Complete Guide to Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) in Australia

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) in Australia. If you’re an international student who has recently completed a course in Australia, In that case, this visa can be an excellent opportunity for you to gain work experience and explore potential pathways to permanent residency.

This visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 6 years to live, study, and work. The 485 visa is a great way to gain significant work experience in Australia, allowing you to work full-time or part-time. It can also be a stepping stone to other visas, such as the skilled visa subclasses 189 or 190.

It can also serve as an entry point to permanent residency. We can assist you in understanding the benefits of the 485 visa and the application process. 

In this blog post, we will cover all the essential information you need to know about the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), including its eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and frequently asked questions.

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What is Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is designed for international students who have completed their studies in Australia and wish to stay and work there temporarily. This visa offers an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience and enhance your skills while living and working in Australia.

Eligibility Criteria for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

The Australia Graduate Temporary (Subclass 485) Visa is designed to assess students’ educational credentials. It aims to maintain talent in Australia and provides an excellent pathway to permanent residency. The following are the primary eligibility requirements:

You

• be under 50 years of age
• hold an eligible visa
• have held a student visa in the last 6 months
• have a recent qualification in a CRICOS-registered course
• nominate one stream only – it is not possible to change visa streams after you apply
• attach specified evidence when you apply
• have fulfilled english requirements
• have health and character assessment

485 Visa Checklist

The visa has four streams:

• Graduate Work stream
• Post-Study Work stream
• Second Post-Study Work stream
• Replacement stream

Graduate Work stream

If you have recently completed a course relevant to occupation in demand in Australia, this visa allows international students to reside, work, and study in Australia temporarily.

• Graduate Work stream applications submitted after July 1, 2023, must have a qualification related to a skilled occupation on the list. They will also require a skills assessment in the stated occupation. Applicants must include their occupation and skills assessment information in their ImmiAccount when applying.
• Temporary waiver of skills assessment requirement until 30 June 2023
• Option to bring your family to Australia
• Processing time varies

Post-Study Work Stream

If you have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution, you can obtain this visa to work and live in Australia temporarily. From 1 July 2023, Post-Study Work stream applicants with a select degree may be eligible for an extended 2 years on their visa.

• Work and stay in Australia between 2 and 6 years, depending on your qualification (effective from July 2023)
• Must hold a recent degree from a CRICOS-registered course
• Option to bring your family to Australia
• Processing time varies

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Second Post-Study Work Stream

Suppose you are a Temporary Graduate Visa holder (post-study work stream) and have completed a degree from an Australian educational institution in a regional area. In that case, you are eligible for this visa. 

If you reside in regional areas for living, working, or studying during your initial 485 visas, you could apply for the Second Post-Study Work Visa, which allows you to work and live in Australia for 1-2 years based on your study and living location.

• Work and stay in Australia between 1 and 2 years, depending on study location (must be regional)
• Option to bring your family to Australia
• Processing time information is unavailable.

Replacement Stream

This visa category is designed for current and former Temporary Graduate Visa holders who experienced delays due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. It permits temporary work and residence in Australia.

• Normally between 18 months and 5 years
• Previous Post-Study Work visa holders (for 2 years) who completed a master’s degree by coursework will now receive 3 years.
• Previous Graduate Work Stream visa holders (for 18 months) will now receive 2 years (This is a temporary measure)
• Option to bring your family to Australia
• Processing time information is not available.

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Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) offers several benefits, making it an attractive option for international students starting their careers in Australia. Some of the key advantages include:

• Full work rights: The visa allows you to work full-time in Australia during the validity period. This allows you to gain valuable professional experience and contribute to the Australian workforce.
• Study rights: If you’re eager to enhance your qualifications further, the Temporary Graduate Visa allows you to pursue additional studies in Australia. This flexibility lets you expand your knowledge and skills in your chosen field.
• Medicare eligibility: As a Temporary Graduate Visa holder, you may be eligible to access Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare. This gives you peace of mind and access to quality medical services during your stay.
• Pathways to permanent residency: One of the significant advantages of the Temporary Graduate Visa is that it can serve as a pathway to permanent residence in Australia. By gaining relevant work experience and establishing connections within the Australian job market, you enhance your prospects of obtaining permanent residency through other visa pathways.

Application Process for the Temporary Graduate Visa

To apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), you must follow these steps:

1. Gathering required documents: Collect all the necessary documents, including educational transcripts, English language test results, and proof of health insurance coverage. Ensure that your documents meet the specific Department of Home Affairs requirements.
2. Creating an ImmiAccount and submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI): Set up an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website and submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. This step helps determine your eligibility for the visa. It allows you to express your intention to apply.
3. Submitting the visa application online: Complete the application form and pay the relevant fees. Double-check all the information provided to ensure accuracy and attach the required documents per the document checklist.
4. Completing health examinations (if required): Depending on your circumstances and the specific requirements of the visa, you may need to undergo health examinations. Follow the instructions provided by the Department of Home Affairs to complete this step.
5. Providing biometric information (if requested): In some cases, you may be required to provide biometric information such as fingerprints or a facial photograph. If requested, schedule an appointment at a designated visa application center to provide this information.
6. Monitoring application progress: Stay updated on the progress of your visa application by regularly checking your ImmiAccount. The Department of Home Affairs will communicate any updates or requests for additional information through this platform.

Document Checklist for the Temporary Graduate Visa

To ensure a smooth application process, make sure to prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport and copies of previous visas
• Educational transcripts and completion certificates
• English language test results (such as IELTS or TOEFL)
• Overseas health insurance coverage
• Evidence of financial capacity to support yourself during your stay in Australia
• Health and character documents, including police clearance certificates

Processing Times and Fees

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) processing time can vary and may take several months. To avoid unnecessary delays, it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates. The visa application fee depends on the specific stream you are applying under and can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Bridging Visa and Transition to Permanent Residency

Although the Temporary Graduate Visa is temporary, it can be a stepping stone toward permanent residency in Australia. By gaining valuable work experience and establishing connections during your stay, you increase your chances of securing sponsorship or finding employment that qualifies for other permanent visa pathways.

Tips and Advice for Temporary Graduate Visa Applicants

To increase your chances of a successful Temporary Graduate Visa application, consider the following tips and advice:

• Prepare your documents in advance: Gather all the required documents early to avoid any last-minute rush or missing information.
• Seek professional assistance if needed: If you’re unsure about any aspect of the application process, consider seeking advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer who can provide guidance and support.
• Stay updated on immigration policies and changes: Immigration policies and regulations can change, so staying informed about any updates that may affect your application is essential.

By following these tips and ensuring that you meet all the requirements, you can navigate the Temporary Graduate Visa application process smoothly and maximize your chances of success.

Conclusion

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) in Australia offers international students an excellent opportunity to gain work experience and explore pathways to permanent residency. 

By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and frequently asked questions, you can make an informed decision and maximize your chances of a successful visa application. We hope this comprehensive guide has given you the information to embark on your journey toward a successful career in Australia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the application deadlines for the Temporary Graduate Visa?

There is no specific application deadline for the Temporary Graduate Visa. However, applying as soon as possible after completing your studies is recommended to maximize your chances of success.

What are my rights during the Temporary Graduate Visa period?

As a Temporary Graduate Visa holder, you have full work rights, allowing you to work full-time in Australia. You also have the option to pursue further studies and may be eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.

Can I bring my family members to Australia on a Temporary Graduate Visa?

You can include eligible family members, such as your spouse or dependent children, in your visa application. They will have the same rights and conditions as you during the visa period.