The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) is a popular option for international students who've completed a two-year study program in Australia and wish to stay. It offers a pathway to work and potentially extend your stay. The visa duration varies based on your nationality and qualifications, ranging from 18 months to 4 years (up to 5 years for British and Hong Kong passport holders).
This visa allows multiple entries to Australia and provides valuable work experience. While extensions for the 485 visa itself are generally not available, you may be eligible for another subclass 485 visa stream or transition to a skilled work visa. Notably, the 485 visa can serve as a stepping stone to permanent residency for some nationalities after fulfilling the five-year residency requirement.
Eligibility Criteria for Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The eligibility criteria for the 485 visa vary depending on the stream you are applying for. However, some of the requirements are consistent across all streams. We will now cover the general eligibility criteria and then delve into specific details later.
The following requirements apply to any stream of the Temporary Graduate Visa:
- The applicant must be under 50 years old.
- A single visa stream must be nominated as changes after application submission are not permitted by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Adequate health insurance coverage* is required (further information will follow).
- The applicant must meet DHA's health requirement* (more details will follow). Meeting DHA's character requirement is necessary when applying for this visa. Similar to health insurance, various factors influence whether an individual meets this criterion or not. Therefore, it is important to review these elements on the Department's website or consult one of our agents.
- Signing Australia’s Values Statement is mandatory.
- Neither you nor your relatives should owe any amount of money to the Government.
Graduate Work Stream
The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) is a temporary residency option for international students who've recently graduated with qualifications aligned with Australia's in-demand occupations. This visa allows you to live, study, and work in Australia for up to 18 months (with an extended stay of up to 5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders).
Key points to consider:
- Visa cost starts from AUD$1,895.00.
- Processing times can be estimated using the official visa processing time guide tool (general indication, not specific to your application).
- If you hold a Bachelor's degree or higher qualification, the Post-Study Work stream visa might be a more suitable option (provided your first student visa application was submitted after November 5, 2011).
Benefits:
- Live and study in Australia
- Work in Australia in an occupation on the skilled occupation list
- Bring your family with you
- Remember, this visa caters to graduates with qualifications relevant to Australia's skill needs. Ensure your qualifications align with the skilled occupation list before applying.
Post-Study Work Stream
The Temporary Graduate (Post-Study Work) Visa (Subclass 485) is a popular option for international students who've recently graduated with a degree from an Australian university. This visa allows you to extend your stay in Australia, live, work, and potentially pursue further studies.
Key points to consider:
- Visa duration typically ranges from 2 to 4 years, depending on your qualification (up to 5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders).
- Graduates with specific degrees may be eligible for an additional 2 years. Check the official website for eligibility details.
- If you already hold a Post-Study Work visa and qualify for the extended 2 years with a select degree, apply through ImmiAccount (one-time extension only).
- Visa cost starts from AUD$1,895.00.
- Processing times can be estimated using the official visa processing time guide tool (general indication, not specific to your application).
Benefits:
- Live, work, and study in Australia
- Gain valuable work experience
- Bring your family with you
Requirements:
- Recent degree from a CRICOS-registered course in Australia
Second Post-Study Work Stream
The Second Post-Study Work stream visa (Subclass 485) is a temporary residency option for graduates with regional Australian degrees. It's available to holders of a first Temporary Graduate (Post-Study Work or Replacement) visa who obtained their degree from a regional institution.
Key points to consider:
- Visa duration varies between 1 and 4 years, depending on your original Temporary Graduate visa's regional location of study and residence.
- Post-Study Work applicants with specific degrees may be eligible for an additional 2 years. Check the official website for eligibility details.
- If you already hold a Second Post-Study Work visa and qualify for the extended 2 years with a select degree, apply through ImmiAccount (one-time extension only).
- Visa cost starts from AUD$745.00.
- Processing times can be estimated using the official visa processing time guide tool (general indication, not specific to your application).
Benefits:
- Live, work, and study in Australia
- Bring your family with you
- Remember, this visa targets graduates with degrees earned at regional Australian institutions.
Replacement Stream
The Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) COVID-19 Replacement visa offers a chance for current and former Temporary Graduate visa holders to regain time lost due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily.
Key points to consider:
- Visa duration typically ranges from 18 months to 6 years, matching the remaining time on your original visa (exceptions apply).
- Post-Study Work applicants with specific degrees may be eligible for an additional 2 years. Check the official website for eligibility details.
- If you already hold a Replacement Post-Study Work visa and qualify for the extended 2 years with a select degree, apply through ImmiAccount (one-time extension only).
- Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can stay for up to 5 years.
- Visa cost starts from AUD$1,895.00.
- Processing times can be estimated using the official visa processing time guide tool (general indication, not specific to your application).
Benefits:
- Live, work, and study in Australia
- Bring your family with you (including spouse or children, even if not previously included)
- Remember, this visa is designed to compensate for time lost due to COVID-19 restrictions. Ensure you were a previous Temporary Graduate visa holder impacted by travel limitations.
Application Process for Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Step 1: Preparation
- Ensure you possess a passport - A valid passport is required for this visa. If you are obtaining a new passport, do it before applying for this visa.
- Review your visa terms.
- Schedule health examinations
- Reach out to us for assistance with your application
- Set up a skills evaluation
Step 2: Prepare your paperwork
Submit evidence of your education, credentials, skills evaluation, identification, and connections. You'll also be required to furnish documentation for your family members. Provide precise details
- Identification records
- Academic records
- Language proficiency certifications
- Professional assessment documents
- Health coverage papers
- Character documents
- Indicate if you're receiving assistance
- Spousal paperwork
- Children below 18 documents
- Dependants over 18 papers
Step 3: Applying for the visa
The application for this visa must be submitted online.
Step 4: After application
Once you submit the application and supporting documents, you will receive a notification acknowledging their receipt from the authorities. It is crucial to monitor status updates closely throughout the processing period. If health examinations are necessary, you will be notified. Additional information may be required if requested. It's also vital to abide by immigration regulations and maintain lawful status. Proper procedures and documentation should be followed when including family members. Any errors on the application should be promptly corrected, and in case of any changes in circumstances or information, it is important to inform the authorities for accurate processing of the application.
Step 5: Outcome of Visa Application
Regardless of your current location, whether you are in or outside Australia, a decision regarding your visa application will be reached, except for those in immigration clearance. Family members applying as subsequent entrants will also have their applications processed regardless of their location. All communication regarding visa application decisions will be conveyed to the applicants in written form.
If the visa is approved, you will receive:
- Your unique visa grant number
- The start date of your visa
- Details about your visa conditions.
- If your visa is denied, you will be notified about the reasons for rejection and informed if you have the right to request a review of the decision.
- The fee for the visa application will not be refunded if it is rejected.
Visa Conditions and Duration
The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) offers temporary residency for international graduates in Australia. Visa lengths vary based on the specific stream and qualification:
- Typical Range: 18 months to 5 years
- Post-Study Work Stream:
- Standard: 2-4 years (depending on qualification)
- Master's Degree Holders: Potentially extended to 3 years
- Graduate Work Stream:
- Standard: 18 months (potentially temporary extension to 2 years, check before applying)
- British National Overseas & Hong Kong Passports: Up to 5 years
Bridging Visas and Other Considerations
As someone holding a Subclass 485 Visa, it's crucial to have knowledge about bridging visas and other important factors. Here is some pertinent information:
Bridging Visas:
In specific circumstances, if your Subclass 485 Visa is nearing expiration, you might qualify for a bridging visa. Bridging visas can assist in maintaining legal status in Australia while waiting for the decision on a new visa application or appeal. Understanding the terms and restrictions of the particular bridging visa granted is essential.
Other Conditions:
- If you plan to stay in Australia beyond the expiration of your Subclass 485 Visa, it's crucial to investigate and apply for a suitable visa before the expiry date. It is important to seek guidance and conduct research to determine which visa pathway aligns with your circumstances and objectives.
- While holders of a Subclass 485 Visa typically enjoy full work rights during its validity period, it's vital to carefully review and adhere to any specified work conditions as there may be restrictions or limitations involved.
- Additionally, while holding a Subclass 485 Visa, you might still have opportunities for further study in Australia. Explore options for pursuing additional qualifications or educational courses that are relevant to your career goals.
- Ensuring adequate health insurance coverage during your time in Australia is also essential; make sure you have the necessary health insurance that meets the Department of Home Affairs requirements.
