Urgent Need for Timely Completion: A Message for University of Sydney Graduates

On 25 April 2024, the Australian Department of Home Affairs officially announced reductions in the visa duration for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), effective from 1 July 2024. These changes, which include a strict cut-off date without exceptions, will have a significant impact on the international student body scheduled to graduate in early 2024. This adjustment affects students across eight major occupational categories and more than 140 courses at the University of Sydney.

Previously eligible degrees listed on this site "https://www.education.gov.au/extended-poststudy-work-rights-international-graduates/resources/cricos-courses-eligible-extended-poststudy-work-rights" will no longer receive a 2-year extension visa. Additionally, the duration of the base 485 visa for master's degrees has been reduced from 3 to 2 years. Consequently, most students will face a drastic reduction of 3 years in their visa length due to a slight timing difference of merely 4 days, as the University of Sydney officially releases results on 5 July 2024. Your attention and assistance are crucial!

We demand:

The establishment of a special application channel that ensures the prompt processing of completion letters for all affected students, ideally before COB on 28 June 2024. All results will be progressively released by 3 PM on Friday, 28 June, as stated on the university's website.

Other Australian universities, such as ANU, CDU, UQ, and UNSW, are releasing results and issuing completion letters just a few days before 1 July. Notably, CDU and some faculties at ANU have responded to petitions from their students by making adjustments that allow affected students to receive their letters of completion earlier, qualifying them for the visa terms under the previous policy. Since we are all similar international students, from similar backgrounds, studying similar programs, and having started our studies at the same time, we, the students of the University of Sydney, deserve equitable treatment.

Without action from our university, there will be a significant disparity, putting our graduates at a great disadvantage. This not only adversely affects our future career paths and life trajectories but also poses potential long-term impacts on the University’s employability outcomes, alumni impacts, reputation, and overall sustainability.

Why is this important?
The post-graduate visa is crucial for international graduates seeking career opportunities in Australia. A shortened visa duration would undoubtedly undermine our competitiveness in the job market. The 485 visa also serves as a stepping stone for those planning to apply for subsequent visas, the application difficulty of which is now significantly increased. Further reducing the visa duration makes future applications nearly impossible.

Millions of diligent students like us have invested substantial effort, time, and money in this country to secure our futures. This policy change has deeply affected us, and we refuse to give up.

The University of Sydney has always been committed to enhancing the employability and success of its graduates. We are hopeful that the University will support its students through this challenging transition. Given the precedent set by other institutions and considering the similar circumstances faced by our peer group, we believe our request is reasonable and aligns with the University's commitment to student welfare and success.