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Is your Australian student visa about to expire? Wondering what your next steps might be? Questions like “Can I build a career in Australia?” or “How can I extend my stay?” might be racing through your mind. Don’t worry — if you’ve completed a total of 2 years of study at an Australian institution, then you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
The 485 visa allows international graduates to live, work, and gain practical experience in Australia after completing at least two years of study. In 2019, around 90,000 international students applied for this visa, making it a popular choice for those looking to kick-start their careers. Depending on the stream, this visa grants work rights for two to four years.
Understanding the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa
The Subclass 485 visa is a temporary option for international graduates, available only once as a primary applicant. It includes two streams:
- Graduate Work Stream: Provides 18 months of visa stay in Australia for students whose selected occupations appear on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and have completed vocational study, such as an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification. Applicants must also complete a Provisional skills assessment for their chosen occupation.
- Post-Study Work Stream: Provides between 2 to 5 years of visa stay in Australia, for students who hold an Australian student visa and have completed higher education, such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree — regardless of their field of study.
Key Details of the 485 Visa
The 485 Visa is designed for international students who have studied in Australia for at least two years. Let’s break it down:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: Ideal for students with skills in high-demand occupations. This visa lasts for 18 months and requires a relevant skills assessment.
- Post-Higher Educational Work Stream: Offers two to five years of work rights, depending on your qualification level and Country — a perfect opportunity to gain local work experience and strengthen your path to permanent residency.
Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa
Applying for a Subclass 485 visa comes with several perks:
- Work and Live in Australia: You and your immediate family can live, work, and study in Australia while the visa is valid.
- Include Family Members: Your spouse and dependent children can be included in your visa application.
- Freedom to Travel: You and your family can travel in and out of Australia as often as you like during the visa period.
Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 485 Visa
To qualify for the Temporary Graduate Visa, you must meet certain requirements:
- Be under 35 years of age, unless an exception applies.
- Hold a valid Australian student visa (Subclass 500) at the time of application
- Apply within six months of completing your course
- Meet Australian study requirements (CRICOS-registered course of at least 16 months)
- Have adequate health insurance
- Demonstrate English language proficiency
- Clear any health or police checks
Health Insurance Coverage
Maintaining valid health insurance is essential while holding a Subclass 485 visa. You can arrange coverage through an Australian or overseas provider, but proof of insurance is required when you apply.
Quick Facts About the Subclass 485 Visa
- Purpose: Allows recent graduates to live, work, and study temporarily in Australia
- Streams: Graduate Work Stream and Post-Study Work Stream
- Duration: 18 months for the Graduate Work Stream, between 2–5 years for the Post-Study Work Stream depending on your completed study and country of origin
- Work Rights: Full work rights to gain valuable experience in Australia
- Pathway to PR: While not a direct route to permanent residency, the 485 Visa helps you build the experience needed for future PR pathways
- Family Inclusion: Spouses and dependent children can join your application
- Application Timeline: Must be lodged within six months of course completion
In summary, the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa offers international students a golden opportunity to launch their careers and gain valuable Australian work experience. Plus, your family can join you on the adventure!
Ready to take the next step toward your future in Australia? Reach out to us today!