Changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Effective 14 December 2024

The Department of Home Affairs has announced refinements to the Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV) program following the 1 July 2024 Migration Strategy. These changes primarily address Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas under the Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) stream, ensuring alignment with the Migration Strategy’s intent.

  • Changes took effect 14 December 2024.
  • No transitional arrangements exist in the new regulations.
  • For TGV applications lodged prior to 14 December 2024, Graduate Diplomas (regardless of relevance) will remain eligible.

Key Changes:

Graduate Certificates
Graduate Certificates will no longer qualify for the PHEW stream of the TGV.

  • Why? These courses are often short and carry a low study load, creating confusion for students and agents.
  • Impact: Students completing a Graduate Certificate will need to lodge a TGV application within six months of completing an eligible qualification to meet visa requirements.
  • Example: If you finish a Graduate Certificate in IT after a Bachelor’s degree, the Graduate Certificate alone will not be considered for a TGV.

Graduate Diplomas
Graduate Diplomas will remain eligible if they meet the following conditions:

  • They are preceded by an Australian-awarded Bachelor, Master’s, or PhD, and
  • They are related to the preceding degree and commenced within the same or next academic year.
  • Example: A student who completes a Bachelor of Accounting and pursues a Graduate Diploma in Finance within the next academic year will meet the eligibility requirements.

IMPORTANT: unrelated Graduate Diplomas (e.g., a Graduate Diploma in Design after a Bachelor in Engineering) will not count as qualifying study for a TGV. These students must still lodge a TGV application within six months of completing an eligible qualification.

For detailed information, visit the Department of Home Affairs: Temporary Graduate Visa – Subclass 485

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