If you have been hoping for good news about your 485 visa, then the recent announcement from the Australian Government will make your day.
Changes to the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa will help students to fully realise the benefits of their education in Australia and start their careers in Adelaide if they’ve been unable to do so during the pandemic. Here is a summary of what the announcement means for 485 visa holders and graduates.
Replacement 485 visas
Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders who have been unable to travel to Australia due to COVID-19 international border restrictions can apply for a replacement visa.
This will allow current and former Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders whose visas expired on or after 1 February 2020 to re-apply for a new subclass visa of the same duration as their original visa.
Opportunities for VET graduates
If you’re a VET student there is good news for you too with six extra months added to your temporary graduate visa, giving you up to two years of post-study work rights instead of 18 months. Learn more about Vocational education (VET) in Australia.
The Adelaide advantage – more time on a 485 visa
If you are studying a Masters by Coursework, you will also get an additional year of post-study work rights. If you study in Adelaide, that means you can access up to four years of post-study work rights compared to only three years in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
Here is a comparison of the post-study work rights for those that choose to study in Adelaide compared to other cities in Australia, the UK and Canada.
|
Qualification |
Adelaide | Australia 2 | UK | Canada |
|
VET qualification |
2 years 1
|
2 years | - | 2 years |
|
Bachelor’s Degree |
3 years | 2 years | 2 years | 3 years |
|
Masters by Coursework |
4 years | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years |
|
Masters by Research |
4 years | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years |
|
PhD qualification |
5 years | 4 years | 3 years | 3 years |
1 Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) Graduate Work Stream
2 Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
*Hong Kong passport and BNO passport holders may stay for 5 years. For further information, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Online study will count
The good news continues with confirmation that study that has been completed online will count towards qualifying for a temporary graduate visa. The change has removed the Australia Study Requirement where at least 16 months of a minimum two years of study is required to qualify. Now, any online study you have completed will count towards meeting the Australian Study Requirement.
This applies to existing and new student visa holders and can be applied for both in and outside of Australia. You must still lodge your application within six months of completing an eligible qualification. For further information on eligibility, visit the Department of Home Affairs.
Why should you make the choice to study in Adelaide, South Australia?
South Australia has a dynamic economy with job opportunities available both while you study and after graduation. Right now, there are more than 12,700 job vacancies advertised in South Australia, which is 68% more than before the pandemic, and more than 52% of employers are looking for staff.
With a growing economy – driven by diverse and exciting industries – it is estimated that an extra 43,000 jobs will need to be filled over the next five years.
One of those jobs could be yours.
Ready to make the choice?
There is no better time to study abroad in Australia. Make the choice to study – and work – in Adelaide, Australia.
The information contained in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, situation or needs. StudyAdelaide does not guarantee the accuracy of the information including information provided by third parties. Individuals must not rely on the information on this website to make decisions. Read the StudyAdelaide Disclaimer.
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