Extension to 485 Visa Duration and Increased Student Visa Work Rights

BIG NEWS! From 1 July 2023, there will be a 2-year extension for the Post-Study Work stream of the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)!  This change only applies to graduates with certain degrees in areas of verified skilled shortages.  Also from 1 July 2023, the cap on the number of working hours for students will take effect once again but will be increased from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight.

Exciting!  Can you please tell me more about these two matters?

Sure thing!  From 1 July 2023, Student visa (subclass 500) holders will be able to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while they have a course in session.  This applies to all current international students, regardless of when they started studying.

If you have a qualification on the Department of Education’s ‘Eligible Qualifications List’ and you lodge a 485 visa application on or after 1 July 2023 in the Post-Study Work stream, you will be eligible for an additional 2 years on your 485 visa.  This list is still being finalised and more details will be provided by the Department of Home Affairs in due course.  Watch this space!

Sounds great!  If I’m eligible, how long would my 485 visa be valid for?  

If your qualification is eligible, the duration of your 485 visa will be increased from:

• 2 years to 4 years for Bachelor degrees;

• 3 years to 5 years for Master degrees;

• 4 years to 6 years for all Doctoral degrees.

What if I’m a 485 visa holder whose visa was kind of wasted during the pandemic?

Transitional arrangements have been put in place to support 485 visa holders whose 485 visas expire between 1 September 2022 and 1 July 2023 or who were in Australia throughout the pandemic period and are not eligible for the Replacement stream of the 485 visa.  Such 485 visa holders may be eligible for the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) with a 2-year stay period!  The usual eligibility criteria apply for the 408 visa.

To be eligible for this 2-year 408 visa under the Australian Government Endorsed Events (COVID-19) Pandemic Event stream, you must:

• Have a 485 visa that expires before 1 July 2023;

• You are not eligible to apply for a 485 extension on 1 July 2023; and

• You currently have a pending 408 visa application and you held a 485 visa at the time of that application.

I understand, so how can I fulfill my dream of staying on in Australia?

We will be more than happy to assist you!  Just get in touch with our friendly team via our website.  Once you do that, sit back and relax as we guide you through the entire process of applying for the relevant visas!

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