GSA calls on the University of Melbourne to issue letters of completion by 28th June to support international graduate students.
In April the Australian Department of Home Affairs made changes to the Temporary Graduate Work Visa (subclass 485), which included a reduction on the allowed duration of extensions. The changes come into effect from 1st July 2024.
These changes mean that international students on this visa will have a reduced amount of time they can stay in Australia post-graduation.
The university usually issues letters of completion by 5th July, however noting the changes to this visa will affect many of our graduate students, we are asking that the university issues letters of completion by 28-30th June. This will provide affected graduate students with a vital additional week to navigate the implications of the recent visa policy change.
We appreciate the attentiveness of the University of Melbourne on this matter and will be working closely with stakeholders to help deliver a positive outcome.