18/09/2020

Migration Amendment (COVID-19 Concessions) Regulations 2020

 
Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visas amends the application requirements and visa criteria for the Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa, to assist international students, by allowing applications for this post-study visa to be made from outside Australia during a concession period. 
 
The new changes are:
 
1. If the application is made during a concession period—may be in or outside Australia when making the application, but not in immigration clearance; or otherwise—must be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when making the application.
 
2. The amendments provide former international students with the opportunity to obtain a visa to return to Australia when travel restrictions are lifted. The visa period will run from the date of entry to Australia.
 
3. Extend the period to meet the Australian Study Requirement from six months to 12 months for applicants prevented from returning to Australia due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Source: Migration-Amendment-COVID-19-concessions-Regulations-2020.pdf and Migration-Amendment-COVID-19-concessions-Regulations-2020-Explanatory-Statement.pdf