New Requirments For The Temporary Graduate Visa

Coming into effect on the 18th April 2015 are the new changes to the Subclass 485 Graduate Temporary, specifically to the English language and health requirements. If you are currently studying in an Australian education institution or are planning to, you will need to know what is new if you hope to stay on to work in the country.

The Temporary Graduate Visa, Subclass 485 allows those who recently graduated from an Australian education institution to temporary work after completing your studies.

Health Requirements

From the 18th April 2015, the requirement for applicants for the 485 visa to show evidence that they have arranged to undertake medicals at lodgement will be removed. With this change it means that those lodging an application are able to make their medical arrangements after the application.

Changes To English Language Requirements

The proposed changes to the English Language requirements will have an effect on the 18 month Graduate Work stream and also the Post Study Work Visa. In addition, the Skilled Recognised Graduate Subclass 467 Visa will be affected by the changes.

The changes will see the requirement defined by a specific legislative instrument rather than using the definition of competent English.

Currently, to meet the requirements for English Language needs an applicant can just show that they are the holder of a passport from certain countries. Also, proving that you have passed an English test is enough to meet the requirements. However, the IELTS test is the most common method used but, those undertaking the test need to score 6 in each band.