Discover 485 Visa New Rules 2024 for International Students

If you’re planning to pursue quality education in Australia, you must know about 485 visa new rules 2024 to avoid any confusion. The Australian Government has released a new migration strategy on 11 December 2023, which outlines eight key actions with an emphasis on the education sector and temporary skilled migration. 

In this blog post, I’ll discuss one of the eight key actions highlighted in the new strategy, i.e., major 485 visa new rules 2024. Understanding these rules is essential for international students to make informed decisions about their educational journey in Australia. 

485 Visa New Rules 2024 Highlights

Key Action 3 in New Migration Strategy 2024 states as “Strengthening the integrity and quality of international education”. 

Here are the highlights of visa 485 new rules 2024;

• Length of stay for international graduates will be reduced.
• The Replacement stream of Temporary Graduate visa will be eliminated.
• There will be no further opportunities for the extension of post-study work rights.
• The age limit for a temporary graduate visa or 485 has been decreased from 50 to 35 years.
• The Graduate Work stream will be renamed to the ‘Post-Vocational Education Work’ stream.
• The English language requirements will be increased from 6.0 to 6.5 (IELTS) for temporary graduates.
• The Government is aiming to replace the “Genuine Temporary Entrant” eligibility requirement with the new ‘Genuine Student Test.‘ 

Here is the detail of new rules for TR in Australia. 

1. 485 Visa English requirement in 2024

The Government has increased the demand for English Language proficiency for international students. From early 2024, 485 visa English language requirements will be;

• The required test score for a Temporary Graduate visa will increase from an IELTS score (or equivalent) of 6 to 6.5.
• For English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), you must have an IELTS 5.0 or equivalent score. 
• For students applying for student visas to enroll in foundation programs with recognized English language instruction, IELTS 5.5 or above will be required.
• The validity period of English Language Proficiency test for subclass 485 has been reduced from 3 years to 1 year.

2. New Age Limit for 485 Visa in 2024

Starting from July 1, 2024, the new age limit for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) will be 35 years. 

This step is taken to reposition the temporary graduate visa as a ticket for emerging professionals who will contribute to the Australian economy for a longer period.

3. Reduced Length of Stay for Temporary Graduate Visa Holders

Length of stay for international graduates will be reduced in 2024.

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4. Post- Study Work Extension

In the old strategy, former students were allowed to spend eight years under a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) due to generous post-study job rights, which increases their likelihood of classifying as “permanently temporary.”

However, the new migration strategy for 2024 outlines that the duration of an initial Temporary Graduate Visa will be shorter.

“There will be no further opportunities for the extension of post-study work rights.”

Extension will only be granted to applicants who have completed their education in a regional area. To apply for a second Temporary Graduate Visa, students must have completed 1-2 years of studies in the regional area.

5. Changes to Temporary Graduate Visa Streams 2024

Earlier, the Temporary Graduate Visa had two streams, the Graduate Work stream and the Post Study Work stream, each with its own requirements. The ambiguity in names and different eligibility criteria frequently resulted in applicants mistakenly choosing the wrong stream. In the new migration strategy, these streams will be re-named as 

• Temporary Graduate Work stream to be renamed as Post-Vocational Education Work’ stream
• Post Study Work Stream to be renamed as Post-higher Education Work stream.
• Second Post-Study Work Stream to be renamed as Second Post-higher Education work stream.
• There will be an end to the Temporary Graduate Visa’s “Replacement Stream” and the subclass 476 visa.  

6. 485 Visa Processing Time in 2024

The delayed processing of Temporary Graduate Visa in the past has caused several graduates to switch to Bridging visas before graduating, adversely affecting their chances of finding skilled employment.

The department has announced that a 21-day service standard processing time will be enough for the “Post-Higher Education Work Stream” to ensure a smooth transition to post-study work options.

7. Clear Pathway to Permanent Residency

The new rules for TR in Australia provide a clear pathway to permanent residency.

The requirement for a Temporary Graduate visa has changed to provide visa holders with greater opportunities to transition to skilled visas. Furthermore, graduates in skilled occupations will have quicker access to permanent residency due to proposed changes to the points test system.

Summary of New Rules for TR in Australia

So the summary of TR visa new rules in 2024 is:

• The quantity of student visa applications that are processed will be strictly regulated.
• Requirements for English language test scores will rise.
• The list of approved courses will be reduced, and limitations will be applied to course swapping.

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Final Thoughts

These reforms and upcoming changes to the points system and other skilled visa parameters would make it easier for students working in skilled jobs to get permanent residency. These adjustments aim to strengthen Australia’s immigration system, simplifying every step of the migration strategy.

So, if you are looking for professional help to move to Australia in 2024, The Migration is at your service. We have certified MARA agents in our team who will ensure the smooth and timed processing of your visa application. So book a consultation now for a seamless journey ahead, and let us help you with our exceptional experience in the immigration field. 

FAQs

What are the new changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa streams?

The Government is planning to rename the streams of Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).

The following table provides a comprehensive overview of the changes to the temporary graduate streams:

What are the latest changes regarding the Australian student visa?

The new migration strategy states that international students must now score higher in English language exams, and that a student’s second visa application for extension will be scrutinized more closely.

What is the age limit to apply for a TR visa in Australia in 2024?

On April 24, 2024, the Department of Home Affairs announced the new age restriction for international students in Australia. The age restriction will be lowered to 35 years of age for both the Graduate Work stream (Post-Vocational Education Work stream) and the Post-Study Work stream (Post-Higher Education Work stream).

Is health insurance required in order to apply for a 485 visa?

Yes, obtaining health insurance is a must for a 485 visa. You must have sufficient health insurance throughout your time in Australia. By complying with this criterion, you guarantee that you don’t burden the Australian healthcare system and that you have access to necessary healthcare services.