In March 2020, the Australian Government closed its borders to non-Australian permanent residents and citizens in an effort to minimise the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). This impacted may temporary visa holders caught outside Australia at the time, including the international student community who were unable to complete their studies within the required timeframe or lodge a Graduate 485 visa.

Today, the Australian Government announced they would make significant changes to the Student and Graduate 485 programs to encourage the return of international students and give provisions to those forced to remain offshore as a result of COVID-19, impacting their eligibility for the Graduate 485 visa.

Graduate 485 (Post-Study) Visa Applicants

• Student visa holders caught offshore as a result of COVID-19, and who continued their studies online, may count that study period towards the Australian Study Requirements

• Student visa holders who completed their studies but, were unable to return to Australia due to COVID-19 will now be eligible to apply for their 485 post-study visa from outside Australia

Student Visa Holders and Applicants

• The Department of Home Affairs will recommence the processing of student visa applications so that successful offshore visa holders are ready to travel when the Australian borders re-open

• International students who, due to COVID-19, were unable to complete their studies before the expiration date of their initial student visa will be able to lode another student visa application free of charge

English Language Provisions

• Additional time will be given to provide English language test results if COVID-19 has impacted their access to these services - UPDATE on August 2020: the Department made further changes to this policy which now requires applicants to provide evidence of having sat an English test prior to making their 485 application
  

Conclusion

International students contribute at least AUD40bil per annum to Australia's economy and support more than 250,000 Australian jobs so, these announcements are a positive step forward for both the Australian local and international student communities.

Further details surrounding these changes are yet to be provided and legislated by the Australian Government.

Please contact Astra Australia Immigration to discuss further.