Extension of the Temporary Graduate Visa (485) Post Study Work Rights for eligible Higher Education Students
From 1 July 2023, the Australian Government will increase the duration of stay for some Temporary Graduates as part of the effort to increase the availability of a well-trained and highly capable workforce to help ease current pressures.
The Government is targeting the skills Australia needs most, including health, teaching, engineering and agricultural fields.
The extended work rights come into effect from 1 July 2023 when current settings will be increased by two years. This will extend post study work rights from:
- two years to four years for select Bachelor degrees
- three years to five years for select Masters degrees
- four years to six years for all Doctoral degrees.
Existing settings for regional and remote Australia will also be maintained, and where relevant, will be eligible for the additional two years.
Eligible graduates with a valid Temporary Graduate Visa on 1 July 2023 or who apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa after 1 July 2023, will be considered for the two year extension.
Occupations and eligible qualifications
For the list of occupations and the eligible qualifications that will enable graduates to access greater work rights, click here.
Transitional arrangements are also in place to support other graduates
Temporary Graduate visa holders in Australia whose visas expired or will expire between 1 September 2022 and 1 July 2023, or Temporary Graduate visa holders who were in Australia throughout the pandemic period and are therefore not eligible for the TGV Replacement stream, may be eligible for the COVID-19 Pandemic Event (subclass 408) visa with a 2-year stay period. You must be working in Australia or have an offer of employment.
You must apply 90 days before your TGV expires, or 28 days after your TGV expires to be eligible for a Pandemic event visa.
If you are granted a 408 Pandemic Event visa, you will not be eligible to then apply separately for an extended TGV. You should evaluate your options carefully before you apply.
Read more information on these transitional arrangements.
For further information, please email aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com to arrange an online consultation.
