For international students in Australia, transitioning from a student visa to a 485 Graduate Visa is a crucial step towards gaining work experience and potentially securing permanent residency. The 485 Graduate Visa is divided into two (2) streams: the Post-Vocational Education Workstream (formerly known as Graduate Work Stream), and the Post-Higher Education Workstream (formerly known as the Post-Study Work stream). Each stream caters to different circumstances and has specific requirements. Here’s an updated, comprehensive guide for 2024 on these streams and the process to make your transition smoothly.
Temporary Visa (Subclass 485)
Permits international students to live, study, and work in Australia following the completion of their studies.
Post-Vocational Education Workstream
Designed for international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications that are in demand in Australia. This stream is ideal for those whose qualifications align with an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List. It lets you live study and work temporarily.
Eligibility
Must be in Australia at the time of application.
Be thirty-five (35) years of age or younger at the time of application. (Exceptions may apply)
Hold an eligible visa.
Have held a valid student visa or have held one within the last six (6) months at the time of applying.
Hold a qualification relevant to an occupation listed on the skilled occupation list.
Have applied for a skills assessment for your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list.
Provide proof of adequate health insurance for all applicants at the time of application.
Evidence that you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check, in accordance with visa character requirements.
Demonstrate the required level of English proficiency with your application.
Length of Stay
Usually up to eighteen (18) months.
Holders of Hong Kong and British National Overseas passports can stay for up to five (5) years.
They are permitted to travel in and out of Australia while the visa remains valid. The visa becomes effective from the date it is granted.
Benefits
Live, study, and work temporarily in Australia after completing your studies, and bring your family members with you.
Cost
The visa application fee is AUD 1,945.00 for the primary applicant. Additional charges apply for each family member included in the application.
Post-Higher Education Workstream
Allows international students who have completed a higher education qualification from an Australian Institution. It lets you live, work and study temporarily. This stream supports graduates from higher education institutions in gaining valuable work experience.
Eligibility
Must be in Australia at the time of application.
Be thirty-five (35) years of age or younger at the time of application. (Exceptions may apply)
Hold an eligible visa.
Have held a valid student visa or have held one within the last six (6) months at the time of applying.
Possess a recent degree from a CRICOS-registered course.
Provide proof of adequate health insurance for all applicants at the time of application
Submit evidence that you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check, in line with character requirements.
Length of Stay
The visa duration varies:
2 years for a bachelor’s degree (including honours).
2 years for master’s (coursework and extended)
3 years for master’s (research)
3 years for those with a doctoral degree.
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.
Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay up to 5 years.
Note: The visa begins on the date it is granted. The visa holder may travel in and out of Australia while the visa remains valid.
Benefits
Live, study, and work temporarily in Australia after completing your studies, and bring your family members with you.
Cost
The visa application fee is AUD 1,945.00 for the primary applicant. Additional charges apply for each family member included in the application.
Second Post-Higher Education Workstream
This visa is for Temporary Graduates who hold a Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement visa and have earned a degree from an Australian institution situated in a regional area. It allows you to live, work, and study in Australia on a temporary basis.
Eligibility
Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application (with some exceptions).
Be in Australia when you apply for this visa.
Hold a Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement stream, and have previously held a Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Higher Education Work or Post-Study Work stream as the main applicant.
Possess a degree from a CRICOS-registered course obtained from an eligible designated regional area, which led to the grant of your initial Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Higher Education Work or Post-Study Work stream.
Have resided in an eligible designated regional area for at least two (2) years before applying for the Second Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants at the time of application.
Length of stay
The duration of the visa ranges from one (1) to two (2) years, depending on:
Where did you study and graduate from?
What degree did you complete while on a Student visa?
Where are you residing with your Temporary Graduate visa under the Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement stream?
If you:
Studied and live in a Category 2 area (you may be eligible for a 1-year extension of your visa)
Studied and live in a Category 3 area (you may be eligible for a 2-year extension of your visa)
Benefits
Live, study, and work temporarily in Australia after completing your studies, and bring your family members with you.
Cost
From AUD765.00
Student Visa to a 485 Graduate Visa
Holders of a Student Visa can apply for the 485 Graduate Visa if their qualification matches an occupation on the skilled occupation list. The 485 Graduate Visa offers an excellent opportunity to stay temporarily in Australia after graduation, allowing you to begin your career and gain the experience required for a permanent work visa.
Verify Eligibility
Confirm that you meet the criteria. Ensure your qualification aligns with the stream requirements.
Prepare Documentation
For the Post-Vocational Education Workstream obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation. For the Post-Higher Education Workstream, ensure you have evidence of your completed higher education qualification. Gather necessary documents such as English proficiency evidence, passport details, and current or previous student visa details.
Lodge Your Application
Apply online, and ensure all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejections.
Monitor Your Application
After submission, regularly check for updates. Be prepared to provide additional information or attend an interview if requested.
Post-Visa Issuance
Adhere to visa conditions, including maintaining valid health insurance and complying with work and study restrictions. Keep track of your visa expiry date and any steps required for renewal or transition to a different visa.
Additional Considerations:
Ensure you maintain health insurance coverage during your stay under the 485 visa.
Use the work experience gained under the 485 visa to strengthen your eligibility for permanent residency through pathways like the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) or the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491).
Seek Professional Advice and Consult a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer to get expert guidance. If you’re uncertain about the requirements or the application process, consider consulting a registered migration agent. For a seamless migration experience, Australian Portal Immigration is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process with expert precision.
Please note that immigration regulations may change over time. To ensure you meet the current eligibility criteria and receive personalized guidance, we recommend consulting with Australian Portal Immigration. You can book your appointment here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I apply for the 485 Graduate Visa if my student visa has expired?
No, you must hold a valid student visa or have held one within the last six months at the time of applying for the 485 Graduate Visa. If your student visa has expired and it has been more than six months, you may not be eligible to apply under the current regulations.
Q2. Can I include my family members in my 485 Graduate Visa application?
Yes, you can include your family members (spouse, de facto partner, and dependent children) in your application. They will need to meet the health and character requirements and be included in your visa application form.
Q3. Is it possible to extend my 485 Graduate Visa?
The 485 Graduate Visa is generally not extendable. However, you might be able to apply for another visa if you meet the criteria. For example, you could apply for a skilled migration visa or another type of temporary visa if you wish to stay longer in Australia.
Q4. Can I switch from the Graduate Work stream to the Post-Study Work stream if I complete a higher qualification after being granted a visa?
No, you cannot switch streams. If you initially applied under the Graduate Work stream, you would need to apply separately for the Post-Study Work stream if you meet its requirements later. Each stream requires a new application and must be applied for within its respective eligibility period.
Q5. Can I apply for the 485 Graduate Visa if I studied an online course from an Australian institution while overseas?
No, to be eligible for the 485 Graduate Visa, you must have completed your studies in Australia. Online courses or studies completed outside Australia do not meet the eligibility requirements.
Q6. How does the 485 Graduate Visa affect my future migration options?
The 485 Graduate Visa can provide valuable Australian work experience, which may enhance your eligibility for other skilled migration visas, such as the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) or the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491). This experience can be advantageous in meeting points requirements and other criteria for permanent residency.
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