Extensions of the Graduate Development Visa (subclass 485) for post-study visa holders

2. Australia has always been a preferred destination for students wishing to pursue higher education. The country offers world-renowned universities and a multicultural environment that attracts students from all over the world. To encourage international students to study in Australia, the government has recently introduced new extensions to the Graduate Development Visa (subclass 485). Introduction

3. The Graduate Development Visa allows international students to live and work in Australia after completing their studies. This visa is a great opportunity for graduates to gain valuable work experience and potentially apply for permanent residency in Australia. Australia faces the second largest skills shortage in the developed world, according to the latest OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) survey.(1) As a result, the Australian Government has announced three initiatives to address the skills shortage impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Firstly, by extending post-study work visas for international students who have graduated from an Australian tertiary institution in certain designated occupations. Secondly, by increasing the cap on working hours for international students.(2) Thirdly, by extending post-study work visas for certain regional visa holders.

4. As of July 1, 2023, the second post-study work stream options allow for a one- to two-year extension of the first post-study work stream or replacement stream (subclass 485) in certain occupations. Extension for qualifications and certain designated occupations

5. The first post-study work stream is for international students who have graduated from an Australian institution. The replacement visa is for current or former temporary graduate visa holders who have lost time during COVID-19 travel restrictions. The extension is applicable to areas of demonstrated skills shortages for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. All doctoral qualifications are applicable, regardless of field.

6. For some Bachelor’s degrees, the visa duration will be extended from two to four years. For some Master’s degrees, the visa duration will be extended from three to five years. And for all PhD degrees, the visa duration will be extended from four to six years. For Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, to be eligible for the extension, the visa holder must be on the Jobs and Skills Australia and Department of Education priority skills list.

7. Occupations identified in the 2022 priority skills list include occupations in resources, health, ICT, engineering, construction, teaching, agriculture and food technology. However, the list is subject to annual review to reflect changes in the labour market.

8. Extension for regional studies New extensions to the Graduate Development Visa also apply to international students who have completed their studies in regional Australia. Under this new policy, graduates who have studied in regional Australia will be granted an additional year on their visa, allowing them to stay and work in Australia for up to 3 years. This extension will give graduates more time to gain valuable work experience and potentially apply for permanent residency.

9. In addition, the Australian Government has increased the maximum working hours for international students from 40 hours to 48 hours per fortnight from 1 July 2023. This will allow international students to support themselves financially while studying and contribute to Australia’s workforce needs. To be eligible for the Graduate Development Visa extension, graduates must have lived and worked in a regional area for at least two years while holding a valid student visa. This requirement is intended to encourage graduates to contribute to the local community and economy by living and working in regional areas.

10. The new regional extensions to the Graduate Development Visa are part of the Government’s efforts to encourage international students to study and live in regional Australia. Regional Australia offers a high quality of life, lower costs of living and unique cultural experiences that students cannot find in larger cities. By encouraging international students to study in regional Australia, the Government aims to address Australia’s demographic imbalance and support the economic development of regional communities.

11. In conclusion, the new Graduate Development Visa extensions represent a significant opportunity for international students. These visa extensions provide graduates with more time to gain valuable work experience, potentially apply for permanent residency and contribute to the local economy and community. This is a win-win situation for graduates and regional communities, and will undoubtedly enhance Australia’s reputation as a world-class education destination. Back to top If you are unsure whether you are eligible for an extension to your Graduate Development Visa or whether you are eligible to increase your working hours while studying, contact one of our expert migration lawyers at TooRoo Migration Lawyers today.

12. Immigration law is a complex area that leaves little room for error and hiring an immigration lawyer in Gold Coast, Australia will ensure that your visa application and future in Australia are protected. At TooRoo Migration Lawyers, our team of expert lawyers will provide you with sound and in-depth advice on visa applications, citizenship applications and understanding your legal rights and responsibilities. Contact us for any immigration needs