Australian Immigration News 27th April. The New Points Test is coming soon! & 485 Visa Age Disaster

Changes to the Points Test are on their way and could be in place by July at the earliest or later in the year.
From the 1st of July, significant 485 visa changes will occur, including the 35-year-old age cut-off and new names for the two most popular streams.

The 485 visa durations will also change;
Stay periods will change to the following:
Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years
Masters (coursework and extended) – up to 2 years
Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) – up to 3 years.

Indian Nationals have access to the following periods;
Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years
Bachelor degree (with first class honours in STEM, including ICT) – up to 3 years
Masters (coursework, extended and research) – up to 3 years
Doctoral degrees (PhD) – up to 4 years.

The Points Test Discussion Paper can be found here;

You can also share your thoughts with the government by filling out the Submission Form.

Australian Immigration Law Services is based in Sydney and provides visa and related services. Karl Konrad, our Founder, has over 25 years of experience and leads a team of MARA-registered migration specialists. Our team provides honest and accurate advice.

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The information provided is a general guide and does not constitute legal or immigration advice; there are many regulations that may apply depending on each individual’s circumstances alongside changes in the industry. It is the user's responsibility to verify the currency of information. Those seeking advice should engage a MARA-registered migration agent.

[ummis]

I am an international student over 35 years of age and will be completing my studies on December. I am devastated by this announcement from the govt regarding reduction of age limit for 485 visa

[yuchanellia]

Karl, thank you for sharing your video. After watching it, I felt compelled to express my concerns by posting a review on the official website regarding the point test. As a mature postgraduate student over 35, currently studying in a remote area of WA, I've been struggling with overwhelming feelings these days. "Disgusting" perfectly captures my sentiments towards this Home Affairs Minister's policy. Why do they insist on blaming immigrants for economic and social issues? Australia is an immigrant country, and that's something to be proud of. Politicians should celebrate those who choose to move to Australia. It means Australia is a desirable place to live, attracting people from around the world. Australia should welcome immigrants with open arms, not restrict them. Why reduce the number of immigrants or cut study visa offers? Are they blind to the fact that population growth is a boon, not a burden? Imagine a world without immigrants—no one to deliver food or build houses. How does that sound? Perhaps politicians are chasing votes by scapegoating immigrants. It's easier to blame them than to tackle real issues. It's time for a change in mindset. Let's recognize immigrants as contributors to Australia's success and create a more inclusive society.

[Skaur]

Everybody out there let’s say our point on submission form atleast give a try so that our voices be heard. We are studying STEM in Level 1 universities we are not that dumb.

[mozeeen]

This is shouldn't be applied to the current students because it is unfair.

[DinaGavreel-nq]

I am turning 36 in June and I have one more semester to go😢 I don’t feel like paying such a huge amount of money for nothing!! completely lost and feeling used by this government.

[a.k.prajapati]

No word for the incredible work you are doing, More than Thank you to you Karl!

[CesaR-nqqq]

How to trust someone who does not keep their promises. We need a trustworthy goverment. We need a change!!!

[samundrakc]

I was very happy when labour was elected thought it would be easy but infact made it more harder than liberal

[ExploreHub_Vibes]

Thank you for your support Karl.
For me, it seems like more political than Australian future because this are the people who cried during covid to fill their labour market not “skill market” and gave student unlimited hours to work and that time their study didn’t affect. Moreover, within a year of time they changed TR visa back to 2 years which shows that they don’t want to focus on building new homes, but cutting down the migration numbers.

[van]

i strongly agree to delete the PY and community language points. Its doesnt provide values to Australian labour market, also its very unfair which favour only certain occupations like engineering and accounting. Most of my friends i knew who studied accounting get a very high marks and got PR for years without working in the related industry, this proven a wrong direction. It more related to the beneficial chain of education business in Australia that no politician dare to touch.

[hashw]

Hi Karl, thank you the video and explanation.. what a sad news today

[helenasuemartin]

I’m a 38 yr old women from the USA, currently studying carpentry. If the age limit for the 485 visa is reduced to 35, I will no longer eligible.
Living in Australia is a privilege, and I knew when I started school that there was no guarantee I could stay. However, I hope the Department of Home affairs will reconsider those of us who started our schooling before this change took effect. I'm not looking for a handout, just a chance to contribute to this wonderful country long term.

[aaa]

That shit py. Wasted my 1 year. Teachers who taught me were less qualified than me.

[kovilpoom]

Im International student, 44 year old.I have 80, 000aud loan spent only for Australian education. If i didn't study here that 150000Aud will be in saving account. THIS IS REAL CHEAT FROM AUSTRALIAN GOVT PLEASE DON'T REDUCR THE AGE FOR 485.PLEASE.

[CSRSTMRCAG]

All most all the PhD students recieve full scholarahip with a stipend. After investing such a huge amount on the PhD's the goverment ask them to leave just because they are 35. How stupid of the policy makers. This clearly shows their level of knowledge. What actually should happen is to ask the PhDs to serve for the country. Being a highly skilled person I have recieved scholarships from US, Canada, NZ and Japan and selected Australia over them. Unfortunately I now deeply regret that decision. I would have never selected Australia if I knew something like this would happen

[sarah]

We should take the government to the court

[laveshvyas]

They again changed the timeline of 190 visa grants from 12 months to 15 months ….. It was to difficult to complete the 12 months time and now this extra months. Seems like government don't want to grant visa in this financial year or they are waiting for some frustrated applicant to back out!!! Our all future and financial plans are got stuck waiting for this grants.

[tsolmonbatbayar]

I enrolled in 2022 and my studies will finish on October 2024 and by that time i'll be 37. Even I'll have my certificate which is listed on MLTSSL, this age limit rule is jeopardizing all my plans. All those effort, time, and money is for nothing. I've tried to find an alternate option, but nothing like 485. There is 482, but 485 is the main BRIDGE to gain experience while on 485 and then APPLY for 482. I'm disappointed and devastated by this new rule. The govt also didn't mention anything about what's going to happen to students who are currently enrolled. They should at least introduce a transition for people who are affected similar as this case. In 2022, there was nothing about changing the system but pathway to PR, and then when people were trying to cross, they just destroyed the pathway. Not so cool😮‍💨

[rl]

I am in my second year of PhD. Will turn 35 next year and will finish my PhD right before I turn 36. So I will get kicked out from the country after I finish? I can't even have the opportunity to get a work experience?
If I knew I will get kicked out, I will not choose Australia to get my PhD.. How is this even fair?

[sonamchoki]

It is indeed a very sad & inhuman decision. I am here with my family comprising of 3 kids after investing so much here. I feel cheated and deceived by the govt for playing with our lives. What we appeal is just 2/3 years of working visa so that we recover our investment and have something to take back home.