Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa – Subclass 476
Temporary Graduate Visa Now Closed to New Applications
Temporary Graduate Visa Now Closed to New Applications
The Skilled Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476) was a temporary visa that allowed recent international graduates from selected institutions to live, work, and study in Australia for up to 18 months. It was specifically for engineering graduates who completed a minimum bachelor degree in an engineering field on the skilled occupation list from Washington Accord accredited programs.
This visa is now closed to new applications (capped from 22 December 2023 and permanently closed from 1 July 2024). Existing visa holders continue to enjoy their full visa rights until the expiry date.
Current Visa Status
Closed to New Applications
Permanently closed from 1 July 2024.
Existing Holder Rights Continue
Existing holders retain visa rights until expiry.
VEVO Status Check
Use VEVO to confirm conditions and expiry date.
Plan Your Next Visa
Explore current visa options before expiry.
Visa Overview & Status
Temporary visa for recent engineering graduates from Washington Accord accredited courses – now closed.
Visa Scope
- Temporary visa valid for up to 18 months.
- Designed for recent engineering graduates from Washington Accord accredited courses.
- Allowed full work and study rights in Australia.
- Was part of the former skilled graduate visa program.
- Mutually exclusive with the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – you cannot hold or apply for both.
- No further visa extension or subsequent entrant applications accepted after 1 July 2024.
Current Status
- Permanently closed to new applications since 1 July 2024.
- A cap was placed on applications from 22 December 2023.
- Existing holders retain full rights until their visa expires.
- No new invitations or applications are being accepted.
- Holders must leave Australia when their visa expires unless they are applied or granted another visa.
The subclass 476 visa recognised high-quality engineering and other technical qualifications from Washington Accord signatory countries and institutions. It was mutually exclusive with the subclass 485 visa, meaning graduates could only apply for one or the other. The program has now been fully closed as part of the migration reforms.
Visa Essentials
Key details and current status of the Skilled Recognised Graduate visa subclass 476.
1. Who It Was For
- Eligibility (Historical): Recent graduates within 2 years who completed a recognised engineering degree from a program accredited under the Washington Accord.
- What It Covered: Temporary stay of up to 18 months with full work and study rights. You could travel to Australia within 12 months of visa grant and the stay period of up to 18 months would start from your first arrival.
- Advantage (for Existing Holders): Valuable post-study work experience in Australia.
- Note: You could not apply for subclass 485 if you had ever held or applied for subclass 476 (and vice versa).
2. Current Requirements & Obligations
- Duration: Up to 18 months (fixed at time of grant).
- Current Status: Closed to new applications since 1 July 2024.
- What It Covers: Existing holders must comply with Australian laws and visa conditions.
- Advantage: Existing holders can continue to live, work, and study until visa expiry.
- Outcome: No new visas are being issued.
Application Process
Important update: This visa is no longer open for new applications.
Current Status Check
The Skilled Recognised Graduate visa subclass 476 is closed to new applications from 1 July 2024. No new applications or invitations are being accepted.
For Existing Holders
If you already hold this visa, check your visa expiry date and conditions using VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online). Ensure you meet all visa conditions and maintain adequate health insurance.
Next Steps
Existing holders should plan for their visa expiry and consider applying for another visa such as Student Visa (subclass 500) or Skill in Demand visa (subclass 482), where eligible. New graduates should explore current post-study work options available in Australia based on their qualifications and eligibility.
Documentation & Requirement Checklist
Key obligations and useful checks for current visa holders.
1. Personal Identification
- Valid passport (bio data page)
- Evidence of name change (if applicable)
2. Visa Details
- Visa grant letter and VEVO confirmation
- Current visa conditions and expiry date
3. Change of Circumstances
- Updated contact details (address, phone, email)
- Report any pregnancy, birth, or change in family composition
4. Health & Compliance
- Evidence of adequate health insurance while in Australia
- Compliance with all visa conditions
Use VEVO to check your visa details free of charge. Notify the Department of any changes in your personal circumstances to avoid issues with travel or visa status.
Success Strategy & Conclusion
The Skilled Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476) was a valuable temporary post-study work visa for recent engineering graduates from a Washington Accord accredited program, offering up to 18 months of full work and study rights in Australia. Although the visa is now permanently closed to new applications from 1 July 2024, existing holders continue to enjoy their full visa rights until the expiry date.
Important Note: The subclass 476 and subclass 485 visas are mutually exclusive – you cannot apply for one if you have ever held or applied for the other. If you hold a subclass 476 visa, plan for its expiry and explore current visa options, such as the Student Visa (subclass 500) or Skill in Demand (subclass 482), where eligible. Always check your visa details in VEVO and verify the latest information directly on the official Department of Home Affairs website.
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