What is the temporary graduate subclass 485 visa extension?
On the 18th of January 2022 the Department of Home Affairs announced that from the 18th of February certain eligible Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders will have their visas extended or enlivened to 30 September 2022. If you are eligible, you should be notified directly by the Department, this extension/enlivening will occur automatically. You do not need to contact the Department.
The Australian Government designed this extension to “recognise the valuable contribution of temporary visa holders and acknowledges the disruption caused by COVID-19.”
It will allow subclass 485 visa holders who were affected by the subsequent travel restrictions due to COVID-19, to enter or remain in Australia to live and work until they can apply for and be granted a ‘replacement Temporary Graduate visa’. Applications for the COVID-19 Temporary Graduate replacement stream visa open on 1 July 2022. (See below)
Who is eligible for the subclass 485 extension?
As published by the Department of Home Affairs
To be eligible for an extension on your 485 visa, you must have held a Temporary Graduate visa on 15 December 2021, and:
- This visa expires before 30 September 2022
- The primary visa holder was in Australia at time of the visa grant
- The primary visa holder has been outside Australia for any period between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 (inclusive)
- The visa has not been cancelled since 15 December 2021
- the holder has not been granted a further substantive visa since 15 December 2021
To be eligible for visa enlivening, you must have held a Temporary Graduate visa that expired between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 inclusive, and:
- The primary visa holder was in Australia at time of grant
- The primary holder of the visa has been outside Australia for any period between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 inclusive
- the visa was not cancelled
- the visa holder has not been granted a further substantive visa.
How much does the subclass 485 extension/enlivening cost?
There is no cost associated with the extension of this visa.
Secondary applicants: The visa extension will include family members that were included in the original Temporary Graduate visa.
What is the covid 19 temporary graduate replacement stream?
From the 1st of July 2022 applications for the covid 19 replacement stream, available only for Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders impacted by the Australian covid-19 response travel restrictions. As a result of these restrictions many graduate visa holders couldn’t stay in Australia for the full length of their previous subclass 485 visa. The Morrison Government aims this replacement stream can recognise the commitment international students made to Australia.
Applicants will receive the full validity of their initial Temporary Graduate visa. Including the ability to live, study and work in Australia temporarily. However, applicants are responsible for seeking their own employment. Applicants can also include family members in their application, this applies to family members not included in the original Temporary Graduate visa as well.
Who is eligible for the covid 19 temporary graduate replacement stream?
Full application requirements are still being determined. However as of right now, to be eligible, applicants must:
- currently hold, or have held a Temporary Graduate visa that expired on or after 1 February 2020; and
- have been outside Australia at any time between 1 February 2020 and 1 December 2021
How much does the covid 19 temporary graduate replacement stream cost?
The visa costs AUD 1945for the main applicant. Other changes map applies for each family member in your application and subsequent entrants may pay the full visa application charge.（Update date：2024.07）
