3 years for Master’s degree by coursework, extended and research
    • Up to 4 years for PhD

new 485 visa age requirement and validity period

Changes for 485 Visa Second Post-study Work and Replacement Stream

There are no changes for the 485 Visa Second Post-study work stream. Meanwhile, the 485 Visa Replacement stream will cease on 1 July 2024.

Read more: Upcoming Immigration Changes Australia: New Visa Program and Expected Visa Fee Changes

I’ll be over 35 this July; what should I do?

If you’re affected by the new update on the 485 Visa, especially in meeting the age requirements, there’s no need to despair. The Australian Government has provided various visa options, and ONEderland Consulting is here to help you explore them. One of these five options might be the perfect fit for your situation!

Option 1: General Skilled Migration Visa (subclass 189 visa/subclass 190 visa/subclass 491 visa)

This option would suit you if you have already held professional work experience relevant to your qualification for at least three years upon graduation. However, you must pay attention to the age requirement, which states that you must be under 45 to receive an invitation to lodge one of these visa subclasses.

Read more: How Many Points are needed for Australian Skilled Migration Visa 2024

Option 2: Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) / Skilled Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) Visa

You can consider the 482 Visa or 494 Visa if you have possessed professional work experience relevant to your qualification for at least three years and, at the same time, you have a potential sponsor.

But should you consider the 482 Visa or the 494 Visa? It depends on whether your sponsor operates in the Australian Regional Area. If it does, then the 494 Visa might be better for you. The good news is that the 482 Visa has no age requirement, but the 494 Visa has a maximum age requirement of 45.

Option 3: Training Visa (subclass 407)

The Training Visa (subclass 407) will be your best option if you don’t have professional experience yet. The Training Visa (subclass 407) is valid for up to 2 years, and you can gain the necessary professional experience during that period. Other than that, the Training Visa (subclass 407) does not have an age requirement. You must only be at least 18 years of age to undergo the training program.

Later, you can extend your stay in Australia by applying for other types of working visas, like the Temporary Skills Shortage (subclass 482) Visa.

Read more: Visa 407: Training visa – Gain the Work Experience for a Visa 482

Option 4: Partner Visa (subclass 820/801)

Suppose you’re in a relationship (either married or in a de facto relationship) with an Australian Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. In that case, the onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) should be on your list.

You will get many benefits by applying for the onshore Partner Vis, as long as you can apply before your Student Visa expires:

  1. You will get a Bridging Visa A, allowing you to remain in the country and work or even study legally.
  2. You don’t need to be in a long-distance relationship.
  3. The onshore Partner Visa will eventually lead you to an Australian Permanent Resident so you can live a happy life with your loved one!

Option 5: Student Visa (subclass 500)

If none of the above options suits your condition, consider obtaining another Student Visa (subclass 500). You can strengthen your background by obtaining more relevant qualifications.

There are many options, but which one is best for me?

The best one would depend on your situation. We understand it’s pretty confusing, but don’t worry; ONEderland Consulting is ready to help you find the best one! We will thoroughly explain all available options tailored to your situation, including the General Skilled Migration Visa, Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, Training Visa, Partner Visa, and Student Visa. Our commitment is to ensure your migration journey goes smoothly, no matter the changes.

We are committed to providing you with the best possible guidance. We will thoroughly explain all available options tailored to your situation. Our commitment is to ensure your migration journey goes smoothly, no matter the changes.

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The clock is ticking! 

Yes, we understand the new update on the 485 Visa is surprising, and the changes might disadvantage you in many ways. But don’t worry—it’s not the end of your migration journey!

Our visa specialists at ONE derland Consulting will assist you in finding the best visa options despite the new age requirement for a 485 Visa. We have a 98% success rate and are one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews.

We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the MARA.

Take the first step and get in touch with us. Our team members are professional and honest and speak various languages, such as Mandarin/ Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, and Thai. Contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee Program.

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