What is a Graduate Visa and who is eligible for it?
A Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution to work, study, or live in Australia temporarily. Eligibility criteria include having completed a course within the last 6 months and holding valid health insurance.

The Migration Amendment (Graduate Visas No. 2) Regulations 2024 (F2024L01676) introduces significant changes to the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Post Higher Education Work (PHEW) stream.
These amendments, which commenced on 14 December 2024, refine the eligibility criteria to ensure the visa operates as intended following the changes introduced in the new migration strategy on 1 July 2024. For further information, you can check the Department of Home Affairs website.
Graduate Visa Key Amendments

Introduction of a defined “Degree” A clear definition of ‘degree’ is established under subregulation 2.26AC(6). This change clarifies that graduate certificates and pre-degree diplomas are not eligible qualifications for the Subclass 485 visa in specified circumstances.
Graduate Diplomas: To meet the eligibility criteria, a graduate diploma:
Must have an entry requirement of a preceding degree (485.111(a)(iv)).
Must be a related course of study commenced within the same or following academic year as the preceding degree (485.111(b)(i)-(ii)).
New PHEW Stream Study Requirements Regulation 485.231 has been amended to insert clause 1B, which specifies that applicants must meet the following:
Completed one or more degrees within 6 months prior to applying.
Degrees must:
Be from registered courses.
Have a total study duration of at least 2 academic years and completed in no less than 16 calendar months.
Be taught entirely in English.
Be undertaken while the applicant held a valid visa permitting study in Australia.
Graduate Diplomas: To meet the eligibility criteria, a graduate diploma:
Must have an entry requirement of a preceding degree (485.111(a)(iv)).
Must be a related course of study commenced within the same or following academic year as the preceding degree (485.111(b)(i)-(ii)).
Completed one or more degrees within 6 months prior to applying.
Degrees must:
Be from registered courses.
Have a total study duration of at least 2 academic years and completed in no less than 16 calendar months.
Be taught entirely in English.
Be undertaken while the applicant held a valid visa permitting study in Australia.
Decoupling from the Australian Study Requirement (ASR)These amendments separate the Subclass 485 visa from the ASR requirements, creating specific study criteria tailored for the PHEW stream.
Graduate Visas Subclass 485: Further Technical Amendments

The Migration Legislation Amendment (Graduate Visas No. 2) Instrument (LIN 24/086) introduces technical updates to LIN 24/048 and LIN 23/021 to align with the new regulations.
Amendments to LIN 24/048:
Substitution of “degrees” with “degree” for clarity.
Repeal of Paragraph 5(c): Graduate certificates are no longer considered valid qualifications under subclause 485.231(1).
Application: These amendments apply to applications lodged on or after 14 December 2024.
Amendments to LIN 23/021:
The word “and” in paragraph (a)(ii) is replaced with “or”.
Institutions specified in LIN 23/021 must now offer courses at the bachelor degree level or above to satisfy the revised requirements under subclause 485.231(2).
Substitution of “degrees” with “degree” for clarity.
Repeal of Paragraph 5(c): Graduate certificates are no longer considered valid qualifications under subclause 485.231(1).
Application: These amendments apply to applications lodged on or after 14 December 2024.
The word “and” in paragraph (a)(ii) is replaced with “or”.
Institutions specified in LIN 23/021 must now offer courses at the bachelor degree level or above to satisfy the revised requirements under subclause 485.231(2).

These changes aim to streamline the Subclass 485 visa criteria, ensuring consistency and clarity, particularly for the PHEW stream and family members. By redefining eligible qualifications, including satisfying the English language requirements and the required scores for proficiency tests, and introducing tailored study requirements, the amendments set clear expectations for applicants and educational institutions alike.
Applicants should carefully review the updated requirements and ensure all qualifications and supporting documents meet the new regulations to avoid delays or refusals.
⚖️ Migration Lawyer Ceren Guney +61 448 412 210
📚 Registered Migration Agent Feriha Guney MARN 0960690 +61 477 524 039
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Disclaimer:
This information is for general understanding only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific advice tailored to your situation, consult a registered migration agent or legal professional.
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