Complete your Study
Complete your study for about 92 weeks and it should result in at least 1 qualification. Also you should have a English Language Test score.
Skills Assessment
If you are applying in Post Vocational stream, you should choose MLTSSL occupation and must apply for a skills assessment
Lodge Application
Apply for a 485 Visa after carefully deciding on the related stream
Visa Grant
Based on the stream you are eligible, visa can be granted from 1.5 years to 3 years period
Temporary Graduate Visa
Introduction
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a visa designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. This visa allows graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after they have finished their studies.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) provides an excellent opportunity for graduates to gain valuable work experience in Australia, which can enhance their career prospects both locally and internationally. It also allows graduates to continue their studies or improve their English language skills while enjoying the vibrant Australian lifestyle.
Key benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa include:
- Work Rights: Full work rights, allowing you to work in any occupation and for any employer in Australia.
- Study Opportunities: The ability to pursue further studies to enhance your qualifications.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: For many, this visa serves as a stepping stone towards permanent residency in Australia.
This visa is divided into two main streams: the Post-Vocational Education Work stream and the Post-Higher Education Work stream, each catering to different types of graduates and offering varying durations of stay.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
- Description: This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with a qualification closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Eligibility: Applicants must be under 35 years of age at the time of application, unless they hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport, in which case they can be under 50 years of age.
- Duration of Stay: Up to 18 months, with the possibility of staying up to 5 years for Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
- Description: This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with a higher education degree.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be under 35 years of age at the time of application, unless they hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport, in which case they can be under 50 years of age.
- Duration of Stay: The duration varies based on the qualification:
- Bachelor degree (including honours) – 2 years
- Masters (coursework and extended) – 2 years
- Masters (research) – 3 years
- Doctoral degree – 3 years.
The length of stay for Indian nationals, as agreed in the Australia - India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), is as follows:
- Bachelor degree (including honours) – 2 years
- Bachelor degree (with first class honours in STEM, including ICT) – 3 years
- Masters (coursework, extended and research) – 3 years
- Doctoral degrees (PhD) – 4 years.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Must be under 35 years of age (or under 50 for certain passport holders).
- Recent Graduate: Must have completed an eligible qualification within the last 6 months.
- Health and Character Requirements: Must meet health and character requirements as specified by the Australian government.
- English Requirements: Overall score of at least 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.5 for each of the 4 parts of IELTS Test.
- Study Period: Two academic years of study equals at least 92 weeks that contribute towards 1 or more acceptable qualification.
Application Process
The application process for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) involves several steps:
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including proof of identity, educational qualifications, English language proficiency, health insurance, and character documents.
- Submit Application: Complete and submit the visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the required visa application fee.
- Await Processing: Wait for the application to be processed. Processing times can vary.
Rights and Obligations
Holders of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) have the following rights and obligations:
- Work Rights: Full work rights, allowing visa holders to work in any occupation and for any employer in Australia.
- Study Rights: The ability to pursue further studies to enhance qualifications.
- Conditions and Restrictions: Must comply with visa conditions and restrictions, including maintaining health insurance and adhering to Australian laws.
Including Family Members
Applicants can include family members in their visa application. Eligible family members include:
- Partner: Spouse or de facto partner.
- Dependent Children: Children under 18 years of age, or over 18 if they are dependent on the applicant.
Family members must meet health and character requirements and provide necessary documentation.
Costs
Application Fees
- Base Application Fees: : $1945
- Additional Applicant: $975 (18 or over)
- Additional Applicants: $490 (Under 18)
Document Checklist Subclass 485
1. Personal Identification Documents
- Passport: Bio data page of your current passport.
- Birth Certificate: Showing both parents’ names.
- Passport-sized Photograph: Recent photo (45 mm x 35 mm).
2. Family Relationship Documents (if applicable)
- Marriage Certificate: If you are married.
- Divorce Certificate: If you are divorced.
- De Facto Relationship Evidence: Proof of at least 12 months of relationship (e.g., joint bank account statements, billing accounts in joint names).
- Adoption Papers: Certified copies if any dependent child included in the application is adopted.
3. Health and Character Documents
- Health Insurance: Evidence of adequate health insurance in Australia (e.g., a signed letter from a health insurance provider).
- Australian Federal Police Check: Not older than 12 months. Use Code 33 in Section 8 of the form.
- Police Certificates: From each country where you have spent 12 months or more in the past 10 years since turning 16.
4. Educational Documents
- Completion Letter: From your education provider stating:
- The start and end dates of the course.
- The date course requirements were met.
- The location of the campus where you studied.
- Whether the study involved any distance learning.
- Whether the study was full-time or part-time.
- The language of instruction.
- Course Transcripts: Certified copies of your academic transcripts.
5. English Language Proficiency
- Test Results: Evidence of meeting the required English language standards (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic).
6. Skills Assessment (if applicable)
- Skills Assessment: For the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream, a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation from a relevant skills assessment authority.