Migration Amendment (Extension of Subclass 485 Migration Amendment (Extension of Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visa and Increase in Subclass 500 (Student) Visa Work Hours) Regulations 2023 dated 19 June 2023 amends the Migration Regulations 1994 to allow certain Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa holders an additional duration of stay in Australia and increase permitted work hours for Subclass 500 (Student) visa holders, and holders of associated bridging visas, from 40 hours to 48 hours per fortnight to allow holders of this visa to gain valuable work experience in Australia and contribute to Australia’s workforce needs.
From 1 July 2023, the stay in Australia for subclass 485 holders with select degrees as specified in a legislative instrument (to be reviewed on annual basis) including science, medicine, health care, engineering and technology will be increased by two years.
- two years to four years for select Bachelor degrees
- three years to five years for select Masters degrees
- four years to six years for all Doctoral degrees.
There is an exception for Hong Kong passport holders and British National (Overseas) passport holders, who are granted a PSW visa valid for five years regardless of their qualification.
For first Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) applications lodged from 1 July 2023, an additional period of two years will be added to the standard visa period. Eligible applicants applying, from 1 July 2023, for a Temporary Graduate visa in the Replacement stream, or in the Post-Study Work stream on the basis of study and residence in regional Australia, will also be granted the additional two years, if it has not been provided on a previous Temporary Graduate visa. An additional Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Study Work stream will be available at no cost, for eligible visa holders who have not previously been provided with the extended visa duration on a previous Temporary Graduate visa.
These amendments aims to support businesses across the country and help rebuild the international education sector following the pandemic. It is a practical change that will increase the availability of a well-trained and highly capable workforce to help ease current pressures.
The regulations have also increased the permitted hours of work for holders of Subclass 500 (Student) visas, and for holders of associated bridging visas, from 40 hours per fortnight to 48 hours per fortnight. This is a modest and realistic increase to the permitted hours of work, and will assist in ensuring the ongoing integrity of the overseas student program.
The instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 21 June 2023 and will commence on 1 July 2023.
To access the instrument, click here.
