Temporary Graduate Visa
(subclass 485)
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa is tailored for international students who have successfully completed a minimum of two years of study in Australia. This visa offers an extended stay, ranging from 18 months to 4 years, based on individual circumstances. It serves as a valuable opportunity for individuals to extend their time in Australia, thereby enhancing their chances of qualifying for a future permanent or provisional skilled visa.
To meet eligibility criteria, the main applicant must be physically present in Australia when submitting the 485 visa application and should have held a qualifying student visa within the six months leading up to the lodgment of the application. This visa extension provides a valuable transition period for graduates to explore employment opportunities and contribute to the Australian workforce.
Revamped Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) in 2024: Tailoring to Workforce Demands
In 2024, Australia is implementing significant changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) as part of its revamped migration strategy. These modifications aim to align the visa program more closely with the needs of Australian employers, focusing on international graduates with sought-after skills. The changes include a reduction in the length of stay for these graduates, preventing them from transitioning back onto student visas, and ensuring that international graduates without skills in demand do not overstay in Australia. Furthermore, the age eligibility for the visa will be reduced from 50 to 35 years, and increased English language proficiency requirements will be introduced for temporary graduate visas. These adjustments reflect Australia’s commitment to optimizing its migration system to meet the evolving demands of the workforce.
Effective from 25 November 2023, online study requirements for the Subclass 485 visa have reverted to pre-COVID settings. Notably, online study undertaken during the COVID concession period from 1 February 2020 to 25 November 2023 will continue to be considered as part of the Australian Study Requirement (ASR).
It is important to highlight that, in response to requirements set by TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency), all students were mandated to return to in-person study by July 2023. This adjustment aims to provide clarity regarding the announcement made by the previous government in November 2021. Moreover, as of 25 November 2023, the Subclass 485 visa can now be granted, regardless of the applicant’s location at the time of grant.
Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Visa: Two Eligibility Streams
The Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Visa offers two distinct eligibility streams:
Post Study Work Stream (PSWS): This stream is designed for international students who have recently completed a degree (at least Bachelor’s or above) at an Australian institution. The PSWS allows individuals to temporarily live, work, and study in Australia, providing valuable post-graduate opportunities.
Graduate Work Stream: Tailored for international students who have recently graduated (at least Diploma level) and possess skills and qualifications aligned with specific occupations in demand in Australia. The Graduate Work Stream enables temporary residence, allowing individuals to live, study, and work in Australia as they contribute to occupations essential to the country’s needs.
Both the Post Study Work (PSW) stream and the Graduate Work Stream share common eligibility criteria, ensuring a standardized application process. Here are the key requirements:
1. Age:Â The primary applicant must be under the age of 50 at the time of lodgment.
2. English Proficiency:Â Applicants must demonstrate their English language proficiency, either through holding specific types of passports or by successfully completing an English language test. Evidence of meeting the threshold English requirement must be provided at the time of lodgment.
3. Study in Australia:Â To qualify, individuals must fulfill the two-year study requirement and have completed their qualifications within six months of applying for the visa.
4. Point Test:Â Unlike some other visa categories, the Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 visa is not subject to a points test, streamlining the application process and focusing on essential criteria for successful applicants.
Inclusion of family members
For both the Post Study Work Stream and the Graduate Work Stream, the updated English language requirements are as follows:
Passport from Designated English-Speaking Countries:Â Holders of passports from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, or New Zealand meet the English language proficiency requirement.
English Language Proficiency Tests:
- IELTS (Academic or General Training):Â Overall average of 6, with a minimum score of 5 in each band.
- Occupational English Test (OET):Â Achieve a B Pass in each band.
- Pearson (PTE Academic):Â Attain an overall average of 50, with at least 36 in each band.
- TOEFL iBT (Internet Based Test):Â Obtain a total score of 64, with a minimum of 4 in Listening and Reading, and at least 14 in Writing and Speaking.
- Cambridge (CAE):Â Achieve an overall average of 169, with a minimum of 154 in each band.
These requirements ensure that applicants can effectively communicate in English, contributing to a successful and fulfilling experience during their stay in Australia under the Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 visa.
DURATION AND CONDITIONS OF THE 485 VISA
The validity of the 485 visa hinges on individual circumstances, with the Gradate Work stream visas having an 18-month duration from the application’s grant date.
For the Post Study Work (PSW) stream, the duration varies based on the qualification and whether the study was completed in a regional area of Australia. If studying in Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane, the PSW duration is as follows:
- 2 Years:Â Completion of Bachelor Degree, Bachelor with Honours, Masters by Coursework, or Masters (Extended).
- 3 Years:Â Masters by Research.
- 4 Years:Â Doctorate.
While holding a 485 visa, individuals enjoy unrestricted work rights in Australia. It is mandatory to maintain private health insurance during the visa period, and a list of major providers can be found on the 485 Visa Insurance page.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE REGARDING REQUIREMENTS
Several crucial considerations apply to the English requirements for the 485 visa:
Skills Assessment Authorities:Â Certain assessment authorities, such as Accounting Professional Bodies, necessitate English testing for the Graduate Work skills assessment. Any potential changes to these requirements are yet to be indicated.
OET Scores:Â For those opting for the Occupational English Test (OET), the required scores remain unchanged.
Similarities with Subclass 476 Visa:Â The English requirements for the Recognised Graduate Subclass 476 visa share similarities with those outlined for the 485 visa.
TEMPORARY GRADUATE VISA (SUBCLASS 485) - DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS FEES
For the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), the Department of Home Affairs fees are structured as follows:
- Application Fee:Â $1,895
- Additional Applicant Charge:Â $950
- Additional Applicant Charge (Under 18):Â $475
Please be aware that these fees are subject to change, and it is recommended to check the latest fee schedule on the official Department of Home Affairs website or contact the department directly for the most up-to-date information.
Starting from July 1, 2022, individuals seeking a 485 visa will no longer need to undergo a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. The new process allows applicants to apply directly to the Department of Home Affairs for the visa. Consequently, numerous skills assessing authorities will cease accepting new skills assessment applications for candidates applying for this visa, effective from June 10, 2022.
The Australian Government has announced an extension of post-study work rights for international students, aiming to bolster the skilled labor pool. The changes include:
Increasing post-study work rights for specific Bachelor’s degrees from two to four years. Extending post-study work rights for certain Master’s degrees from three to five years. Enhancing post-study work rights for select PhDs from four to six years.