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.
To qualify for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) has three main streams, each offering varying lengths of stay based on the applicant’s qualifications and circumstances:
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.
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:
These extensions are in addition to regional post-study work rights, offering students in regional areas an additional 1 to 2 years of stay.
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.
As an International student on Students Visa (Subclass 500) for Australia, you are required to adhere to the conditions listed in your visa. If you do not comply with any of these conditions you will be held in breach of your visa conditions.
Navigating the intricacies of visa conditions is crucial for international students studying in Australia. One of the most common areas of confusion is Work Restrictions (Condition 8105), particularly for those on a Student Visa (Subclass 500).
Trade Course are vocational education program designed to equip students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for a specific trade or occupation.
Course | Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree | Requirements or Considerations | English Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) | Tuition Fees (per year for international students) | Top Universities |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nursing | 3 years | 1-2 years | Clinical placements required; may need specific health immunizations. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $30,000 - $45,000 | University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University |
Information Technology | 3-4 years | 1-2 years | May require programming skills or prior coursework in IT. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $30,000 - $50,000 | Australian National University, University of New South Wales, University of Melbourne |
Accounting | 3 years | 1-2 years | Need to meet accreditation standards by professional bodies. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $30,000 - $40,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland |
Engineering (various fields) | 4 years | 1-2 years | Strong background in mathematics and physics required. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $35,000 - $45,000 | University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, Monash University |
Social Work | 4 years | 1-2 years | Practical experience or placements required. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $28,000 - $40,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland |
Education (various fields) | 4 years | 1-2 years | A police clearance and working with children check required. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $28,000 - $35,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University |
Psychology | 3 years | 1-2 years | Requires strong research and psychological theory understanding. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $30,000 - $45,000 | University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland |
Occupational Therapy | 3-4 years | 1-2 years | May require pre-registration or relevant clinical experience. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $30,000 - $45,000 | University of Queensland, University of Sydney, Curtin University |
Architecture | 3-4 years | 2 years | Includes technical and creative coursework, portfolio may be required. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $35,000 - $50,000 | University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University |
Medicine and Health Sciences | 5-6 years | 2-4 years | Highly competitive entry, includes clinical placements and internships. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $45,000 - $70,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Australian National University |
State/Territory | Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) | Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa) |
---|---|---|
New South Wales (NSW) | Required for some occupations | Required for some occupations and regions |
Victoria (VIC) | Required | Required |
Queensland (QLD) | Not typically required, conditions apply | Required for some occupations and regions |
South Australia (SA) | Not typically required, conditions apply | Required for some occupations and regions |
Western Australia (WA) | Not typically required | Not typically required |
Tasmania (TAS) | Not typically required, conditions apply | Not typically required, conditions apply |
Northern Territory (NT) | Not typically required | Not typically required |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Required, uses Matrix system | Required, uses Matrix system |