Temporary Graduate Visa update and fees increase

 

The Migration Amendment (Graduate Visas No. 2) Regulations 2024 brings important changes to the Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa, especially for the Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) stream.

Key Changes:

  1. Graduate certificates are no longer considered degrees.
  2. Graduate diplomas only count if an applicant completes them right after a related bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program.
    • Example: If the applicant finishes a Bachelor of Business and immediately starts a Graduate Diploma in Marketing, the diploma will count.
  3. No more Australian Study Requirement (ASR):
    • Before, applicants had to meet the Australian Study Requirement (ASR). Now, that requirement has been removed. This makes it easier for graduates to apply.
  4. New academic rules:
    • Clause 485.231 explains that only a specific degree at a recognised institution meets the visa requirements.
  5. Focus on regional areas:
    • Applicants for a second or third Subclass 485 visa in the PHEW stream, must live, work, or study in designated regional areas.
    • Example of regional areas: Cities like Adelaide, Darwin, and regions in regional New South Wales or Victoria.

Why are these changes happening?

These updates are part of the government’s Migration Strategy, which was released in December 2023. The plan aims to:

  • Reduce the number of people stuck in “permanently temporary” visa situations.
  • Create clearer and fairer pathways for skilled graduates to gain permanent residency in Australia.

Higher visa fees from 1 February 2025:

It was reported by the @koalanews that the sc485 visa will increase early next year:

  • The cost to apply for a Subclass 485 visa will go up by 15%.
  • The base application fee will increase to $2,235.

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