The Temporary Graduate Visa 485 is one of the most important pathways for living and working in Australia for international students after their studies.
This visa allows its holder special post-study work rights and is a means for the graduates to get practical industry experience.
In case you plan to stay onshore right after finishing your course, understanding the process, eligibility rules, and how to apply for the Subclass 485 visa will be critical in building a future in Australia.
What is the Temporary Graduate Visa subclass 485?
The Temporary Graduate Visa, subclass 485, allows international students in Australia who have gained eligible qualifications to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily.
It provides a bridge that can help these graduates make a transition from student life into the workforce and get work experience in their field.
It is ideal for individuals seeking post-study work visa options in Australia. It could provide a pathway to skilled migration, employer sponsorship, or permanent residency pathways in the near future.
The Subclass 485 visa has two main streams:
- Post-Study Work Stream: for higher education graduates
- Graduate Work Stream: for those graduates who have skills related to occupations in demand.
Both options open doors for valuable post-study employment in Australia, while supporting graduates to find meaningful work experience.
Eligibility Criteria for Onshore 485 Visa
The basic 485 visa requirements for an applicant to be eligible for an onshore 485 include several key elements, such as:
1. Age Requirements
You must be below the age of 50 years at the time of application.
2. Demonstrated English Proficiency
The proof of proficiency in English is demonstrated through IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL scores, or a passport from an eligible English-speaking country.
3. Completed Eligible Qualification
Your course should be CRICOS registered, and must be completed in at least 16 calendar months. This is one of the main requirements for Temporary Graduate Visa eligibility.
4. Australian Study Requirement
You must have had your studies completed while on an eligible Australian student visa.
5. Apply Within Six Months
Your application must be lodged within six months of the completion of your qualification.
6.Health & Character Requirements
All applicants are required to have relevant health insurance and an AFP police check sighted before lodging. You may be required to undertake a medical examination.
7.Competencies Assessment- Graduate Work Stream
Applicants in the Graduate Work Visa Australia stream must show a positive skills assessment in an occupation that is on the skilled list.
Available streams of the 485 Visa
1. Post-Study Work Stream
This stream targets higher education graduates who have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. It offers longer visa durations, allowing an applicant enough time to gain local experience that can be used to apply for a long-term visa.
Key features include:
- Tenure to stay would be 2-4 years, depending on the qualification.
- Full-time work rights
- The flexibility to work in any field.
The following is the most popular pathway for students to the post-study work visa in Australia.
2. Graduate Work Stream
This stream is designated for those graduates who have completed trade qualifications, diplomas, or certificate levels relating to occupations that come within the skilled occupation list.
Key features include:
- Validity-18 months for visa.
- Skill assessment required
- Useful for pathways to skilled visas or employer sponsorship.
Both streams do have great opportunities; however, understanding the differences helps you choose the right direction with respect to aims and goals.
Step-by-Step Process for Onshore Application
Application for a Temporary Graduate Visa 485 in Australia is relatively easy, considering that each step is well understood.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Meet the requirements for a 485 visa upon completion of the course, English criteria, health insurance, AFP check, and other stream-specific requirements.
Step 2: Documents to Submit
Have all the documents ready in advance. Lack of some documents may cause a delay in the processing.
Step 3: Create or Access Your ImmiAccount
All onshore 485 visa applications need to be lodged online through ImmiAccount.
Step 4: The Application Form
Please fill in all the information correctly. Any error may lead to a delay or refusal.
Step 5: Attach All Documents
Upload the necessary proof documentation, such as test results in English, health cover proof, AFP check, transcripts, and completion letters.
Step 6: Visa Fee Payment
Pay the fee, which completes the application process.
Step 7: Get a Bridging Visa
Once an application is lodged, the applicant will be granted a Bridging Visa, allowing them to stay legally in Australia while the 485 visa is in process.
Step 8: Wait for Processing
Processing times are variable, but the submission of complete documents minimises delays.
Documents You Must Prepare Before Lodging
Below is a list of the key documents needed for a smooth application to Subclass 485:
- Personal Documents
- Passport
- Birth certificate or national ID
- Previous Visas and Travel History
- Education Documents:
- Completion letter
- Transcripts
- CRICOS course details
- English Language Evidence: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or any other approved test result.
Benefits of the Subclass 485 Visa for International Graduates
The Temporary Graduate Visa 485 has a number of benefits for international students who would like to stay in Australia and work after their studies.
1. Full-Time Work Rights
You can do full-time jobs in any field, which includes flexibility and even financial stability.
2. Get experience locally
Work experience in Australia strengthens your resume for better long-term opportunities.
3. Permanent Pathways Published
It usually serves as a stepping stone to skilled migration, employer-sponsored migration, or general permanent residency pathways.
4.Bring Family Members
You can include your eligible dependents in your application.
5.Stay Longer in Australia
This visa gives you extra time to build your career, improve your English skills, study further, or meet PR requirements.
Conclusion
The Temporary Graduate Visa 485 is an excellent pathway for any international student who wishes to stay longer in Australia after completion of their studies.
Whichever route you apply for, either the Post-Study Work Stream or Graduate Work Stream, this visa will open a gateway to exciting, new opportunities for work and career development, especially with long-term pathways.
Excel Migration helps you take the right steps to secure your post-study work rights through the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). With the right guidance, you can stay onshore, gain local experience, and build a strong future pathway.
Trust Excel Migration to simplify the process and support you every step of the way toward your career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
1. Who can get a Temporary Graduate Visa subclass 485?
You must complete an approved Australian qualification, meet the English requirements, and apply within six months of completion. You will also need to have health insurance and pass the character checks.
2. Am I allowed to apply for the 485 visa inside Australia?
If you are on an eligible visa in Australia, such as a student visa, you can lodge an onshore 485 visa application. While that is being processed, you also receive a bridging visa.
3. How long can I stay in Australia with the 485 visa?
The length of stay depends on the visa stream. For example, the post-study work stream gives 2-4 years based on one’s qualification, while the graduate work stream usually provides 18 months.
4. Do I need a Skills Assessment for the 485 visa?
A skills assessment is required under only the Graduate Work Visa Australia stream. It needs to be from the relevant assessing authority in relation to your nominated occupation.
5. Can I include my family members in my 485 visa application?
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your application. They will get the same grant period as your visa, and they will have access to work or study rights depending on the conditions of the Subclass 485 visa.
