The Federal government has just announced the following immigration changes. These changes will come into effect when related legislations are implemented
- SC485 visa holders whose visas expired on or after 1 February 2020 to apply for another SC485 for the same duration as their last one. This is applicable to both onshore and offshore 485 visa holders especially those who are current offshore with an expired 485 visa.
- Those master course students can now obtain a SC485 visa valid for three years ( previously two years ), same as master’s by research students
- Time spent on online studies offshore will also be recognised towards qualifying for a SC485 visa. Previously, only studying on campus in Australia is qualified for SC485 visa.
See details of the Joint Media Release:
https://ministers.dese.gov.au/tudge/further-support-international-education-sector-and-international-students