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A lot of people dream of living and working in Australia. Most of their wishes have been fulfilled by the 485 visa that allows them to find jobs after finishing their degrees right here in the country. With this visa, one can reside, hustle, and study for a fixed duration, and it is the gateway to permanent residency. Due to a shortage of skilled Australians, the government has planned to provide an extension of the TSS visa that allows foreigners to be recruited in fields where there is a scarcity of skilled sons of the soil. So, it is great news for those who want to start their professional career down under.
In this article, we will provide you with all the details that you need to know about the new extension feature of the subclass 485 Visa extension.
It enables international students to reside in Australia after finishing their degrees, find a job in their relevant field, and gather some much-needed experience. The 485 visa typically grants a time frame of something between two to four years, based on the degree.
Significant amendments have been made to this visa, ranging from age requirements, English levels, and degree type. It is of utmost importance to understand them clearly before applying for the 485 visa.
The names of the three streams of this visa have been changed since July 2024. They are:
[1] The Graduate Work stream is transformed into the Post-vocational Education Work Stream
[2] The study Work Stream has been changed into the Post-Higher Education Work Stream and
[3] The second Post-Study Work Stream has been renamed into the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
Due to a sizeable shortage of Australians with suitable skills for particular sectors, the country’s government planned for a 485 visa extension from July 2023. This would allow employers to employ non-Australians with the necessary skills and expertise temporarily in sectors where there is a shortage of skilled Aussies.
This temporary graduate visa extension is a 2 years add-on that is valid for budding professionals who have finished a relevant degree from a registered and recognised Australian educational institution. After completion of certain selected programmes, if students apply for the post-higher education work stream of the 485 visa, then they will be eligible for an extension of 2 years. They have to apply for an extension since it won’t be automatic. In simpler terms,
[1] Certain bachelor’s degrees extend from 2 to 4 years.
[2] Selective master’s degrees extend from 3 to 5 years.
[3] All Doctoral degrees extend from 4 to 6 years.
Certain and selective bachelor’s and master’s degrees refer to degrees relating to IT, medicine and engineering where there is a genuine shortage of skilled professionals. Moreover, the visa 485 extension is also valid for first-time applicants in other streams starting July 1, 2023.
Several factors have to be fulfilled as a part of the 485 visa extension eligibility. They are as follows:
Applicants must submit their valid passport, documents for identification, the original visa subclass 485 (not applicable for first-time applicants), and the check issued by the federal police in the last 12 months. An up-to-date health insurance statement must also be provided that covers your entire duration of residence in Australia.
As of today, the visa 485 extension is free of cost. However, interested individuals have to apply for the extension separately since it is not automated. The same documents needed for the visa will be required here, too, along with a new AFP check and the latest and updated policy papers from your health insurance provider. Since you have already undergone an English test and medical checks for the 485 visa, you do not need to re-do them once again to be able to apply for the extension.
The steps that you need to follow to apply for the extension are as follows:
The 485 visa extension update is usually issued within 3 months. However, based on the volume of applications, the duration can be extended. Remember that you can apply for the extension only once.
With subclass 485 coupled with a two-year add-on, you can kickstart your career in Australia and inch closer towards permanent residency. Gaining experience in your field of expertise here in Australia will add significant value to your professional life and will be the perfect building block for a successful work life.
Visa regulations are challenging, mainly if unexpected changes arise, which is common in the migration scenario. With Migration Agents Adelaide, you get the best assistance that gets you through the visa application process – from simple adjustments to major amendments to ensure a seamless journey in your visa endeavour.
