Are you nearing the end of your Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) in Australia? Whether you’ve been working, studying, or gaining valuable experience, it’s important to know your options once this temporary visa expires. With the right information and timely action, you can ensure that you remain in Australia and continue your journey towards permanent residency or other visa pathways.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the options available to you after your 485 visa expires and explain how to go through the process smoothly. Let’s explore your next steps and the opportunities that lie ahead.
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.
What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows international students to stay in Australia temporarily after completing their studies. It is designed to help you gain work experience, further your studies, and explore Australia’s lifestyle. There are three main streams of this visa, each tailored to different qualifications and circumstances.
1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
This visa is for students who have recently graduated with vocational qualifications relevant to occupations in demand in Australia. It lets you live, work, and study in Australia temporarily for up to 18 months.
2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This is a graduate stream, designed for those with a degree from an Australian institution. Depending on your qualification, the visa may be granted for up to 2 to 3 years, allowing you to live, work, and gain experience in your field.
3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
For graduates who already hold a Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement visa and have a degree from an Australian institution located in a regional area, with this visa you can extend your stay for 1 to 2 years, depending on the regional area you are living in.
Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485):
- Live in Australia: Stay in the country and experience its culture.
- Work in Australia: Gain work experience in your field of study.
- Bring Your Family: You can include your family members in your application, allowing them to live and work in Australia too.
- Travel: You get to travel to and from Australia as many times as you want within the validity of the visa.
However, depending on the stream, this visa will expire in 18 months to 5 years.
Please note: For Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders, the visa validity is 5 years.
But what happens once your 485 visa expires? Let’s take a look at the available options.
Options After Subclass 485 Visa Expires
Once your 485 visa expires, it’s important to act quickly and explore the following options to remain legally in Australia:
1. Explore Other Visa Options
Let’s explore other visa options that you can opt for:
For skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory, with this visa you can live and work in Australia. After meeting the criteria and being nominated, you can gain permanent residency.
If you are willing to live and work in regional Australia, this visa provides a pathway to permanent residency. It’s designed to encourage migration to less populated areas, and applicants may find it easier to qualify based on their occupation.
If you have an Australian employer offering a permanent position, the Employer-Sponsored Visa allows you to work and live in Australia indefinitely.
This is a temporary visa that allows you to work in Australia for a sponsoring employer in a position listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). It’s a pathway to permanent residency for eligible applicants.
This visa is for individuals undergoing workplace-based training to improve their skills in a particular occupation. It offers the chance to stay in Australia temporarily.
If you are married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you have an option to apply for a Partner Visa to stay in Australia. This visa also offers a path to permanent residency.
If you want a short stay in Australia to plan your next steps or explore alternative options, you may apply for a Visitor Visa. However, visa hopping is no longer a viable option under current immigration policies, so ensure you explore legitimate pathways to extend your stay.
2. Considering Bridging Visas A-B-C
If you’re still working on sorting out your visa options, applying for a Bridging Visa can help maintain your legal status in Australia while you explore other pathways. There are different types of Bridging Visas:
- Bridging Visa A (BVA): Allows you to stay in Australia while you await your new visa decision.
- Bridging Visa B (BVB): This visa lets you leave and re-enter Australia while awaiting your visa decision.
- Bridging Visa C (BVC): For applicants who are unlawful in Australia and wish to apply for a new visa.
These Bridging Visas ensure you remain compliant while you work on your visa situation.
3. Reapply for a 485 Visa (If Eligible)
Applying for a 485 visa twice is generally not allowed, except in the case of the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream. This stream allows graduates who have previously held a 485 visa and completed a degree in a designated regional area of Australia to apply for a second 485 visa, enabling them to extend their stay for additional work experience.
4. Returning Home and Future Visits
If none of the above options work for you or you decide not to pursue them, you may choose to return to your home country. Once there, you can explore future visa options, including reapplying for the 485 visa or other visa types when you meet the eligibility criteria. Be sure to keep track of any changes in Australian immigration laws that could impact your future applications.
Even though the expiration of your 485 visa opens up numerous opportunities for you to continue your stay in Australia and pursue your goals, it’s better to be prepared in advance. Let’s discuss the steps you should take before your 485 visa expires to ensure you’re ready for your next move.
Steps to Take Before the 485 Visa Expires
It’s essential to act before your 485 visa expires to ensure a smooth transition to another visa or maintain your legal status. Here are some important steps to follow:
1. Review Visa Eligibility Options
Take the time to review the various types of visas you may be eligible for depending on your qualifications, work experience, career goals and unique requirements.
2. Prepare the Necessary Documentation
Gather your documents well in advance, such as updated financial records, skills assessments, or proof of employment, to ensure a fast and accurate visa application process.
3. Consult a Migration Agent
Consider consulting a professional migration agent like Knowbal to get expert advice on the best path forward after your 485 visa expires. We can help you identify the right visa based on your specific needs and requirements and assist you with the documentation.
By taking these steps before your 485 visa expires, you can ensure that you remain compliant with Australian immigration laws and avoid unnecessary delays in your visa application process. The sooner you start planning and taking action, the smoother the process will be.
Final Thoughts
The expiration of your Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) doesn’t mean the end of your Australian journey. With several options available, including reapplying for your 485 visa, transitioning to a skilled visa, or applying for a Bridging Visa, there are many ways to continue your path and stay in Australia.
Take action before your visa expires to ensure you stay compliant and pursue the right opportunities. If you’re uncertain about your next steps or need professional assistance, Knowbal is here to help. Our experienced migration agents can guide you through the process and help you choose the best visa options for your future in Australia.
Contact Knowbal today for expert advice and assistance with your visa options after your 485 visa expires!