SC 485 extended post study work rights and a two-year SC 408 visa for Australian international graduates.
Delivering on their promises, on 21 February 2023 the Australian government announced new arrangements under which the post-study work rights for international students, who have graduated from an Australian tertiary institution, will be extended. This is done to assist Australia’s economic recovery and address skills shortages.
From 1 July 2023, international graduates in Australia, who completed at least a bachelor level of education or higher, with eligible qualifications, will be granted an extra two years of post-study work rights on Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa.
Current settings will be increased by two years for each graduate level, from:
Existing regional and remote Australia settings will be maintained and where relevant will be eligible for the additional two years.
Eligible graduates with a valid Temporary Graduate Visa on 1 July 2023 or who apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa after 1 July 2023, will be considered for the two-year extension.
This arrangement will predominantly target the critical sectors such as health, teaching, engineering, and agriculture. The list of eligible occupations for Subclass 485 extended post study work rights will include the following titles:
| ANZSCO | Occupation title |
| 233212 | Geotechnical Engineer |
| 233611 | Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) |
| 233612 | Petroleum Engineer |
| 234912 | Metallurgist |
| 241111 | Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher |
| 254111 | Midwife |
| 254411 | Nurse Practitioner |
| 254412 | Registered Nurse (Aged Care) |
| 254413 | Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health) |
| 254414 | Registered Nurse (Community Health) |
| 254415 | Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) |
| 254416 | Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability) |
| 254417 | Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation) |
| 254418 | Registered Nurse (Medical) |
| 254421 | Registered Nurse (Medical Practice) |
| 254422 | Registered Nurse (Mental Health) |
| 254423 | Registered Nurse (Perioperative) |
| 254424 | Registered Nurse (Surgical) |
| 254425 | Registered Nurse (Paediatrics) |
| 254499 | Registered Nurses nec |
| 261112 | Systems Analyst |
| 261211 | Multimedia Specialist |
| 261212 | Web Developer |
| 261311 | Analyst Programmer |
| 261312 | Developer Programmer |
| 261313 | Software Engineer |
| 261314 | Software Tester |
| 261317 | Penetration Tester |
| 261399 | Software and Applications Programmers nec |
| 262111 | Database Administrator |
| 262114 | Cyber Governance Risk and Compliance Specialist |
| 262115 | Cyber Security Advice and Assessment Specialist |
| 262116 | Cyber Security Analyst |
| 262117 | Cyber Security Architect |
| 262118 | Cyber Security Operations Coordinator |
| 263111 | Computer Network and Systems Engineer |
| 263112 | Network Administrator |
| 263113 | Network Analyst |
| 263211 | ICT Quality Assurance Engineer |
| 263213 | ICT Systems Test Engineer |
| 121311 | Apiarist |
| 133111 | Construction Project Manager |
| 133112 | Project Builder |
| 133211 | Engineering Manager |
| 225411 | Sales Representative (Industrial Products) |
| 233111 | Chemical Engineer |
| 233112 | Materials Engineer |
| 233211 | Civil Engineer |
| 233213 | Quantity Surveyor |
| 233214 | Structural Engineer |
| 233215 | Transport Engineer |
| 233311 | Electrical Engineer |
| 233915 | Environmental Engineer |
| 233999 | Engineering Professionals nec |
| 234111 | Agricultural Consultant |
| 234114 | Agricultural Research Scientist |
| 234115 | Agronomist |
| 234212 | Food Technologist |
| 234711 | Veterinarian |
| 241213 | Primary School Teacher |
| 241411 | Secondary School Teacher |
| 241511 | Special Needs Teacher |
| 241512 | Teacher of the Hearing Impaired |
| 241513 | Teacher of the Sight Impaired |
| 241599 | Special Education Teachers nec |
| 242211 | Vocational Education Teacher / Polytechnic Teacher |
| 251211 | Medical Diagnostic Radiographer |
| 251212 | Medical Radiation Therapist |
| 251214 | Sonographer |
| 251411 | Optometrist |
| 251511 | Hospital Pharmacist |
| 251513 | Retail Pharmacist |
| 251912 | Orthotist or Prosthetist |
| 251999 | Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals nec |
| 252312 | Dentist |
| 252411 | Occupational Therapist |
| 252511 | Physiotherapist |
| 252611 | Podiatrist |
| 252712 | Speech Pathologist / Speech Language Therapist |
| 253111 | General Practitioner |
| 253112 | Resident Medical Officer |
| 253311 | Specialist Physician (General Medicine) |
| 253312 | Cardiologist |
| 253313 | Clinical Haematologist |
| 253314 | Medical Oncologist |
| 253315 | Endocrinologist |
| 253316 | Gastroenterologist |
| 253317 | Intensive Care Specialist |
| 253318 | Neurologist |
| 253321 | Paediatrician |
| 253322 | Renal Medicine Specialist |
| 253323 | Rheumatologist |
| 253324 | Thoracic Medicine Specialist |
| 253399 | Specialist Physicians nec |
| 253411 | Psychiatrist |
| 253511 | Surgeon (General) |
| 253512 | Cardiothoracic Surgeon |
| 253513 | Neurosurgeon |
| 253514 | Orthopaedic Surgeon |
| 253515 | Otorhinolaryngologist |
| 253516 | Paediatric Surgeon |
| 253517 | Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon |
| 253518 | Urologist |
| 253521 | Vascular Surgeon |
| 253911 | Dermatologist |
| 253912 | Emergency Medicine Specialist |
| 253913 | Obstetrician and Gynaecologist |
| 253914 | Ophthalmologist |
| 253915 | Pathologist |
| 253917 | Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist |
| 253999 | Medical Practitioners nec |
| 254212 | Nurse Researcher |
| 261111 | ICT Business Analyst |
| 261315 | Cyber Security Engineer |
| 261316 | Devops Engineer |
| 272311 | Clinical Psychologist |
| 272312 | Educational Psychologist |
| 272313 | Organisational Psychologist |
| 272399 | Psychologists nec |
| 411211 | Dental Hygienist |
| 411214 | Dental Therapist |
To nominate the above occupation, you will need to hold an eligible qualification. The qualifications listed in the table below are at this stage an indicative list. These qualifications are eligible for Subclass 485 extended post-study work rights.
In addition to the qualifications listed below, all doctoral graduates (AQF level 10) are eligible for an additional period of stay.
| Medical and Nursing |
| Occupation Category – Medical Professionals |
| Bachelor of Psychological Science Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) Bachelor of Health Science Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Honours) Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging) Bachelor of Health Sciences Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging (Honours) Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours) Bachelor of Medical Science Bachelor of Medical Studies Bachelor of Clinical Sciences/Doctor of Medicine Master of Speech Pathology Master of Clinical Psychology Master of Diagnostic Radiography Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis Master of Applied Psychology Master of Leadership and Management in Health Care Master of Audiology Studies Master of Research (Medicine and Health Sciences) Master of Clinical Embryology Master of Philosophy (Medicine and Health) Master of Business Psychology Master of Psychology Master of Professional Psychology Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy |
| Occupational Category: Nursing and Medical Technicians |
| Bachelor of Nursing Bachelor of Science (Nursing) Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-Registration) Bachelor of Health Science Bachelor of Nursing Science Bachelor of Health Sciences Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurses) Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry) Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) Bachelor of Nutrition Science Bachelor of Nursing Science: Graduate Entry Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science Bachelor of Health and Community Services Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies) Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science Bachelor of Public Health Bachelor of Applied Public Health Bachelor of Nursing – Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse Pathway Bachelor of Dermal Sciences Master of Public Health Master of Public Health Advanced Master of Nursing Practice Master of Nursing Master of Nursing Practice (Pre-registration) Master of Nursing International Master of Laboratory Medicine Master of Nursing Practice (Preregistration) Master of Global Public Health Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) Master of Health Science Masters of Public Health Extension Master of Nursing Science Master of Biomedical and Health Science Master of Nutrition and Population Health Master of Health and Human Services Management Master of Health Management Master of Nursing Studies Master of Dietetics Master of Nursing (Professional Studies) |
| Professional Health |
| Occupational Category: Dentistry |
| Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) Bachelor of Dental Surgery Bachelor of Dental Health Science Bachelor of Dental Science Bachelor of Oral Health Bachelor of Dental Prosthetics Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy and Hygiene) Bachelor of Dental Technology Bachelor of Dental Technology/Bachelor of Dental Prosthetics Bachelor of Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science (Oral Health Therapy) Master of Dentistry Master of Dental Public and Primary Health Master of Clinical Dentistry |
| Occupational Category: Veterinarian |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Animal and Veterinary Bioscience) Bachelor of Veterinary Technology Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences Bachelor of Veterinary Science Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing Bachelor of Science (Animal Health Major) Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Master of Philosophy (Veterinary Science) Master of Tropical Veterinary Science |
| Diagnostic |
| Occupational Category: Medical Imaging |
| Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging) Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours) Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Diagnostic Radiography) Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Radiation Therapy) Bachelor of Medical and Radiation Physics Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Nuclear Medicine) Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiations) Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy) Bachelor of Radiation Sciences Master of Diagnostic Radiography Master of Magnetic Resonance Technology Master of Medical Imaging Master of Radiopharmaceutical Science Master of Molecular Imaging Technology |
| Occupational Category: Radiologist |
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging) Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Honours) Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging (Honours) Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours) Bachelor of Medical Studies Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine Bachelor of Clinical Sciences/Doctor of Medicine Master of Diagnostic Radiography Master of Research (Medicine and Health Sciences) Master of Clinical Embryology Master of Philosophy (Medicine and Health) |
| Allied Health |
| Occupational Category: Psychologist |
| Bachelor of Psychological Science Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) Bachelor of Psychology Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) Bachelor of Science (Psychology) Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) Bachelor of Science in Chiropractic Science leading to Bachelor of Clinical Chiropractic Bachelor of Chiropractic Science Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) Bachelor of Psychological Sciences Master of Occupational Therapy Practice Master of Clinical Psychology Master of Clinical Audiology Master of Clinical Physiotherapy |
| Occupational Category: Recovery Therapist |
| Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) Bachelor of Health Science Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) (Honours) Bachelor of Physiotherapy Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Bachelor of Podiatry Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) Bachelor of Science in Chiropractic Science leading to Bachelor of Clinical Chiropractic Bachelor of Chiropractic Science Bachelor of Health Sciences Master of Occupational Therapy Master of Physiotherapy Master of Chiropractic Master of Speech Pathology Master of Physiotherapy Studies Master of Occupational Therapy Practice Master of Speech Language Pathology Master of Speech Pathology Studies Master of Clinical Audiology Master of Clinical Physiotherapy Master of Leadership and Management in Health Care Master of Rehabilitation Counselling and Mental Health Master of Physiotherapy Practice Master of Music Therapy Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Sports) Master of Audiology |
| Occupational Category: Optometrist |
| Bachelor of Vision Science Master of Optometry Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Optometry Bachelor of Medical Science (Vision Science)/Master of Optometry Master of Health Sciences (Research) Master of Clinical Optometry |
| Occupational Category: Pharmacist |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) Bachelor of Pharmacy Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science Bachelor of Pharmacy and Management Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science (Honours) Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical and Pharmaceutical) Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) and Master of Pharmacy Master of Pharmacy Master of Pharmaceutical Science Master of Good Manufacturing Practice Master of Philosophy Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) / Master of Pharmacy Practice Master of Philosophy (Pharmacy) Master of Pharmacy (Research) |
| Teaching |
| Occupational Category: Teacher |
| Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5) Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) Bachelor of Education (Honours) Bachelor of Education (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth-5/Birth-12) Bachelor of Education (Secondary: Humanities) / Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) Bachelor of Education (Primary) Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) with Bachelor of Arts Master of Education Master of Teaching Master of Teaching (Secondary) Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) Master of TESOL Master of Teaching (Birth – 5 years/Birth – 12 Years) Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary) Master of Education (Advanced) Master of Education (Special Education, Advanced) Master of Education (By Coursework) Master of Teaching (Primary) Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) Masters of Teaching (Secondary) Master of Arts (TESOL) |
| Engineering |
| Occupational Category: Engineer |
| Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Bachelor of Biomedical Science Bachelor of Medical Science Bachelor of Project Management Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) Bachelor of Science (Lab + Non-lab Based) Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Honours) Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil) Bachelor of Engineering Science Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) Master of Engineering Master of Professional Engineering Master of Engineering Science Master of Biotechnology Master of Construction Management Master of Science Master of Construction Management (Professional) Master of Engineering (Professional) Master of Engineering Management Master of Professional Engineering (Accelerated) Master of Machine Learning and Computer Vision Master of Biomedical Science Master of Engineering (Extension) Master of Engineering Science (Management) Master of Philosophy (Engineering) |
| ICT |
| Occupational Category: ICT |
| Bachelor of Information Technology Bachelor of Computer Science Bachelor of Business Information Systems Bachelor of Advanced Computing Bachelor of Networking Bachelor of Science – Computer Science Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Bachelor of Information Systems Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology Bachelor of Cyber Security Bachelor of Business Analytics Bachelor of Information Technology (Mobile Applications Development) (Standard) Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems Bachelor of Software Engineering Bachelor of Computing Science (Honours) Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Development) Bachelor of Data Science Master of Information Technology Master of Data Science Master of Business Information Systems Master of Information Systems Master of Information Technology and Systems Master of Computer Science Master of Computing Master of Business Analytics Master of Cyber Security Master of Information Technology and Master of Information Technology Management Master of Networking Master of Applied Information Technology Master of Technology (Enterprise Systems and Business Analytics) Master of Technology (Software Engineering) Master of Cybersecurity Master of Information Technology (Enterprise Management) Master of Enterprise Resource Planning Master of Computing and Innovation |
| Agriculture |
| Occupational Category: Agriculture |
| Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Biomedicine Bachelor of Biomedical Science Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies Bachelor of Agriculture Bachelor of Agricultural Science Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) Bachelor of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences Bachelor of Science (Honours) Bachelor of Science (Science) Bachelor of Environmental Science Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) Bachelor of Environmental Management (Honours) Bachelor of Marine Science Master of Environmental Science Master of Environmental Management Master of Environment Master of Biotechnology Master of Marine Biology Master of Agricultural Science Master of Science in Agriculture Master of Sustainability Master of Science (Bioinformatics) Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Master of Environment and Sustainability Master of Agricultural Sciences Master of Biotechnology (Biomedical) Master of Molecular Biology Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability |
| Occupational Category: Food Technologist |
| Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Biomedical Science Bachelor of Medical Science Bachelor of Science (Lab + Non-lab Based) Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) Bachelor of Science (Honours) Bachelor of Medical Sciences Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science Advanced (Honours) Bachelor of Science (Food Technology and Nutrition) Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science) Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science Bachelor of Biotechnology Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology Bachelor of Science (Science) Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical) Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) Master of Biotechnology Master of Science Master of Food Science and Technology Master of Biomedical Science Master of Materials Technology Master of Pharmaceutical Industry Practice Master of Research Master of Science (Food Science and Technology) Master of Biotechnology Research Extensive Master of Science (Chemistry) Master of Viticulture and Oenology Master of Laboratory Medicine Master of Wine Business Master of Medical Biotechnology (Extension) Master of Science in Biotechnology Master of Science (Professional) Master of Food Science |
If you are a former or current holder of a Temporary Graduate Visa, whose visa has or will have expired between 1 September 2022 and 1 July 2023 you may apply for an extension of your work rights using a Temporary Activity Subclass 408 COVID-19 Pandemic event visa with two years validity. This is a transitional arrangement for international graduates who wish to remain in Australia to assist with skill shortages and until the new Subclass 485 extended post study work rights commence in July 2023.
Temporary Graduate Visa holders who were in Australia throughout the pandemic period and are therefore not eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa Replacement stream, may also be eligible for the SC 408 visa with two years validity.
Prospective applicants are advised to apply no more than 90 days or less before their Temporary Graduate visa expires to be eligible for a Pandemic event visa.
Important to note that as per the Department’s advice those granted a 408 Pandemic Event visa will not be eligible to then apply separately for an extended Temporary Graduate Visa. You should consider your options carefully before you apply.
If you wish to seek migration advice regarding these new arrangements, talk with our registered migration agent today!
