The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia to live, work, and gain professional experience in the country. This visa helps graduates enhance their career prospects and explore pathways to permanent residency.
Australia’s strong economy and diverse job market provide ample opportunities for skilled graduates. This visa grants flexibility in employment, study, and travel, making it a crucial step for those looking to establish a long-term future in Australia.
What You Can Do Under the Temporary Graduate Visa
Holders of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) have several rights and opportunities, including:
Work Full-Time: There are no restrictions on working hours, allowing you to gain industry experience.
Study Further: You can undertake additional courses to enhance your qualifications.
Live in Australia Temporarily: Stay in Australia for up to 4 years, depending on your visa stream and qualifications.
Travel Freely: You can enter and leave Australia multiple times while your visa is valid.
Bring Family Members: Your spouse or dependents can be included in your visa application, granting them similar rights to work and study.
Gain Pathway to Permanent Residency: Use this period to improve your eligibility for permanent visa options, such as employer sponsorship or skilled migration.
Key Features of the Subclass 485 Visa
Eligibility: Available for international students who have completed an eligible qualification in Australia.
Work Rights: Allows full-time work for the visa duration.
Multiple Streams: Includes different pathways depending on the applicant’s qualification and regional location.
Processing Time: Varies based on the visa stream and individual circumstances.
Streams Under the Temporary Graduate Visa
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Eligibility: For graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher from an Australian institution.
Duration:
Bachelor’s degree: Up to 2 years
Master’s degree: Up to 3 years
Doctoral degree: Up to 4 years
Purpose: Offers work experience opportunities that can strengthen future permanent residency applications.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
Eligibility: For those who have completed a diploma or trade qualification related to an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
Visa Duration: Up to 18 months.
Purpose: Helps graduates gain experience in a skilled trade that may improve chances of employer sponsorship or further skilled migration.
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Eligibility: Available to those who have already held a Post-Higher Education Work Stream visa and have lived in a designated regional area.
Duration: 1 to 2 years, depending on the regional area.
Purpose: Encourages international graduates to live and work in regional Australia, supporting economic growth in those areas.
Application Process
Meet Eligibility Criteria: Ensure completion of an eligible course and meet the required English language standards.
Lodge Application: Apply within six months of course completion.
Health & Character Checks: Meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
Await Processing: Processing times vary but typically range from 3 to 8 months.
Visa Decision: If approved, you will receive your visa grant notice with details on your stay period and conditions.
Recent Changes to the 485 Visa (Effective July 1, 2024)
Age Limit: Reduced to 35 years (previously 50 years).
Stream Renaming: Graduate Work Stream renamed to Post-Vocational Education Work Stream.
Stay Period: Standardized stay period of 18 months for the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream.
Policy Alignment: Increased focus on aligning visa conditions with Australia’s labor market needs.
Do’s and Don’ts While Holding a 485 Visa
Do’s:
Work Full-Time: Take advantage of unrestricted work rights to gain valuable experience.
Maintain Health Insurance: Ensure continuous coverage under Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC).
Comply with Visa Conditions: Follow all visa requirements, including work and study restrictions.
Consider Regional Work: If planning to apply for a Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream visa, live and work in a designated regional area.
Stay Informed: Keep up to date with immigration policies and potential pathways to permanent residency.
Network and Build Skills: Engage with employers, improve qualifications, and explore sponsorship opportunities.
Keep Important Documents Ready: Always have copies of your visa grant notice, insurance, and employment records.
Don’ts:
Overstay Your Visa: Ensure you apply for another visa or leave before your 485 visa expires.
Work in Restricted Sectors (if applicable): Certain jobs may have restrictions; ensure compliance with regulations.
Ignore PR Pathways: If planning to stay in Australia long-term, actively explore migration options early.
Violate Work or Study Conditions: Engaging in unauthorized activities can lead to visa cancellation.
Forget to Update Details: Notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes in address, job, or personal circumstances.
Travel Without Checking Visa Validity: Ensure your visa and travel insurance cover your trips abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I include my family members in my application?
Yes, you can include eligible family members, such as your spouse or dependent children, in your visa application. They will have the same work and study rights as the primary applicant.
Can I apply for this visa if I studied online?
Yes, but you must have completed at least 92 weeks of a CRICOS-registered course and met the Australian Study Requirement. Some COVID-19-related concessions may still apply for certain applicants.
Can I apply for permanent residency after holding this visa?
While this visa does not directly lead to PR, it allows you to gain work experience, which may improve your chances of qualifying for permanent residency pathways such as employer-sponsored visas, the General Skilled Migration program, or state-nominated visas.
Do I need health insurance for this visa?
Yes, you must maintain adequate health insurance for yourself and any dependents while holding this visa. Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is a common requirement.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) provides international graduates with a valuable opportunity to gain professional experience and explore pathways to permanent residency in Australia. By leveraging the work rights, study opportunities, and regional incentives provided under this visa, applicants can build a strong foundation for their careers. Understanding and adhering to visa conditions is crucial to making the most of this opportunity. By staying informed and planning strategically, graduates can enhance their prospects of long-term settlement in Australia and contribute to the country’s workforce and economy.
Unlock post-study opportunities in Australia. Learn more about the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) with Mates International!