The Australian Government has made a few significant changes in the regulations of specific visa streams. These measures have been taken to compensate for the time international students and workers lost due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions and recover the Australian economy. For instance, individuals could work full-time as per the ‘Graduate visa working hours’ regulations, but now even student visa holders will be able to work for more than 40 hours a fortnight as per new temporary relaxation.
Several other updates have been issued by the Government regarding the Temporary Graduate Visa 485 Extension, and a new COVID-19 replacement visa stream has also been announced. Read on to know everything about the latest changes to the Graduate 485 visa.
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The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 stream is for international students who have cleared their graduation recently, possessing qualifications and skills relevant to specific occupations Australia requires. The visa lets individuals live, work and study in Australia temporarily.
The stay period granted by this visa is usually up to 18 months. Individuals holding Hong Kong and British National Overseas passports may stay for 5 years.
On November 25, the Government of Australia announced new changes that are applicable to the Temporary Graduate visa. Eligible individuals who were unable to enter Australia due to the COVID-19 international border restrictions will have their Temporary Graduate 485 visas extended or enlivened to September 30, 2022. They will also have the opportunity of applying for a replacement visa from July 1, 2022.
Some other key changes are as follows:
The current COVID-19 concessions will continue, and:
Extension
The criteria for a Temporary Graduate 485 visa extension eligibility is:
Enlivening
As for the eligibility for the enlivening of a Temporary Graduate 485 visa, the criteria are:
Also Read: What Are The Latest Updates on Graduate Visa 485 In Australia?
The Government of Australia announced the new COVID-19 Temporary Graduate SC485 replacement visa stream for certain eligible former and current Temporary Graduate 485 visa holders. The step has been taken to compensate for the negative impacts that international students faced due to the pandemic travel restrictions. Here is what you know about this visa stream:
It should be noted that the COVID-19 Temporary Graduate 485 replacement visa is only a replacement for the initial Temporary 485 Graduate visa. Therefore, this visa is not the same as the Second Post Study Work visa, which only eligible regional applicants can apply for currently.
There will be no rebate on the Visa Application Charge of the Temporary Graduate Replacement visa. Applicants will have to pay the full amount of AUD 1,680 for this visa.
A refund of AUD 630 on the Visa Application Charge has been announced by the Government of Australia for fully vaccinated student visa holders and working holiday visa holders who will arrive in Australia between January 19, 2022, and March 19, 2022.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs will publish a form that candidates will have to fill in to receive the refund. The form will require information such as the candidate’s name, passport, date of birth, bank account details and visa application reference number. The refund application can be submitted until December 31, 2022.
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How Migration Agents Helps you?
Visa holders should have detailed knowledge of the changes and new updates introduced in the different visa streams. If you hold a Temporary Graduate 485 visa, you should know if you are eligible for an extension or enlivening and whether you can apply for a replacement visa or not.
That’s why it is essential you get in touch with a reputed immigration firm. They can help you clarify all your doubts about the new visa updates and confirm what you are eligible for. The Immigration Agent Adelaide is one of the top-rated companies, which is a one-stop solution for all your immigration requirements.