Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is tailored for international students who have completed their studies in Australia. This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily and serves as a stepping stone toward permanent residency through employment and further qualifications.
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Visa Streams Overview
This stream is designed for international students who have recently graduated with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification closely related to an occupation on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Stay Duration: Up to 18 months. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for up to 5 years.
- Cost: From AUD1,945.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Must hold a qualification relevant to a nominated occupation on the MLTSSL.
- Meet the Australian study requirement with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification.
- Be under 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Have held a student visa within the last 6 months.
- Demonstrate adequate English language proficiency.
- Key Features:
- Permission to work in Australia.
- Ability to bring eligible family members.
- Unrestricted work and study rights.
This stream caters to international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution.
- Stay Duration: Typically between 2 and 3 years, depending on the qualification. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for up to 5 years.
- Cost: From AUD1,945.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have completed a degree-level qualification or higher from a CRICOS-registered course.
- Meet the Australian study requirement with a degree-level qualification or higher.
- Be under 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Have held a student visa within the last 6 months.
- Demonstrate adequate English language proficiency.
- Key Features:
- Permission to work in Australia.
- Ability to bring eligible family members.
- Unrestricted work and study rights.
This stream is available to Temporary Graduate visa holders who have graduated from an Australian institution located in a regional area and have lived in a regional area for at least 2 years before applying.
- Stay Duration: Between 1 and 2 years, depending on:
- The regional location of the educational institution from which you graduated.
- The regional area where you have lived as the holder of your first Temporary Graduate visa.
- Cost: From AUD765.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Must hold a Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement stream.
- Have completed a degree from an Australian institution in a regional area.
- Have lived in a regional area for at least 2 years before applying.
- Be under 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Demonstrate adequate English language proficiency.
- Key Features:
- Permission to work in Australia.
- Ability to bring eligible family members.
- Unrestricted work and study rights.
Australian Study Requirements
To be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), applicants must meet the Australian study requirement within six months before applying. This means you must have completed at least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification from a CRICOS-registered course. The course must be conducted in English, span a minimum of two academic years (92 weeks), and be completed while holding a valid student visa. You must also have been physically present in Australia for at least 16 months to complete your studies.
Combining multiple courses to meet the two-year study requirement is possible, provided each course results in a recognized qualification.
Vocational Stream for the 485 Visa: Meeting Australia's Skills Demand
This stream is ideal for individuals with hands-on expertise in vocational trades that play a critical role in Australia’s economy.If you’re applying for the 485 visa under the Vocational Stream, it is essential to demonstrate that you possess the skills and qualifications Australia needs. This pathway is designed for applicants with practical qualifications and expertise in high-demand vocational trades.
To qualify, you must:
- Nominate an Occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): Your chosen occupation must align with Australia’s current labor needs and be listed on the MLTSSL. This ensures your skills contribute to filling skill shortages in key industries.
- Hold a Relevant Qualification: You must have completed an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification that is closely related to your nominated occupation. The qualification should provide you with the practical expertise required to excel in your field.
- Undergo a Skills Assessment: Your skills must be evaluated by a relevant assessing authority to confirm they meet the requirements for your nominated occupation. This assessment ensures your qualifications and experience are suitable for the role.
Vocational Stream for the 485 Visa: Meeting Australia's Skills Demand
This stream is ideal for individuals with hands-on expertise in vocational trades that play a critical role in Australia’s economy.If you’re applying for the 485 visa under the Vocational Stream, it is essential to demonstrate that you possess the skills and qualifications Australia needs. This pathway is designed for applicants with practical qualifications and expertise in high-demand vocational trades.
To qualify, you must:
- Nominate an Occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): Your chosen occupation must align with Australia’s current labor needs and be listed on the MLTSSL. This ensures your skills contribute to filling skill shortages in key industries.
- Hold a Relevant Qualification: You must have completed an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification that is closely related to your nominated occupation. The qualification should provide you with the practical expertise required to excel in your field.
- Undergo a Skills Assessment: Your skills must be evaluated by a relevant assessing authority to confirm they meet the requirements for your nominated occupation. This assessment ensures your qualifications and experience are suitable for the role.
Important Points to Remember
1. Occupation Nomination:
- Your application must specify your nominated occupation.
- You cannot change this occupation once the application has been lodged.
2. Qualification Relevance:
- Your qualification must directly relate to the nominated occupation. For instance, if you nominate an occupation like electrician, your trade qualification should demonstrate expertise in electrical work.
3. Skills Assessment Validity:
- A valid skills assessment is a crucial part of your application.
- If you don’t yet have one, include evidence that you have applied for it with your visa application.
- Skills assessments are typically valid for up to three years, unless a shorter period is specified by the assessing authority.
4. Supporting Evidence:
- Ensure that all supporting documentation, including certificates, transcripts, and assessment reports, is complete and accurate.
- Missing or incorrect documents can delay your application or result in a refusal.
General Requirements for All Streams
Age Limit
Must be 35 years or younger when applying (exceptions for certain passport holders).
Health and Character
Must meet Australian health and character requirements.
Health Insurance
Must have adequate health coverage for the duration of the stay.
English Language Proficiency
Demonstrated by approved test results or passport from specified English-speaking countries.
Application Status
Must be in Australia when applying and during the decision-making process (except for subsequent entrants).
Age Exemptions for Subclass 485 Visa Applicants
1. Masters (Research) or Doctoral Degree (PhD) Graduates
Applicants who have completed a Masters by Research or a Doctoral degree from an Australian institution.
2. Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) Passport Holders
Applicants holding a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport or a British National Overseas passport.
Bringing Family Members
Applicants can include eligible family members in their visa application. All accompanying members must meet health and character requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa can be straightforward, but applicants often encounter pitfalls that may lead to delays or refusals.
Here are common mistakes to avoid:
1. Missing the Application Deadline
You must lodge your 485 visa application within six months of your course completion date. Confusing the graduation ceremony date with the actual course completion date can result in late applications.
2. Selecting the Incorrect Visa Stream
The Subclass 485 visa has two primary streams: Graduate Work and Post-Study Work. Choosing the wrong stream during application can lead to refusal, as this decision cannot be changed after submission.
3. Inadequate English Language Proficiency
Failing to provide valid English language test results at the time of application can result in refusal. Ensure your test results meet the required proficiency levels and are submitted promptly.
4. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents, such as not providing a valid skills assessment for the Graduate Work Stream, can lead to application refusal. Ensure all required documents are accurate and complete.
5. Not Meeting Health Insurance Requirements
Applicants must have adequate health insurance coverage for the entire duration of their stay in Australia. Failing to maintain appropriate health insurance can result in visa refusal.
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How We Can Assist You
Navigating the complexities of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) requires careful attention to detail. Our team of experienced migration agents and immigration lawyers can provide personalized guidance to ensure your application meets all necessary requirements.
We assist with:
- Comprehensive Eligibility Assessments: Determining your suitability for the visa based on the latest criteria.
- Detailed Document Checklists and Preparation: Ensuring all required documents are accurate and complete.
- Support with Skills Assessments and English Language Tests: Guiding you through the process to meet specific stream requirements.
- Ongoing Communication with the Department of Home Affairs: Managing correspondence to facilitate a smooth application process.
- Ensuring Confidentiality and Understanding Throughout the Process: Providing support tailored to your unique circumstances.
Let us help simplify the process and support your journey to securing an Australian Temporary Graduate Visa. Reach out to us for expert advice and tailored assistance.
FAQs
Can I travel outside Australia on a 485 visa?
Yes, you can travel in and out of Australia as many times as you like while your visa is valid. Time spent outside Australia does not extend the visa validity.
Can I extend my 485 visa?
The 485 visa itself cannot be extended. However, eligible holders of the Post-Higher Education Work stream who meet regional study and residence requirements can apply for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
What type of health insurance do I need?
You need adequate health insurance coverage for the entire duration of your 485 visa. Your cover should transition from Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to Working Visa cover once your student visa ends.
Is a skills assessment mandatory for all 485 streams?
A skills assessment is required for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream but not for the Post-Higher Education Work stream. Ensure you meet the specific assessment criteria for your nominated occupation.
How long do I have to apply for a 485 visa after completing my studies?
You must apply for the 485 visa within 6 months of completing your studies in Australia.
