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Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): The Key to Staying in Australia After Graduation

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Graduating from an Australian university is a milestone worth celebrating, but for many international students, it also raises an important question: What’s next? If you’ve fallen in love with the idea of living, working, or continuing your studies in Australia, the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) could be your ticket to staying longer and building your future here. This visa, commonly referred to as the 485 Graduate Visa, opens doors to exciting possibilities—but understanding its nuances is crucial to making it work for you.

What Makes the 485 Graduate Visa So Special?

Imagine this: You’ve just wrapped up your degree, your suitcase is filled with dreams, and you’re not ready to leave behind the connections, opportunities, and lifestyle Australia has to offer. The 485 Graduate Visa is designed for graduates like you. It allows you to:

  • Work Full-Time: Unlike a student visa, this visa gives you unrestricted work rights, letting you build your professional experience.
  • Bring Your Family: Family members can be included in your application, ensuring you can share this journey with loved ones.
  • Plan Your Future: It’s often a steppingstone toward permanent residency in Australia.

This visa is designed to give you time to establish yourself after graduation, whether it’s by gaining relevant experience, networking in your industry, or transitioning to another visa.

Exploring the Streams: Finding the Right Path for You

Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is divided into three streams, each tailored to specific qualifications and career goals. Whether you’ve earned a degree, completed vocational training, or previously held a Temporary Graduate Visa, there’s a stream that caters to your aspirations. Here’s an in-depth look at each option, including costs, benefits, and eligibility highlights.

  1. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
    The Post-Higher Education Work Stream is designed for international students who have recently completed a higher education degree in Australia, such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. This stream allows graduates to stay in the country for two to three years, depending on their qualification. For Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders, the duration extends up to five years.
    The cost of applying for this visa starts on AUD 1,945.00. One of its most significant benefits is the opportunity to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily, giving you time to gain valuable work experience or further your education. You can also bring your family members, making it a flexible option for graduates with dependents.
    To be eligible, applicants must be aged 35 years or under (with exceptions in certain cases) and must have held a valid Student visa within the past six months. Additionally, you need to have completed a CRICOS-registered course. Other key requirements include maintaining adequate health insurance, applying for an Australian Federal Police check, and providing evidence of English proficiency. This stream is ideal for graduates looking to gain experience in their field of study or explore opportunities for permanent residency.
  2. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
    If you’ve earned a qualification related to a skilled occupation, the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream may be your perfect match. This stream caters to graduates who have completed vocational education or training in fields that align with Australia’s skill shortage areas, as listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 18 months, with Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders eligible for up to five years.
    The application fee starts at AUD 1,945.00. This visa provides unrestricted work rights, enabling you to gain practical experience in your trade or technical field, and includes the option to bring family members. It’s an excellent opportunity for those eager to transition from classroom learning to hands-on work experience in Australia’s dynamic industries.
    Eligibility for this stream requires that you are 35 years old or younger (with exceptions for certain cases) and have received a student visa within the past six months. Your qualification must be relevant to a skilled occupation, and you need to have applied for a skills assessment in your nominated field. As with other streams, proof of health insurance and English proficiency is mandatory, as is evidence of applying for an Australian Federal Police check. This stream is particularly valuable for those ready to contribute to Australia’s workforce in high-demand areas.
  3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
    The Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream is for graduates who have already held a Temporary Graduate Visa in the Post-Higher Education Work or Post-Study Work streams. It allows you to extend your stay in Australia by one to two years, with the exact duration depending on where you studied and lived while holding your first Temporary Graduate Visa. This stream is especially beneficial for graduates who completed their studies in a regional area and lived there for at least two years, as it aligns with Australia’s incentives to promote regional development.
    The cost for this visa starts at AUD 765.00, making it a more affordable option for those seeking to continue building their career or residency pathways. Like other streams, this visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily and bring your family members. For graduates considering permanent residency, this stream offers a chance to gain additional regional work experience, which is highly valued in visa applications.
    To qualify, you must hold a previous Temporary Graduate Visa from the relevant streams and have completed a CRICOS-registered course in a designated regional area. You must also provide proof of health insurance and meet all other standard requirements, such as an Australian Federal Police check. This stream is an excellent choice for those who want to deepen their professional and personal ties to Australia while enjoying the benefits of regional living.

The Journey to Permanent Residency

For many graduates, the 485 Graduate Visa is more than a temporary fix: it’s a steppingstone to a more permanent life in Australia. With time to gain valuable local work experience, you can build the credentials needed to apply for permanent residency.

Visa pathways like the Skilled Independent Visa(subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) often reward individuals with Australian qualifications and work experience. If you’re willing to live and work in regional areas, additional incentives and opportunities for residency can open up, too. The possibilities are vast, but it’s essential to use your time wisely and strategically.

Challenges to Be Aware Of

While the 485 Graduate Visa offers fantastic opportunities, there are challenges you need to navigate:

  • Strict Deadlines: You must apply within six months of completing your studies.
  • Non-Renewable Visa: Planning your next steps is crucial, as this visa cannot be extended.
  • Skills Assessment Delays: For those applying under the Graduate Work Stream, the assessment process can take time—start early!
  • Regional Relocation: If you’re planning to benefit from regional incentives, moving and settling in these areas may require adjustments.

Navigating the Application Process

The process of applying for the 485 Graduate Visa might seem overwhelming, but breaking it down makes it manageable:

  1. Check Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet the requirements for your chosen stream.
  2. Gather Documents:
    • Proof of completing a CRICOS-registered course.
    • Evidence of adequate health insurance.
    • Australian Federal Police check application.
    • Proof of English proficiency.
  3. Submit Online Application: Lodge your application through the Department of Home Affairs website and pay the fee.
  4. Undergo Health and Character Checks: Be prepared for medical examinations and police clearances.
  5. Await the Outcome: Use your ImmiAccount to track your application.

Health Insurance: A Non-Negotiable Requirement

One thing you can’t skip is health insurance. To apply for the 485 Graduate Visa, you must have valid Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) in place. This isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a crucial safeguard for your well-being during your stay. Make sure your insurance is active from the moment you apply and remains valid throughout your visa period.

Making the Most of Your Time on a 485 Visa

Having the freedom to work full-time in Australia is one of the most significant perks of the 485 Graduate Visa. This isn’t just about earning a paycheck—it’s a chance to gain hands-on experience in your field, expand your professional network, and showcase your skills to potential employers. To make the most of your 485 Graduate Visa, keep these tips in mind:

  • Start Planning Early: Ensure your application is prepared well before the deadline.
  • Focus on Networking: Build connections in your industry to secure job opportunities.
  • Leverage Regional Incentives: Studying or working in regional areas can open doors to extended visa durations and permanent residency pathways.
  • Seek Professional Advice: For complex cases, consulting a migration agent can save time and reduce stress.

The 485 Graduate Visa isn’t just a document: it’s a golden opportunity to turn your dreams into reality. Whether you want to explore Australia’s vibrant cities, dive into professional growth, or set the stage for permanent residency, this visa offers a clear and achievable pathway.

Yes, there are challenges. Yes, the process can feel daunting. But with careful planning, strategic decisions, and a bit of determination, you can make this visa work for you.

So, if you’re staring at a graduation cap and wondering what comes next, remember that Australia still has plenty to offer. The 485 Graduate Visa could be your next big adventure—and the start of an incredible new chapter in your life.

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CourseBachelor’s DegreeMaster’s DegreeRequirements or ConsiderationsEnglish Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)Tuition Fees (per year for international students)Top Universities
Nursing
3 years1-2 yearsClinical placements required; may need specific health immunizations.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $30,000 - $45,000University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University
Information Technology
3-4 years1-2 yearsMay require programming skills or prior coursework in IT.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $30,000 - $50,000Australian National University, University of New South Wales, University of Melbourne
Accounting
3 years1-2 yearsNeed to meet accreditation standards by professional bodies.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $30,000 - $40,000University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland
Engineering (various fields)
4 years1-2 yearsStrong background in mathematics and physics required.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $35,000 - $45,000University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, Monash University
Social Work
4 years1-2 yearsPractical experience or placements required.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $28,000 - $40,000University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland
Education (various fields)
4 years1-2 yearsA police clearance and working with children check required.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $28,000 - $35,000University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University
Psychology
3 years1-2 yearsRequires strong research and psychological theory understanding.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $30,000 - $45,000University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland
Occupational Therapy
3-4 years1-2 yearsMay require pre-registration or relevant clinical experience.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $30,000 - $45,000University of Queensland, University of Sydney, Curtin University
Architecture
3-4 years2 yearsIncludes technical and creative coursework, portfolio may be required.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $35,000 - $50,000University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University
Medicine and  Health Sciences
5-6 years2-4 yearsHighly competitive entry, includes clinical placements and internships.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $45,000 - $70,000University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Australian National University
State/TerritorySubclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa)
New South Wales (NSW)Required for some occupationsRequired for some occupations and regions
Victoria (VIC)RequiredRequired
Queensland (QLD)Not typically required, conditions applyRequired for some occupations and regions
South Australia (SA)Not typically required, conditions applyRequired for some occupations and regions
Western Australia (WA)Not typically requiredNot typically required
Tasmania (TAS)Not typically required, conditions applyNot typically required, conditions apply
Northern Territory (NT)Not typically requiredNot typically required
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)Required, uses Matrix systemRequired, uses Matrix system