Migration Update : 23 February 2023
Au Government finally gives more details regarding which qualifications and occupations graduates could be given extra 2 years for their 485 PSW Visa.
1. Only PSW applicants from 1st July 2023 will be eligible for the extended 2 years in selected qualifications.
(Please note, VET/trading qualifications graduates will not be eligible since they are applying under GW stream not PSW stream.)
2. PhD graduates no matter which area will be eligible for 2 years automatically.
no need to be in the selected subject area, so all PhD graduates and apply for 485 Visa after 1st July 2023 will be granted 6 years 485 PSW visa.
3. Detailed recognized skilled qualifications will be published based on CRICOS code before 1st July 2023 and will be reviewed annually.
4. Transitional arrangement for current 485 PSW Visa holder in selected occupations – Eligible international students whose TGV will expire between 1 September 2022 and 1 July 2023,
as well as TGV holders who remained in Australia contributing to the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be able to access a two-year Pandemic event (subclass 408).
4. Transitional arrangement for current 485 PSW Visa holder in selected occupations – Eligible international students whose TGV will expire between 1 September 2022 and 1 July 2023,
as well as TGV holders who remained in Australia contributing to the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be able to access a two-year Pandemic event (subclass 408).
5. Occupation categories will be eligible for 2 years extended 485 Visa at this stage:
Medical Professionals, Nursing and Medical Technicians, Dentistry, Veterinarian, Medical Imaging, Radiologist, Psychologist, Recovery Therapist, Optometrist, Pharmacist, Teacher, Engineer, ICT, Agriculture, Food Technologist.
6. Student Visa holders, from 1st July 2023 will be eligible to work 48 hours per fortnight.
7. What if the list of qualifications changes while I am studying?
The list of eligible qualifications will be reviewed yearly, and it is possible that qualifications will be added or removed. If you graduate with a qualification that was eligible either when you started studying or when you finished studying, or both, you will be eligible for the extension.