What are the New Rules for Temporary Graduate Visa in Australia?

On December 11, 2023, the Australian Government introduced its New Migration strategy to improve Australia's broken immigration system. The strategy highlights eight significant changes, mainly focusing on the temporary skilled migration and education sectors. To strengthen the integrity and quality of the education system in the country. The Department of Home Affairs has stricken the eligibility criteria for international students to secure a place in Australian universities.

So, if you are an international student and planning to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) in Australia, it is important for you to have a better understanding of the new rules for TR in Australia. Continue reading this blog post to learn more about the new 485 visa rules.

New Rules for TR in Australia

The new rules for TR in Australia highlight the following major changes that every international student must understand before applying for a Temporary Graduate visa in 2024:.

The English language requirements for 485 visas will be more challenging for international students.

The immigration department will strictly control the number of visa applications being processed.

The government will impose restrictions on course shifting or swapping in 2024.

Let's discuss the changed visa requirements in detail:

Changed English Requirements

Have a look at the most updated information regarding the changed English requirements for a 485 visa in Australia:

For international students applying for a 485 visa in Australia, the English language score requirements have changed from 6.0 to 6.5.

Candidates must score 5.0 in IELTS to enroll in English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS).

Students applying for university programs and foundation year pathways must score at least 5.5 in IELTS.

Changed Age Requirements for the 485 Visa

The department has reduced the minimum age required to apply for a graduate visa from fifty to thirty-five in Australia in 2024. However, for Hong Kong or British overseas students, the age limit will remain the same (fifty).

New Rules for Stay Duration for TR in Australia

The stay duration period will be reduced for international students, depending on their qualifications. For instance, the stay duration for a bachelor's degree will be two years and three years for a master's and a PhD.

Changed Processing Time for 485 Visa

The department has declared that a 21-day service standard processing time will be sufficient for the "Post-Higher Education Work Stream." The reduced processing time will guarantee a seamless transition to post-study job opportunities.

Updated Work Streams of 485

The new rules for TR in Australia highlight the renaming of previous visa streams for a temporary graduate visa. The new streams will be:

Post-higher Education Work stream

Post-Vocational Education Work stream

End to Post- Study Work Extension

New rules for TR in Australia highlight an end to the post-study work extension stream in 2024. Only those applicants who have completed their studies in a regional area will be eligible for an extension. To apply for a second temporary graduate visa, students must have finished one to two years of study in the regional area.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—a comprehensive analysis of the new rules for TR in Australia. Understand these rules carefully and prepare yourself accordingly to grab this amazing opportunity to study in Australia. Increased English requirements are the major challenge that many international students face, so it is important to attempt IELTS practice tests to prepare well for the exam. Staying informed is the key to securing your place in universities, as the Australian immigration landscape is constantly changing.

FAQs

What are the new requirements for English-language students applying for TR in Australia?

The English language requirements have changed from scoring 6.0 to 6.5 in IELTS for international students.

Can I apply for PR in Australia with a 485 visa?

Yes, with a 485 visa, you can apply for permanent residence in Australia. However, in order to be eligible, you must fulfill certain requirements, such as acquiring the necessary skills and residing in a designated area for a specific time period. Once you have completed the specified time period, submit an application for permanent residency in Australia.

What are the requirements for applying for TR in Australia?

Here is the list of conditions that candidates must fulfill to apply for TR in Australia.

You must not owe any money to the Australian government.

You must not have had a rejected or refused visa application in the past.

You must be fluent in the English language to be eligible for a TR in Australia.

You must provide proof that you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check.