Overview
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a temporary visa for international students who are graduates of an Australian institute. By having this visa, an international student can stay, work, and/or undertake further studies in Australia. The Temporary Graduate Visa has two streams which the student can apply for. These include the Graduate Work Stream, and the Post-Study Work Stream. Both streams have different requirements. Thus, it is important to check the correct stream before you apply for your visa.
Updates – Visa Extension Eligibility
From 1 July 2023, Post-Study Work stream applicants with a select degree from specific universities are eligible for an extended 2 years on their visa.Post-study work rights for eligible graduates will be increased from:
• Two years to four years for eligible Bachelor degrees
• Three years to five years for eligible Masters degrees
• Four years to six years for all doctoral qualifications.
Want to find out if your degree is eligible? Click the link below:
Who can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa?
In order to qualify for a Temporary Graduate Visa, you must:
- Be under 50 years of age
- Have held a student visa in the last 6 months
- Have completed your study in the last 6 months
- Meet the Australian Study requirements
- Meet the English requirements
- Provide evidence of adequate health insurance
- Meet the character requirements
Graduate Visa Subclass 485
The 485 graduate visa serves as a beacon of opportunity for international students who have recently graduated from Australian institutions. This visa provides a wonderful chance to extend their stay and gain valuable work experience in Australia. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the 485 Graduate Visa, from application steps to potential pathways for extending your stay in Australia.
Understanding the Graduate Visa 485
The Temporary Graduate Visa 485 allows international students who have recently graduated from Australian universities to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. There are two streams available: the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study Work stream, each with its specific eligibility criteria, which include qualifications, age, and study requirements.
Benefits of the Graduate Visa 485
Holders of the Australia post graduate visa enjoy several benefits. Primarily, it allows graduates to stay in Australia to gain post-study work experience, which can be crucial for applying for skilled work visas later on. Additionally, visa holders may qualify for further visa options leading to permanent residency, depending on their professional and personal circumstances.
Application Process for the 485 Visa
To apply for a graduate visa extension, applicants must first ensure they meet all the criteria, including completion of an eligible qualification within the last six months. The process involves preparing and submitting a detailed application, complete with all necessary supporting documents, such as academic transcripts, passport photographs, and evidence of English language proficiency.
Extending Your 485 Visa in Australia
If you’re looking to extend your stay under the 485 visa, you’ll need to be aware of the conditions and timings for applying for an 485 visa Australia extension. Extensions may be available depending on the stream of your original visa and your circumstances.
The Role of Temporary Visa Extensions
In the context of the 485 graduate visa, temporary visa extension options are vital for those who are seeking to extend their stay for reasons such as further training or a delayed entry into the workforce. These extensions can provide crucial additional time for visa holders to complete their professional objectives.
Work Rights and Restrictions
Under the temporary graduate visa 485, holders are entitled to work in Australia with no restrictions on the number of hours. However, this freedom comes with the responsibility to maintain the visa’s conditions and ensure all work activities are legal and declared.
Study Options with the Graduate Visa 485
While the primary purpose of the graduate visa is to facilitate employment, holders can also engage in further studies. It’s important to note, however, that these studies do not typically extend the length of the visa.
Transitioning from the Graduate Visa 485
For many, the 485 visa is a stepping stone towards more permanent visa options. Transitioning from a graduate visa to other types of visas, such as skilled independent visas or employer-nominated visas, involves meeting specific criteria, which can include work experience and sponsorship.
Conclusion
The 485 graduate visa is an excellent opportunity for international graduates in Australia to enhance their skills and increase their employability. With careful planning and compliance, this visa can serve as a pivotal step in your journey towards a fulfilling career and residency in Australia.
FAQs
Also known as the Temporary Graduate Visa, this visa lets international students live, study and work in Australia after they have completed their studies from an Australian educational institution.
Eligibility for the 485 Graduate visa includes being under the age of 50, meeting the English language requirements, holding a current/valid student visa, and having completed at least two years of study in an Australian CRICOS registered course.
The length of stay for the 485 Graduate Visa may vary from 18 months to 4 years, if you hold higher qualifications, you may be granted a longer stay in Australia. It is important to note that this is not only dependant on your qualifications but also your Graduate Work Stream (or Post Study Work Stream).
You may be eligible for a 485 Visa extension if you have completed your studies in regional Australia. There have also been recent policy changes which allow for extension, you will need to check if these apply to your specific situation.
Graduates who have studied and lived in regional areas of Australia are able to apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa extension. This also applies to certain degrees and regions due to updated immigration policies.
In Australia certain visa holders can apply to extend their stay beyond their original visa expiry, for 485 Visa holders this depends on where you have studied and your occupation.
Firstly, you will need to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the visa steam you are in. If you are successful, you will then apply through the Department of Home Affairs and submit documentation that supports your application for an extension (this will include your proof of study in regional Australia)
Yes, the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa gives you full working rights. This will aid you in gaining valuable work experience after completing your studies in Australia.
Processing a 485 Graduate Visa is dependent on the stream you are in and how well you have filled out your application. This can take between 4 to 12 months.
Once your 485 Graduate Visa expires you may consider the following options. Apply for another temporary visa, permanent visa or extend your stay (only if you are in regional). If you are unsure, you may seek the advice of a migration agent.
Yes, this is a pathway used by many graduates. After gaining valuable work experience in Australia on your 485 Graduate Visa, you may be eligible to apply for a skilled migration visa (e.g. subclass 189 or 190).
Not only does the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa allow for further study and skill development; benefits also include, staying longer in Australia after finishing your studies, gaining work experience and possibly being eligible for permanent residency.
Yes, family members such as your spouse or children can be included in your application. They will also have the same work and study rights as you.
The terms “485 Graduate Visa” and “Australia Post Graduate Visa” are used interchangeably. This visa is for international students who have completed tertiary education who are looking to work and continue their stay in Australia.
Your 485 Graduate Visa application should include documents such as your passport, academic transcripts, proof of study completion at an Australian institution, English language test results and proof of health insurance. Depending on your personal situation, you may be required to provide additional documents.
Yes, although the 485 Graduate Visa is targeted towards graduates who are wanting work experience, if you want to further your studies (provided it aligns with your migration plans) you can.
There are two streams. The Graduate Work Stream which is for those who have skills related to jobs on the Skilled Occupation List and the Post-Study Work Stream which is for the ones who have completed tertiary degrees in Australia.
Yes, the 485 visa is often used as a stepping stone towards permanent residency. While the 485 visa itself does not lead directly to permanent residency, it allows you to gain the work experience required to apply for a permanent visa under skilled migration categories. For many, the experience gained can significantly boost their points for skills-based visas or make them eligible for employer sponsorship.
Applicants for the 485 graduate visa must demonstrate English proficiency through an approved English language test. The required scores can vary depending on the test but generally include a minimum score on the IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson Test of English, or Cambridge Advanced English. Meeting these requirements ensures that graduates can effectively communicate in their professional and social lives in Australia.
The cost to apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa 485 can vary, depending on individual circumstances and additional charges such as health checks, police certificates, and biometrics. As of the latest guidelines, the base application fee starts around AUD $1,650. However, costs can increase with the inclusion of family members or if additional services are required.
Yes, you can include family members when you apply for a 485 visa or you can add them after you have been granted your visa. Eligible family members include partners, dependent children, and other eligible dependents. Including family members in your application will increase the overall cost and require additional documentation.
Switching courses is not applicable for the 485 visa as it requires you to have completed your studies to qualify. However, if you are considering further education, you may need to apply for a different type of visa that suits your new educational pursuits. Always consult with a student visa migration agent to understand the best options based on your circumstances.
Yes, the 485 graduate visa is a temporary visa that allows multiple entries, which means you can travel in and out of Australia as often as you like until the visa expires. However, it’s important to ensure that your visa is still valid when planning to return to Australia.
If your circumstances change (e.g., marital status, passport details, or health conditions), you must notify the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible. Changes can affect your visa status, and staying compliant with all visa conditions is crucial to maintaining your 485 visa.