Global Select Education and Migration Services
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Thursday, September 12, 2024

Understanding the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

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The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows recent international graduates to live, study, and work in Australia after completing their studies. It's an excellent opportunity for those seeking to gain valuable work experience in their field or explore further study opportunities. The 485 visa offers multiple streams, each tailored to different qualification levels and work goals.

Eligibility Criteria for the 485 Visa

To qualify for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:

  1. Age Requirement: You must be under 35 years at the time of application (exceptions apply). Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can apply if under 50.
  2. Recent Graduate Status: You should have held a Student Visa (Subclass 500) within the last six months.
  3. AFP Check: Evidence of having applied for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check must be provided.
  4. English Proficiency: Applicants must meet the required level of English proficiency, demonstrated through relevant tests such as IELTS.

Streams and Stay Duration

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) has three main streams, each offering varying lengths of stay based on the applicant’s qualifications and circumstances:

  1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (Previously Graduate Work Stream)
    This stream is for graduates with qualifications relevant to occupations listed on Australia's skilled occupation list. It allows you to stay for up to 18 months, and up to 5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders.
    • Eligibility: You must hold a qualification related to a skilled occupation and meet the Australian study requirement, with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification.
  2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream (Previously Post-Study Work Stream)
    Designed for graduates with a higher education degree from an Australian institution, this stream allows stays between 2 to 3 years, with extensions for Hong Kong, British National Overseas passport holders, and Indian nationals with specific qualifications under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.
    • Eligibility: You need a degree in a CRICOS-registered course and must meet the Australian study requirement with a degree or higher.
      Stay periods for Indian nationals under this stream are:
      • Bachelor’s Degree: Up to 2 years
      • Bachelor’s Degree (Honors in STEM/ICT): Up to 3 years
      • Master’s Degree: Up to 3 years
      • Doctoral Degree: Up to 4 years
  3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
    This stream is for graduates who held a Temporary Graduate Visa under the Post-Higher Education Work stream and studied in regional Australia. It offers an additional 1 to 2 years of stay.
    • Eligibility: You must have graduated from an institution in a regional area and continue to live in that area during your stay.

Applying for the Right Stream

The stream you apply for depends on the qualification you’ve obtained. If you hold a diploma or trade qualification relevant to a skilled occupation, the Post-Vocational Education Work stream is for you. If your qualification is degree-level or higher, you should apply for the Post-Higher Education Work stream.

New Changes and Visa Extensions

Recent announcements have introduced changes that extend stay durations by two years for eligible graduates holding select Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in fields experiencing skill shortages. The extension benefits degrees in sectors such as nursing, IT, allied health, engineering, and veterinary science, among others.

For example:

  • PhD holders: Visa extended from 4 to 6 years.
  • Selected Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees: Extended to 4 and 5 years respectively.

These extensions are in addition to regional post-study work rights, offering students in regional areas an additional 1 to 2 years of stay.

How to Apply

Applications for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) are made online through the Immi Account portal on the Department of Home Affairs website. Make sure to gather all required documents before submission to avoid delays in processing.

The 485 Visa offers a valuable pathway for graduates to gain post-study work experience in Australia. Whether you’re looking to work temporarily, continue your studies, or eventually transition to permanent residency, understanding which stream to apply for based on your qualification can help you make the most of this opportunity.

Always check for the latest updates on visa conditions and eligibility requirements on the Home Affairs website or consult with a migration agent for personalized advice.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is current as of February 2023 and subject to change. Always verify with official sources before applying.

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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