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Navigating Australia’s New Subclass 485 Visa Changes: What You Need to Know

Australia refines Subclass 485 visa rules, removing Graduate Certificates and requiring longer, specialized studies for post-study work.
Australian Immigration News 14 12 24 New 485 Graduate Visa laws chaos for many overseas students

Synopsis: Australia’s new Subclass 485 visa changes redefine post-study work opportunities, removing Graduate Certificates and emphasizing specialization. Learn more.

Australia has introduced significant changes to the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa under the Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) stream, effective December 14, 2024. These updates aim to align post-study work opportunities with the nation’s migration strategy and workforce needs, impacting international students and their future plans in Australia.

Topics Discussed

Overview of the Subclass 485 Visa

The Subclass 485 visa allows eligible international graduates to work, live, and study in Australia temporarily after completing their studies.

It comprises two streams:

  1. Graduate Work Stream: For students in vocational or trade courses.
  2. Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) Stream: For higher education graduates.

The PHEW stream is central to these recent changes.

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Key Changes to the PHEW Stream

  1. Removal of the Australian Study Requirement (ASR)

The ASR, which previously required two years of CRICOS-registered studies in Australia, has been replaced with specific study regulations. This change simplifies application criteria, making eligibility requirements more transparent.

  1. Changes to Qualifying Degrees
  • Graduate Certificates are no longer eligible for the PHEW stream, reflecting their lower study load and shorter duration.
  • Graduate Diplomas remain valid, but only if they:
    • Follow a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree.
    • Are related to the prior qualification and commenced within the same or subsequent academic year.
  1. Specific Study Requirements

Applicants must now meet detailed criteria, including:

  • Completing one or more degrees in Australia over at least 16 calendar months.
  • Undertaking courses conducted in English.
  • Studying under a visa permitting educational activities in Australia.

Impacts on Applicants

Benefits

  • Clarity: Clearer eligibility guidelines reduce confusion for applicants.
  • Workforce Alignment: Focus on longer, skill-oriented courses addresses Australia’s labor needs.
  • Specialization Continuity: Encourages deeper expertise in specific fields.

Challenges

  • Limited options for those relying on Graduate Certificates.
  • Stricter Graduate Diploma conditions may reduce flexibility.
  • Longer study periods may deter some students.

Key Takeaways for International Students

The changes emphasize the importance of careful academic planning.

Prospective students should:

  • Choose courses aligning with visa criteria and career goals.
  • Avoid short-term qualifications like Graduate Certificates as a primary pathway.
  • Seek professional guidance for navigating these updated regulations.

Conclusion

Australia’s recent updates to the Subclass 485 visa aim to attract highly skilled graduates and better match the country’s workforce demands. While these changes create new opportunities, they also necessitate strategic planning for international students. Understanding these regulations is essential for making informed decisions and securing long-term prospects in Australia.

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