OSHCstudents-As of July 1, 2024, the maximum eligible age for 485 visa applicants will reduce to 35 years of age or under.
The Australian Government is set to implement significant changes to the Temporary Graduate visa programs, effective July 1, 2024, subject to legislative amendments. These changes, outlined in the recent Migration Strategy, aim to streamline the visa application process and ensure alignment with Australia’s evolving economic needs.

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (Formerly Graduate Work Stream)
- New Age Limit: One of the key adjustments is the reduction of the age cap for applicants to 35 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: To qualify, applicants must hold an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification relevant to an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Applicants with a degree level qualification or higher are redirected to apply through the Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
- Visa Duration: Successful applicants can now stay for up to 18 months under this stream.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream (Formerly Post-Study Work Stream)
- New Age Limit: Similarly, the age limit for general applicants under this stream has been adjusted to 35 years. This change also applies to Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders.
- Stay Periods Adjusted: The duration of stay varies according to the level of qualification attained:
- Bachelor degrees: up to 2 years
- Masters (coursework and extended): up to 2 years
- Masters (research) and PhD: up to 3 years
- Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (Formerly Second Post-Study Work Stream)
The Replacement Stream, which previously served as an alternative, will be discontinued from July 2024. These adjustments signify a strategic move by the Australian Government to optimize the Temporary Graduate visa programs in line with current economic trends. Applicants and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about these changes and prepare accordingly for their visa applications.
If you are international students, foreigners arriving to Australia, or Australian citizens traveling abroad looking for OSHC, OVHC, travel insurance, please contact OSHCstudents Team at email: info@oshcstudents.com and our partners for further information and assistance.
OSHCstudents Team