Visa Options If You’re Over 35 and Can’t Apply for the 485 Visa

If you're an international student in Australia who just turned 35, or is about to, you may be feeling uncertain about your future, especially with the recent changes to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). For years, TR-485 visa served as a bridge between graduation and gaining full-time work rights or permanent residency. 

But as of 1 July 2024, this option is no longer available to most applicants aged 36 or older. The age cap has dropped, and unless you fall under a limited set of exemptions, the door to TR- 485 visa is now closed once you pass your 36th birthday. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean your options are over. Below, we’ll walk you through the most realistic options available for onshore students in your position!

What Changed in July 2024: Age Limit for the 485 Visa

As of 1 July 2024, the Australian Government has made key changes to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), affecting thousands of international students:

• New age limit: 35 years or younger

• You must apply before your 36th birthday

• Exceptions:

  • Graduates of a Master by Research or PhD

  • Holders of Hong Kong SAR or British National Overseas (BNO) passports

• English requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall (min 5.5 in each band)

• You may no longer switch from a 485 visa back to a student visa

Option 1: Subclass 407 Training Visa

The 407 visa is a great short-term option if you want to gain practical skills while staying employed in Australia.

What it Offers:

• Stay in Australia for up to 2 years

• Full-time work rights for the primary applicant

• Partner can only work part-time (40 hours per fortnight)

• Requires a detailed training plan and a willing employer sponsor

• Typical processing time: 6 to 12 months

This option is suitable if you can find an employer willing to support you through a structured workplace-based training program. While it doesn’t lead directly to permanent residency, it helps you gain local work experience that may be useful for future visas like the 482 or skilled migration.

Option 2: Master by Research or PhD

If you are academically inclined and committed to long-term study, completing a Master by Research or PhD can re-open the door to TR-485 visa, even if you are over 35.

Key Benefits:

• Still eligible for the 485 visa if under 50 years old

• Exempt from the standard age restriction

• Allows you to extend your stay and gain post-study work rights

• Often valued by state nomination programs for PR pathways

However, these programs are research-intensive and demand a high level of academic commitment. This pathway is only recommended if you’re serious about research and have the capacity to meet the academic expectations.

Option 3: General Skilled Migration (189, 190, 491)

Skilled migration remains a viable option for applicants over 35, especially if you can build up a competitive points score and secure a skills assessment in a high-demand occupation.

What You’ll Need:

• A positive skills assessment

• Strong English test scores (IELTS, PTE, etc.)

• High points for age, qualifications, experience, and English

• Willingness to relocate or target state/territory nominations

• Understanding of each state’s offshore/onshore occupation list policies

This pathway can lead to permanent residency without needing employer sponsorship, but it’s highly competitive and time-sensitive. Many states only run a few invitation rounds each year, so strategic planning is essential.

Option 4: Employer Sponsorship (Subclass 482)

If you’re already working in a skilled occupation related to your studies, and your employer is supportive, the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is a strong option.

Key Features:

• Must have at least 1 year of full-time, post-qualification work experience

• Employer must nominate you in a job on the Core Skills Occupation List

• May require a skills assessment or license, depending on your occupation

• Offers full-time work rights

• Potential PR pathway via the Subclass 186 visa after 2 years

The 482 is one of the more direct and stable pathways to PR if you can meet the experience and sponsorship criteria. You don’t necessarily have to stay with the same employer long-term under current rules, which offers some flexibility.

Visa Options If You’re Over 35

While the reduced age limit on the TR-485 visa has closed the door for many international students, it doesn’t mean your journey in Australia has to end. Whether you pursue a 407 training visa, undertake postgraduate research, explore employer sponsorship, or aim for skilled migration, the key is to act early and choose a strategy that aligns with your experience and long-term goals.

At RACC Australia, we specialise in guiding onshore international students through these complex transitions. With migration laws frequently changing, professional advice can make the difference between staying in Australia or having to leave. Book a free consultation with our team today to explore the best option for your situation and secure your future in Australia.

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