Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

As students approach the end of their studies in Australia, many may find themselves wondering what comes next. For those who wish to stay and gain work experience, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) can provide an opportunity to do just that. This visa allows international students to remain in Australia temporarily after completing their studies to gain practical work experience in their field. With a variety of post-study work options and pathways to permanent residency, the Temporary Graduate visa can be a valuable step towards building a future in Australia. In this article, we will explore the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) in more detail, including its eligibility requirements, application process, and benefits.

What is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a type of visa that allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to temporarily stay and work in Australia after their studies. The visa is divided into two streams: the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study Work stream. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a type of visa that allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to temporarily stay and work in Australia after their studies. The visa is divided into two streams: the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study Work stream. The Graduate Work stream is designed for graduates with specific skills and qualifications that are relevant to occupations in demand in Australia. The Post-Study Work stream is for international students who have completed a higher education degree in Australia and wish to work and live in the country temporarily. The duration of the visa depends on the stream and the level of education completed in Australia.

It's important to note that the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is not a pathway to permanent residency in Australia. It is designed to provide a temporary stay for international students to gain work experience and enhance their skills. To apply for permanent residency, graduates will need to explore other visa options that may better suit their circumstances. Additionally, obtaining this visa does not guarantee employment, and graduates will still need to actively search for job opportunities.

Benefits of the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) offers several benefits to its holders. Firstly, it allows international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia to live, study and work in Australia temporarily. This provides them with an opportunity to gain valuable work experience, which can help to enhance their employability in their home country or in Australia.

Additionally, this visa allows graduates to stay in Australia for up to 18 months, or up to four years for those who have completed a higher degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field. During this time, they can work full-time, part-time, or even engage in their own entrepreneurial ventures. They can also travel in and out of Australia as many times as they wish, which makes it easier for them to visit their home country or go on vacations.

Furthermore, holders of the Temporary Graduate visa may also be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Australia through other visa pathways, such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). Overall, the Temporary Graduate visa is a valuable opportunity for international students to kickstart their careers, gain valuable experience, and potentially even settle in Australia permanently.

What are the requirements for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) has two streams: the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study Work stream. The Graduate Work stream allows you to stay in Australia for up to 18 months, while the Post-Study Work stream allows you to stay for between 2 and 4 years depending on your qualifications. The eligibility criteria vary slightly depending on which stream you are applying for.

Graduate Work stream

To be eligible for the Graduate Work Stream of the Subclass 485 visa, applicants must meet a number of requirements. Firstly, they must be under 50 years of age. Secondly, they must hold an eligible visa, such as a current student visa, or have held an eligible student visa within the past 6 months. They must have completed their course in the 6 months immediately before the day they apply, and meet the Australian study requirement by completing at least one degree, diploma or trade qualification. The course or courses used to meet this requirement must have resulted in a degree, diploma or trade qualification, and each course used must be closely related to the nominated occupation.

Additionally, applicants must nominate one occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and have a degree, diploma or trade qualification closely related to that occupation. Their skills must also be assessed by a relevant assessing authority as suitable for that occupation. Evidence of at least having applied for a skills assessment must be provided when applying for the visa. Applicants must also hold a valid passport from certain countries or prove their English proficiency.

Furthermore, applicants must have adequate health insurance for the whole of their stay and meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government. Finally, they must not have been granted a subclass 485 or subclass 476 visa as a primary visa holder in the past.

Post-Study Work stream

The Post-Study Work stream is a visa category for international students who wish to stay and work in Australia after completing their studies. To be eligible, applicants must be under 50 years of age and must have applied for and been granted their first student visa on or after November 5, 2011. If the applicant held their first student visa prior to this date, they will not be eligible for this visa stream.

Applicants must have completed a degree-level or higher qualification from an Australian education provider that offers degree-level programs. Standalone diplomas or trade qualifications are not eligible for this visa category. Additionally, applicants must have met the Australian study requirement within the past six months, which means completing a Commonwealth Register of Institutions and courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)-registered course, fulfilling all course requirements, studying in English, completing at least two academic years of study (92 weeks), and completing the course in Australia in not less than 16 calendar months.

Applicants must also have adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Australia and must meet the health and character requirements. They must sign the Australian values statement if they are 18 years of age or older and have no debt to the Australian government. If the applicant or any family members have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused while in Australia, they may not be eligible for this visa stream.

Furthermore, eligible prospective subclass 485 visa applicants can make their visa application outside Australia during the concession period and be granted the visa while they are outside Australia. The visa application can be processed if the applicant is the main holder of a current student visa, held a student visa within the past 6 months before the application and now have a Bridging Visa A or Bridging Visa B, granted on the basis of a valid application for a visa, held a student visa within the past 6 months before the application and now hold a substantive visa, or are outside Australia and hold or have held an eligible student visa.

It is important to note that the Australian government updates eligibility requirements for the Post-Study Work stream from time to time, so it is best to check the latest updates before applying for this visa category.

How to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

If you're interested in applying for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a successful application process.

• Determine your eligibility: Review the eligibility requirements for the Post-Study Work stream carefully before applying to ensure that you meet all of the requirements. Make sure you are under 50 years old, have completed a CRICOS-registered course in Australia within the last six months, and hold an eligible qualification at the bachelor's degree level or higher. You must also meet the Australian study requirement and have studied with an Australian education provider.
• Collect all required documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents before you apply. This includes proof of your English language proficiency, health insurance, and academic transcripts. You may also need to provide evidence of your relationship status, character, and financial situation.
• Apply online: The easiest way to apply for the visa is online through the Department of Home Affairs website. You will need to create an ImmiAccount and complete the application form, upload all required documents, and pay the application fee. Be sure to double-check all information for accuracy before submitting your application.
• Wait for a decision: Processing times for the Temporary Graduate visa can vary depending on the stream and the complexity of your application. It's important to be patient and wait for a decision. You can check the status of your application online through your ImmiAccount.
• Plan your travel: If your visa is granted, you will have a limited time to enter Australia. Make sure to plan your travel accordingly and have all necessary documents with you when you arrive, including your passport and visa grant letter.

Applying for the Temporary Graduate visa can be a complex process, so it's important to carefully review all requirements and seek advice from a registered migration agent if needed. By following these steps and preparing your application carefully, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) provides an excellent opportunity for international students to gain valuable work experience in Australia after completing their studies. However, it is important to carefully review and satisfy all eligibility requirements before applying for the visa.

Applicants must ensure that they meet the age requirement, hold an eligible visa, have completed an eligible qualification at degree-level or above, met the Australian study requirement, and hold adequate health insurance. Additionally, they must meet the health and character requirements, sign the Australian values statement, and have no debt to the Australian government.

To increase the chances of a successful application, it is recommended to seek advice and assistance from a qualified migration agent or a registered Australian legal practitioner. Applicants should also ensure that they provide accurate and complete information, attach all required documents, and pay the appropriate visa fees.

By following these guidelines and taking the necessary steps, international students can maximize their chances of obtaining the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) and gain valuable work experience in Australia.