Are you wondering about the recent changes to the 485 visa age limit in Australia? If you’re an international student or a skilled worker looking to stay in the country, these updates could have a big impact on your plans. The 485 visa, also known as the Temporary Graduate visa, has undergone some significant changes that you need to know about.
In this article, we’ll break down the new age limit for the 485 visa and what it means for you. We’ll look at how these changes affect different visa streams, including the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study work stream. You’ll learn about the new maximum age requirement and how it might influence your eligibility. Whether you’re under 35 years of age or approaching this threshold, understanding these updates is crucial to planning your future in Australia.
Overview of the 485 Visa Age Limit Changes
Previous age limits
Before the recent changes, the 485 visa had a more lenient age limit. You could apply for this visa if you were under 50 years old, giving many international students and skilled workers a chance to stay in Australia after completing their studies.
New age restrictions
The Australian Immigration Department has announced a significant change to the 485 Graduate Work Visa age limit. Starting from July 1, 2024, the new age limit will be reduced to 35 years old. This change has a big impact on your future plans if you’re an international student or skilled worker in Australia.
If you’re completing your course before mid-2024, you have a chance to beat the clock. You can try to get a Completion Letter from your school in June and submit your 485 visa application by the end of that month. However, if you’re graduating after mid-2024, it’s best to wait for a couple of months until the government announces specific implementation plans.
Exceptions to the age limit
While the new age limit might seem strict, there are a few exceptions you should know about:
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and British National (Overseas) (BNO) passport holders: You’re exempt from the new age limit and can still apply if you’re under 50 years old.
- Master by Research and PhD graduates: Good news! You’re also exempt from the new age requirement. You can continue to apply for the 485 visa if you’re under 50 years old.
It’s important to note that the government hasn’t mentioned a Legacy Clause yet. This could potentially affect international students who will be over 35 when they graduate, as it might impact their future plans in Australia.
The changes to the 485 visa age limit are part of the government’s efforts to attract younger international students. However, these changes might have unintended consequences. For example, Australia could lose about 20% of its PhD talent, as many international PhD candidates are over 30 years old.
These changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2024, subject to legislative amendments. Keep an eye out for any updates or revisions to the policy, as public discussion might lead to further adjustments.
Impact on Different Visa Streams
The 485 visa program is undergoing significant changes, affecting various streams differently. Let’s look at how these changes might impact you, depending on your qualifications and circumstances.
Post-Vocational Education Work stream
This stream, formerly known as the Graduate Work stream, is now tailored for you if you hold an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification. If you’re planning to apply under this stream, keep in mind that:
- The maximum age limit has been reduced to 35 years old.
- Your qualification must be closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- You can stay for up to 18 months.
However, if you’re a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holder, you’re still eligible up to age 50 and can stay for up to 5 years.
Post-Higher Education Work stream
Previously called the Post-Study Work stream, this option is now for you if you have a degree-level qualification or higher. Here’s what you need to know:
- The age limit is now 35 years old for most applicants.
- If you’re a master’s by research or doctoral degree graduate, you can still apply up to age 50.
- The restriction for applicants whose first student visa was granted after November 5, 2011, has been removed.
Second Post-Higher Education Work stream
This stream, previously known as the Second Post-Study Work stream, has undergone minimal changes. The main update is to the English language requirement, which took effect on March 21, 2024. Unless you’re from Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, or the USA, you’ll need to take a specified language test within one year before applying.
Remember, these changes are set to take effect from July 1, 2024. If you’re planning to apply for a 485 visa, it’s crucial to understand how these updates might affect your eligibility and stay duration in Australia.
What These Changes Mean for Applicants
Implications for international students
The new age limit for the 485 visa has significant implications for you as an international student. If you’re over 35 when you graduate, you might no longer qualify for this visa. This change could disrupt your plans to gain work experience in Australia after completing your studies. It’s particularly concerning for those of you who made the decision to study in Australia based on the previous age limit of 50.
However, there’s a ray of hope. If you’re currently on a student visa (subclass 500), there’s a possibility that you might be exempt from this age restriction. While this isn’t confirmed yet, it’s worth keeping an eye on any updates from the immigration department.
Career planning considerations
With these changes, it’s crucial to map out your PR pathway while you’re still on your student visa. The three main pathways for you to gain PR status in Australia are:
- Skilled migration pathway
- Employer-sponsored pathway
- Partner visa pathway
The skilled migration pathway, while popular, is subject to frequent changes depending on the government in power. It includes visas like the Skilled Independent visa (SC 189), Skilled Nominated visa (SC 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (SC 491).
Alternative visa options
If you’re worried about not qualifying for the 485 visa due to age restrictions, consider exploring alternative options. The employer-sponsored pathway, though less explored by students, offers a higher potential for obtaining PR. Some options include:
- Training visa (SC 407)
- Temporary Skills Shortage visa (SC 482)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (SC 494)
- Employer nomination scheme pathway (SC 186)
Additionally, if your spouse or partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you might be eligible for a partner visa. This includes the Partner Visa (Temporary) SC 820 and Partner Visa (Permanent) SC 801.
Remember, these changes are set to take effect from July 1, 2024. If you’re finishing your course before mid-2024, you might still have a chance to beat the clock by getting your Completion Letter and submitting your 485 visa application by the end of June.
Get the latest updates from the Migration Experts
The recent changes to the 485 visa age limit have a huge impact on international students and skilled workers in Australia. The reduction of the age limit to 35 years for most applicants means a shift in planning for those looking to stay in the country after completing their studies. This change has an influence on various visa streams, including the Post-Vocational Education Work stream and the Post-Higher Education Work stream, with some exceptions for specific groups like Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders.
To adapt to these changes, it’s best for international students to plan their PR pathway early and explore alternative visa options with the right and expert migration agents. Keep in mind that these updates are part of the government’s efforts to attract younger international students, and it’s worth staying informed about any potential adjustments to the policy in the future.
FAQs
What updates have been made to the 485 visa in Australia for the year 2024?
In 2024, the 485 visa will undergo significant changes including increased English language requirements, renaming of existing streams, cessation of the Replacement stream, shortening of the longer post-study work rights, a reduction in the eligible age, and restrictions on visa transfers.
How has the 485 visa been modified recently?
The Temporary Graduate visa streams have been re-aligned according to levels of study. Specifically, the Graduate Work stream is now called the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, and the Post-Study Work stream has been renamed to the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
What is the maximum age to be eligible for a 485 visa?
As of 1 July 2024, the age limit for the 485 visa will be 35 years at the time of application for most applicants. However, holders of Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) passports will retain a higher age limit of 50 years for both visa streams.
What are the upcoming immigration policy changes in Australia for the year 2024?
Effective from 1 July 2024, certain temporary visa holders will be restricted from applying for a student visa while in Australia. This change aims to prevent visa hopping and reduce the presence of ‘permanently temporary’ former international students.