Key Points
- The age limit for temporary graduate visa 485 applicants is now capped at 35, a limit which started in July this year.
- International students in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra simultaneously held a Vigil of Hope protest on Friday, October 11 calling on the government for a fair transition period amid ongoing concerns over visa policies.
- The recent policy change will affect approximately 20,000 international students in Australia, many of whom face limited options and may be forced to return to their home countries once their visas expire.
Recent changes to the Temporary Graduate (485) visa in Australia have raised concerns among international students, particularly those nearing the completion of their studies.
The 485 visa allows eligible graduates to stay in Australia temporarily to gain work experience, but new regulations could limit the duration and eligibility criteria, leaving many students anxious about their future.
As a speaker during the Vigil of Hope protests, JC Coca has become a vocal representative for the concerns of his peers, highlighting the need for fair treatment and support for students aged 35 and above.
Under the revised policy, the age cap has been adjusted, impacting students over 35 years old who may now find themselves ineligible for the visa.
Vigil of Hope
On Friday, October 11, international students across Australia held a Vigil of Hope to protest recent changes to the Temporary Graduate (485) visa. The changes, which include an age cap of 35, are expected to impact approximately 20,000 students studying in the country.
The protests took place in major cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra, with participants demanding a fair transition period.
JC Coca, a speaker at the event, stressed the need for support.
We don’t deserve to be singled out because of our age! Australia, you need us! You need my skills!JC Coca, Student
Therecently announced that as of mid-2024, Australia has officially ended the provision granting international graduates an additional two years on their Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This move has also raised concerns among students who anticipated the 485 visa would provide them with essential work experience in Australia.
Emme David, an environmental consultant, expressed frustration over the changes, noting that she expected to gain practical experience in her field. "We were led to believe that we could work here with the 485 visa for at least 2-3 years," she said.
She also fears being compelled to return to her home country once her visa expires. "Given my age, I am now ineligible for other visa options," she explained. "My hope was to gain practical experience through the 485 policy. If things don’t improve, we may have no choice but to return to the Philippines."
Gautum Khanna, an international student from India, is calling to invoke the grandfathering clause that would protect those who arrived before the announcement from the new rules. Photo by James Packer
Gautum Khanna, an international student from India, emphasised his desire for a grandfathering clause, which would allow students who arrived before the announcement to be exempt from the new regulations. "I’m not against the reduction of age to 35, but we came here before this was all announced. We should be exempt from this change," he shared.
Supporters from various organisations, including Migrante and the Promotion of Church People’s Response, joined the vigil to advocate for the students' rights. Father Meng Barawid of PCPR stated, "We need to fight for the dignity and rights of these individuals."
The protesting students have vowed to continue their efforts until their concerns are addressed by the government, seeking clearer policies and support for international students facing uncertainty in their futures in Australia.
