As of July 1, 2024, significant changes to Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) have been introduced, specifically targeting the eligibility criteria for applicants. The Australian government has reduced the maximum eligible age for most applicants from 50 years to 35 years. This change is part of a broader migration strategy aimed at attracting younger, early-career professionals who can contribute to Australia’s economy over a longer period.
Key Updates to the Temporary Graduate Visa
1. New Age Limit
The most impactful update is the reduction in the age cap. Applicants under the “Post-Vocational Education Work” stream (formerly known as the Graduate Work stream) and the “Post-Higher Education Work” stream (previously the Post-Study Work stream) must now be 35 years old or younger to qualify. This change aligns with Australia’s goal to attract younger talent with the potential for a longer-term contribution to the workforce.
Exceptions to the Age Cap
While the age limit has been lowered for most applicants, there are notable exceptions:
- Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) Passport Holders: These individuals can still apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa up until the age of 50.
- PhD Graduates: Those who have completed a PhD are also exempt from the new age limit, allowing them to apply until the age of 50.
2. Streamlining of Visa Streams
In addition to the age limit changes, the visa streams have been renamed and streamlined:
- The Graduate Work Stream is now known as the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream. It caters to individuals with qualifications related to occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- The Post-Study Work Stream is now referred to as the Post-Higher Education Work Stream. This stream continues to serve graduates with higher education qualifications, such as bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
3. Duration of Stay
The duration of stay under the Temporary Graduate Visa has also been adjusted based on the level of qualification:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Up to 2 years
- Master’s Degree: Up to 2 years (coursework) or 3 years (research)
- Doctoral Degree (PhD): Up to 3 years
- For Hong Kong and BNO passport holders, the visa duration is extended to 5 years, regardless of the qualification level.
What This Means for Prospective Applicants
These changes reflect Australia’s strategic focus on attracting younger professionals and graduates with specific skills that align with the country’s economic needs. For those who are nearing or have surpassed the new age limit of 35, alternative visa options may need to be explored. These could include skilled migration pathways, employer-sponsored visas, or other specialized visa categories.
For more detailed information on these updates and how they might affect your visa application, it’s advisable to consult with a registered migration agent or visit the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website. Additionally, for specific guidance on visa alternatives if you’re over the age of 35, you can explore resources provided by Work Visa Lawyers.
