TL;DR
- The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) lets international students stay in Australia after graduation for work or study.
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream offers up to 18 months for those with skills related to Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream offers up to 3 years for degree graduates.
- The visa costs AUD 4,600 or AUD 1,810 (depending on the stream you choose), with processing times ranging from 4-6 months.
- It provides pathways to permanent residency after gaining work experience.
Did you just complete your studies in Australia and are now wondering what’s next? Whether you’re eager to gain valuable work experience, further your education, or explore career opportunities in the Australian job market, the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) could be your perfect opportunity to stay and build your future in Australia.
But here’s the thing – there are several streams available under this visa, and choosing the right one for your career ambitions and qualifications can be a little tricky. Don’t worry, though! In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Temporary Graduate Visa, helping you figure out which stream best suits your future goals in Australia.
Let’s get you one step closer to a successful post-graduation journey!
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or check The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
Understanding the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
The 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is intended for international students who have finished their studies in Australia and wish to stay temporarily to gain work experience or further education. The visa provides a fantastic opportunity to live, work, and study in Australia, and it comes in two main streams, each catering to different types of graduates.
1 Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
The Post-Vocational Education Work Stream is designed for international students who have recently completed their graduation and possess skills and qualifications related to an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This stream lets you stay in Australia for up to 18 months to gain valuable work experience in your field.
2 Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Designed for international students who have completed a degree at an Australian institution, this stream allows you to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily. The duration of your stay depends on your qualification, usually between 2 and 3 years.
3 Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is for graduates who hold a Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement visa with a degree from an Australian institution located in a regional area. It offers the opportunity to extend your stay in Australia and continue living, working, and studying in a regional area.
The stay duration under this stream ranges from 1 to 2 years, depending on the location of the institution you graduated from and the regional area you live in.
The Temporary Graduate Visa is a valuable opportunity for international students to stay in Australia after graduation. Depending on your qualifications and goals, one of the streams may be better suited to your future plans. Now, let’s dive into the eligibility requirements for this visa to see if you meet the criteria.
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) Eligibility criteria
Before applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa, it’s important to make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements. These requirements may vary depending on the stream you’re applying for, but here’s a general overview:
General Eligibility Criteria for All Streams
- Age: You must be 35 years of age or under. If you hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas (BNO) passport, you must be under 50.
- Study Requirement: You must have completed an eligible qualification that is registered on CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). The course should be at least 2 academic years of study.
- Location: You must be in Australia when you apply (but not in immigration clearance).
- Visa Type: You must hold or have held a valid Australian student visa in the past 6 months, or hold a Bridging Visa A or B, if your student visa expired within the last 6 months.
For Post-Vocational Education Work Stream:
- Skills and Qualifications: You must select an occupation that is listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- Skills Assessment: You need to have a positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority for the occupation you nominate.
For Post-Study Work Stream:
- Qualification Level: You must have completed a higher education qualification (degree or above) from an Australian institution.
For the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream:
- Visa: You must have held a Post-Higher Education Work visa, Post-Study Work visa, or Replacement visa and have a degree from an Australian institution located in a regional area.
Meeting the eligibility requirements is important for a successful application. If you’re ready to move on, let’s explore the benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa to help you decide if this is the right option for your post-graduation plans.
Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa provides several benefits, making it an excellent option for international graduates:
- Work Rights: You can work full-time in Australia, gaining valuable experience and improving your employability.
- Study Rights: You can also enrol in further studies if you wish to pursue more qualifications or skill development.
- Family Inclusion: You can bring your partner and dependent children in your visa application, so they can live, work, and study in Australia too.
- Travel Flexibility: You are free to travel in and out of Australia as many times as you like during the visa’s validity.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: After gaining relevant work experience, you may be eligible for other visa options that lead to permanent residency, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or the Employer-Sponsored Visa (subclass 186).
With all these advantages, the Temporary Graduate Visa can play an important role in shaping your career and life in Australia. Let’s now look at the application process to understand the steps you’ll need to take to get started.
Visa Process for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
First, ensure that you meet all the basic eligibility requirements, including the study requirement, age limit, and health and character checks.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
For a smooth application process, make sure you gather the necessary documents:
- Passport: A valid passport with personal identification.
- Skills Assessment (if applicable): A positive skills assessment for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
- Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance for the entire period of your stay in Australia.
- Proof of Study: Evidence of your Australian qualification and the CRICOS-registered course details.
- Police Checks: Provide police certificates from any country where you have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
Step 3: Submit Your Application Online
You’ll need to submit your visa application online through the ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website. Make sure all the information is complete and accurate.
Step 4: Wait for Your Application Outcome
After submitting your application, you’ll receive a notification confirming that it has been received. You can track your application status online.
Step 5: Receive Your Visa Outcome
Once processed, you’ll be notified of the visa decision. If granted, you will receive the visa details and conditions.
Applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa is a relatively straightforward process if you have all the necessary documents ready. But what about the costs and processing times? Let’s break those down to help you prepare financially.
Processing Time and Costs
Processing Time
The processing time for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) varies depending on your application and the stream:
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream: Typically takes 67 days to 88 days.
- Post-Study Education Work Stream: Typically takes 57 days to 90 days.
The processing time for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) can vary depending on the specific stream and individual circumstances. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on current processing times, it’s recommended to consult the Global Visa Processing Times Guide provided by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Visa Costs
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) costs vary depending on the stream you apply for:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: AUD 4,600
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream: AUD 4,600
- Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: AUD 1,810
In addition to the visa application fee, you may also incur extra costs for medical checks, police certificates, biometrics, and health insurance.
Final Thoughts
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is an incredible opportunity for international students who want to stay in Australia after their studies to gain work experience, extend their stay, or further their education. After meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting a thorough application, you’ll be on your way to an exciting future in Australia.
If you need assistance with your visa application or would like expert advice, Knowbal can help you with every step of the process, ensuring that your application meets all the necessary requirements.
Ready to apply? Contact Knowbal today and get started on your Australian journey!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the eligibility age for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)?
You must be 35 years old or younger. If you hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas (BNO) passport, the age limit is 50 years.
2. How long can I stay in Australia with a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)?
The duration depends on the stream, ranging from 18 months to 3 years.
3. Can I bring my family with me on the Temporary Graduate Visa?
Yes, you can bring your partner and dependent children in your application.
4. Can I apply for PR after the Temporary Graduate Visa?
Yes, after gaining work experience, you may be eligible for other visas leading to permanent residency, like the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189).
5. What documents are required for the Temporary Graduate Visa application?
You will need your passport, proof of study, health insurance, police checks, and any necessary skills assessments for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
Have more questions? Reach out to Knowbal to learn more4
