Overview – Latest 485 Visa Changes
If you are a new graduate thinking of staying in Australia longer, then you must know about the latest 485 visa changes implemented by Australian government. The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows international students to extend their stay in the country however; recent changes are causing a stir.
Not to worry, the following is a quick guide to help you understand 485 visa new rules that you should be aware of.
Update on English Language Requirements
To begin with, there is an update on the 485 visa English requirements. Earlier, you need a minimum of IELTS 6.0 overall whereas, now with the new change, you need a minimum of IELTS 6.5 overall (or equivalent), with no band score less than 5.5. The change was made to ensure you are all set to enter the Australian job market with good and fluent English language skills. The new English language requirement was implemented on March 23, 2024.
English Requirements for 485 Visa
| Overall | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing | |
| IELTS | 6.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| PTE | 57 | 43 | 48 | 42 | 51 |
| CAE | 176 | 162 | 162 | 162 | 162 |
| OET | B | B | B | B | B |
| TOEFL iBT | 83 | 7 | 8 | 16 | 18 |
Apply from within Australia
The Australian government is not accepting international applications anymore, which is why you must apply for 485 visa while in Australia. Make sure that still submit your 485-visa application within six months, even after your course ends.
Update on Age Limit
Earlier, rumours had it that the 485 visa age limit would decrease from 50 to 35 years; and, as of July 1, 2024 the Australian government has mentioned that the maximum age to apply for a 485 visa would go down from 50 to 35 years. This change shows how the Australian government has been forcing upon recent graduates to stay in the country longer so they may work and contribute to the society longer.
Update on Visa Duration
Duration for 485-visa will now be two years for graduates of bachelor and master’s degrees with coursework, and three years for those who are studying doctorates and master’s programs with research. Considering this update, you should plan your PR options ahead of time so you can file for another visa the moment your 485 visa expires.
The 485 Visa Replacement Streams will be discontinued
There is a 485 Replacement Stream for current or previous 485 visa holders who were stuck in Australia because of the pandemic restrictions (COVID-19). As a graduate, you will no longer be able to use any other available pathway; instead will have to follow the regular 485-visa application process.
Update on Stream Names
Stream names were also updated, enlisted are the new ones:
- The Post-Vocational Education Work Stream replaces the Graduate Work Stream.
- The Post-Higher Education Work Stream replaces the Post-Study Work Stream.
- The Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream replaces the Second Post-Study Work Stream.
In Summary
The new changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa Program 485 shows Australia’s commitment in setting a standard for graduates entering the job market while complying with changing conditions.
As a graduate, you must respond to these new changes with initiative by considering the need to apply from within Australia, deadlines, English language proficiency, age limit, and more.
However, do not get caught up with these changes and think that your dream of settling in the country will remain a dream forever, All you have to do is, consider them as soon as you can and make new moves to keep up with your plan of staying in Australia.
How Asia Pacific Group can help you get a 485 visa?
Asia Pacific Group is one of the big names in the education and migration field in Australia. With over 15 years of experience and serving thousands of individuals with their migration needs, we pride in offering best and affordable solutions.
Our success rate speaks volume and we assure you get easy and hassle-free migration solutions with the help of our MARA agents and qualified education consultants. Now, with the new rules for TR in Australia, we are ready to make everything possible for you to continue staying in the country worry-free.
Get in touch with our experts at the nearest branch of Asia Pacific Group and let us start exploring better options for you. Book an appointment on www.asiapacificgroup.com.
