Proposed changes to the Temporary Graduate visa program in Australia have been announced by the government. These changes are expected to take effect from 1 July 2024, pending legislative amendments. Here is a summary of the proposed changes:
1. Graduate Work stream:
- Renamed as the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
- Maximum eligible age reduced to 35 years or under, except for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders who can be up to 50 years old.
- Applicants must hold an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification closely related to their nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Applicants with a degree level qualification or higher will no longer be eligible for this stream and must apply through the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
- Stay period remains up to 18 months, except for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders who may stay for up to 5 years.
2. Post-Study Work stream:
- Renamed as the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
- Maximum eligible age reduced to 35 years or under, except for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders who can be up to 50 years old.
- The ‘select degree’ 2-year extension will no longer be available.
- Stay periods vary based on the level of education achieved: up to 2 years for bachelor’s degree, up to 2 years for masters (coursework and extended), and up to 3 years for masters (research) and doctoral degrees (PhD).
- Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for up to 5 years.
- Indian nationals’ stay periods will follow the terms of the Australian Indian – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA).
3. Second Post-Study Work stream:
- Renamed as the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
- No other changes to this stream.
4. Replacement stream:
- The Replacement stream will be discontinued.