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Have you already planned your future around a few rules, only to find them suddenly reversed? We understand that it can be a real shocker! Well, for many international graduates eyeing Australia as their gateway to new to career opportunities, this has become an all-too-familiar scenario.
In a very surprising and unannounced move, the Australian government has made significant changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), affecting the stay period for graduates in the Graduate Work stream.
What does this imply for future professionals everywhere? As a result, we decided to reveal all the most current effects of this decision in this extensive blog as we examine the most recent events and their effects. We also look at what international students and graduates need to know to navigate these uncertain waters!
Understanding The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
To understand this move, let’s first understand what the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) entails. This visa is a major pathway for international graduates who have completed their studies in Australia and now wish to gain valuable experience in the country.
It offers an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies to the Australian workforce. This benefits the graduates and also contributes to the Australian economy and workforce diversity.
The Lifeline Of The Extended Stay Period
In response to the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian government introduced a lifeline for international graduates.
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) applicants who lodged their applications on or before September 2, 2023, were granted an extended stay period of 24 months, up from the standard 18 months. This extension was seen as a ray of hope for many graduates who faced uncertainties in securing job opportunities during the pandemic.
Also Read : Citizenship Processing Time Australia in 2023
The Sudden Reversal
However, just as international graduates were starting to plan their careers and futures based on this extended stay period, the Australian government made a sudden and unexpected move.
Without any prior notice or official announcement, the stay period was reverted to the standard 18 months. This abrupt change has left many graduates in a state of shock and confusion.
Impact On International Graduates
Speaking about the impact of this move, well this reversal cannot be overstated! International graduates who have based their career plans on the extended period now find themselves in a shaky situation.
Job searches, career aspirations, and personal lives are all thrown into turmoil. The abruptness of the change has created a sense of instability among those affected.
Broader Immigration Policy Shift
The change in the stay period for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) isn’t happening all by itself; it’s part of a bigger plan to adjust how Australia lets people come into the country. Something similar was done with a visa named the 408 visa, which people often called the “COVID visa.”
The goal was to make the visa system simpler and easier to manage, but this change has also made things more confusing and difficult for students from other countries who want to study and work in Australia after they graduate.
Need For Clearer And Predictable Visa Policies
The impact of these changes is going to be evident, and the natural question of the need for clearer and more predictable visa policies is going to arise. International students and graduates invest significant time, effort, and resources in pursuing education in Australia.
They deserve transparency and stability in the visa policies that govern their future in the country. This sudden shift in policy has highlighted the importance of such clarity.
Exploring Alternatives: Second Post-Study Work Stream Visa
This news has created a sense of uncertainty among the Indian graduates in Australia and it’s worth exploring alternatives for them as they are determined to build their careers in Australia.
One such provision is the opportunity to apply for a second Post Study Work stream visa. But this option also comes with specific requirements. To qualify, individuals must live, work, and/or study in a regional area while holding their first post-study work visa.
It is granted based on a degree or higher from an Australian institution located in a regional area. This pathway offers a glimmer of hope for those looking to secure their future in Australia despite the shifting sands of visa policies.
What Should The Indian’s Graduates Do?
Many professionals and students globally come to Australia and see it as a land of opportunities. And then the country benefits immensely from their contributions. However, for everyone’s best interest, the visa policies need to be clear, stable, and considerate of the aspirations of these talented individuals.
Now as the policies shift, Indian students in Australia must explore alternative pathways, such as the second Post Study Work stream visa, to secure their place in the Australian workforce. Though the road may be bumpy, the determination and skills of these graduates will undoubtedly contribute to Australia’s growth and prosperity in the long run.
The message for International graduates is clear: stay informed, adapt to changes, and continue to pursue your dreams with unwavering resilience. Australia, with its rich diversity and opportunities, remains a land of promise, and your contribution to its future is invaluable.
CONCLUSION:
Without a doubt, the recent changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) in Australia have created a sense of unpredictability and confusion among international graduates. Such an abrupt reversal of the extended stay period highlights the importance of staying informed and adaptable in an ever-changing immigration landscape. While the path ahead may be uncertain, international graduates must approach these challenges with resilience and determination.
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