The Australian Government has proposed significant changes to the Temporary Graduate visa programs, set to take effect from July 1, 2024, pending approval of the required legislative amendments. These changes primarily affect two streams of the program:
1. Graduate Work Stream: This stream will be renamed as the Post-Vocational Education Work stream and will reduce the maximum age eligibility to 35 years. Applicants must hold an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification related to skills needed in Australia.
2. Post-Study Work Stream: It will be renamed as the Post-Higher Education Work stream. The maximum age for applicants will be reduced to 35 years, and the 2-year extension for certain degrees will be removed. Stay periods vary depending on the educational level.
Additionally, the Replacement stream will be eliminated. This visa was for individuals who lost time on their original visa due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, allowing them to temporarily live, work, and study in Australia. However, this option will no longer be available after July 1, 2024.
Adjustments are also mentioned for passport holders from Hong Kong and British Nationals Overseas, who can stay for up to 5 years, as well as special periods for Indian nationals under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.
There are no significant changes expected in the Second Post-Graduate Work stream, while the Replacement stream will be completely removed. These modifications aim to optimize the Temporary Graduate visa program and align it with the current needs of the labor market and education sector in Australia.
For more information, here is the Government website
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/changes
Josefina
An Argentina passionate about travelling, cooking, interested in sustainability and always learning new things. After having travelled and lived in Australia, she is now studying a master's degree in Sydney and sharing her experience with all those who want to come!