The subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is designed for international students who have recently completed their studies at an Australian educational institution. This visa allows graduates to stay in Australia temporarily to gain valuable work experience in their field of study, helping them enhance their skills and potentially transition to permanent residency. The Subclass 485 visa is available in two streams: the Post-Study Work stream and the Graduate Work stream, each offering different durations of stay based on the applicant’s qualifications and the stream they apply under.
The Post-Study Work stream allows graduates who have completed a higher education qualification (such as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) to stay in Australia for 2 to 3 years, depending on their qualification level. The visa holder can work full-time, which is an excellent opportunity for gaining professional experience, as well as for contributing to their career development.
To be eligible for the Subclass 485 visa, applicants must hold a qualification from a CRICOSregistered Australian institution and apply within 6 months of completing their course. They must also meet the required English language proficiency and undergo health and character checks. The applicant must also have held a valid student visa for at least 6 months while studying in Australia.
The visa also allows eligible family members to accompany the primary visa holder, providing an opportunity for the entire family to live in Australia. The Subclass 485 visa can be a stepping stone for those seeking permanent residency, as it offers the opportunity to gain the necessary work experience to apply for other permanent visas.
To apply, graduates must submit their application online, providing documents such as proof of completion of studies, evidence of their qualification, and any required skills assessments (for the Graduate Work stream). It’s essential to apply for the Subclass 485 visa within 6 months of completing studies, as failure to do so may result in ineligibility. Once granted, the visa holder can live and work in Australia, and after gaining sufficient work experience, they may be able to
apply for a skilled migration visa.