From July 1, 2022, the Department of Home Affairs implemented significant changes for the Temporary Graduates (SC 485) visa holders – graduate stream. The most significant one is the removal of the skilled occupation list.
How will this change affect new 485 visa applications?
This has 2 major implications:
- New applications no longer require nominating an occupation at the time of application.
- It is not required to apply for skills assessment.
Until the 1st of July 2022, applicants of the 485 visa, Graduate stream (VET Graduates - Certificate III up to Advanced Diploma), had to select an eligible skilled occupation from the skilled occupation list and provide a skills assessment suitable for that occupation by a relevant assessing authority during the last three years prior to their application. In fact, prior to this, VET graduates were eligible for SC485 only if their occupations were listed on MLTSSL.
VET graduates are pleased with these modifications. VET graduates who did not qualify for SC 485 will now be able to contribute to the Australian economy with the 24-month Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa Graduate Work stream.
These amendments would encourage a broader range of graduates with degrees, diplomas, and trade qualifications that satisfy the Australian study requirement but are not currently eligible for the Subclass 485 visa in the Graduate Work stream because their related occupations are not included in the current list of specified eligible occupations, to stay and work in Australia for a longer period.
Visa extensions and replacement stream for temporary graduate visa
The adjustments previously mentioned are implemented in addition to the recent changes that have already been or will be made to Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders:
- The length of the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa Graduate Work stream has been expanded from 18 to 24 months, allowing graduates to enjoy 6 extra months of full-time work rights.
- Those who have been unable to travel to Australia because of Australian border restriction (holders of, or who have held, a 485 visa that expired on or after 1 February 2020 and was outside of Australia between 1 February 2020 and 15 December 2021) may apply for a replacement visa starting July 1, 2022.
- From now on, the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa stay period for Masters by Coursework graduates will match the stay period for Masters by Research graduates, and stay for three years instead of two.
You can read more about these changes in this article
Pace Migration is your agent expert in 485 - Temporary Graduate Visas
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