Changes to Australia's 485 Post-Study Visa for Two-Year Extension

This blog entry is meant for overseas students studying in Australia. We know how difficult it may be to navigate visa laws and how important it is to stay current. Updates about the 485 two-year extension of post-study work rights are covered in this post.

Inaugurated in July 2023, the two-year extension will end in mid-2024. Thus, international graduates cannot renew their Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) for an extra two years if they finish their studies after mid-2024. The Australian government considered the Migration Strategy’s modifications and the country’s changing economic conditions before making this choice.

If you are a foreign student who graduated before July 2023: You are not impacted by this change, and you might be qualified for the two-year extension if you fit specific requirements.

If you are currently studying abroad in Australia or plan to do so in the future: Should you graduate after the middle of 2024, you will not be qualified for the two-year extension. Your post-study work rights are still in effect for two to four years, depending on your selected course and area.

Even though the two-year extension is ending, overseas students can still choose to remain in Australia after graduation:

Subclass 485 Standard Temporary Graduate Visa: Grants post-study employment rights for two to four years. Permanent Residency Pathways: International students may be eligible for different pathways based on qualifications and experience.

The recent modification of the two-year extension program has changed the environment for foreign graduates in Australia. However, there are still many other options to prolong your stay and contribute to the Australian workforce. Book a consultation at Migrate Zone to seek detailed guidance and explore visa options further.