Changes to the Temporary Graduate (Sc 485) Visa proposed 1 July 2024

The Department have updated their website to outline the changes to the Temporary Graduate (sc 485) visa program as announced as part of the Migration Strategy. The changes to the Sc 485 should take effect from 1 July 2024, subject to the passage of legislative amendments. The changes are the following:

Graduate Work Stream

• Renamed to the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

• The maximum eligible age will be reduced to 35 years of age or under. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders will continue to be eligible provided they are under 50 years of age.

• Applicants must hold an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification, closely related to their nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).Applicants with a degree level qualification or higher will no longer be eligible for this stream.

• The stay period will remain up to 18 months, with Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders eligible to stay for up to 5 years.

Post- Study Work Stream

• Renamed to the Post-Higher Education stream.

• The maximum eligible age for Post-Higher Education Work stream applicants will reduce to 35 years of age or under. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders will continue to be eligible provided they are under 50 years of age

• The ‘select degree’ 2 year extension will cease.

Stay periods will change to the following:

• Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years

• Masters (coursework and extended) – up to 2 years

• Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) – up to 3 years.

• Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may be able to stay for up to 5 years.

Stay periods for Indian nationals, as agreed in the Australian Indian – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), remain as:

• Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years

• Bachelor degree (with first class honours in STEM, including ICT) – up to 3 years

• Masters (coursework, extended and research) – up to 3 years

• Doctoral degrees (PhD) – up to 4 years.

Second Post- Study Work stream

• Renamed to Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

• There are no other changes to this stream.

Replacement stream

• This stream will cease and no longer be available.

To review your visa options and understand your eligibility, book a consultation with one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents today.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please get in touch with SCA Connect.