Fantastic news for international students and graduates in Australia! The landscape for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa has expanded, offering a significant opportunity for longer post-study work rights. This policy, officially implemented from July 1, 2023, means that thousands of courses can now unlock an extended stay in Australia.
For those already holding a 485 visa, or even if you’re just starting to plan your academic journey in Australia, grasping these updates is essential. Let’s dive into the details!
We’ve now confirmed that a remarkable 3,264 specific courses are eligible for this fantastic 485 visa extension program. This directly translates into more time for you to live, work, and gain valuable experience in Australia after graduation.
The extended stay, under this policy, adds two years to the current post-study work periods:
If you completed an eligible degree but, for some reason, didn’t automatically receive the additional two years of stay under this policy, don’t worry! The Department of Home Affairs has a solution for you.
You now have the option to apply for another Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Study Work stream at no cost (this is called a ‘nil VAC’ application, meaning ‘nil Visa Application Charge’).
With 3,264 courses, the most important step is checking if your specific qualification is on the list!
The official document, “CRICOS courses eligible for extended post-study work rights (June 2023),” is your go-to resource.
Click here to download the complete list of eligible courses (F2023L00916).
While the full list linked above is definitive, here are the broad categories of courses that are particularly focused on these extended post-study work rights. These are generally high-demand fields that contribute to Australia’s skilled workforce, giving you an idea of the sectors where your qualification might lead to a longer stay:
Category | Description |
Engineering | Encompasses disciplines focused on the design, construction, and maintenance of structures, machines, systems, and processes. Includes civil, mechanical, electrical, software, and other specialized engineering fields critical for infrastructure and innovation. |
ICT | Covers Information and Communication Technology, including fields related to computer systems, software development, data science, cybersecurity, network administration, and digital media, crucial for the modern digital economy. |
Medical and Nursing | Pertains to direct patient care, health diagnosis, treatment, and public health initiatives. This includes qualifications for registered nurses, doctors, medical scientists, and other core healthcare professionals vital for community well-being. |
Allied Health | A diverse group of healthcare professions distinct from medicine and nursing, offering diagnostic, technical, therapeutic, and support services. Examples include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, and dietetics. |
Agriculture | Focuses on the science and practice of farming, food production, animal husbandry, horticulture, and sustainable land management. This category addresses the critical needs of Australia’s agricultural sector and food security. |
Teaching | Involves the education and instruction of students across all levels, from early childhood to tertiary. Programs in this category prepare professionals for roles in schools, universities, and other educational institutions, addressing critical skills shortages in education. |
Professional Health | Often refers to highly specialized health disciplines requiring advanced qualifications, sometimes focusing on specific areas like dental science, veterinary science, or public health management, which play a crucial role in broader health outcomes and animal welfare |
Diagnostic | Encompasses fields dedicated to identifying diseases and conditions through various scientific and technical methods. This includes medical radiation science (radiography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy), laboratory medicine, and other diagnostic imaging or pathology services. |
Other | This is a broader category that includes various eligible Doctoral degrees (regardless of specific field, as all PhDs qualify for the extension), and certain other Bachelor’s or Master’s programs that might not fit precisely into the more specialized categories above but are still recognized for contributing to Australia’s skilled workforce needs. This reflects the diverse range of skills needed across the economy |
This 485-visa extension is a significant opportunity to build your career and future in Australia. Take advantage of it by checking your eligibility, understanding the process, and making your move.
Don’t miss out on gaining those crucial extra years of post-study work experience. Check the list today and plan your next step!
