Everything You Should Understand About the Temporary Graduate Visa in Australia

Everything You Should Know About the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) in Australia

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a popular pathway for international students in Australia to stay, work, and gain valuable experience after completing their studies. This visa allows graduates to utilize their Australian education, contribute to the workforce, and potentially transition to permanent residency.

What is the Temporary Graduate Visa?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a temporary visa for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. It allows you to live, work, and study in Australia for a limited time based on your qualification and eligibility stream.

Key Features of the Temporary Graduate Visa

• Duration: Stay in Australia for 2–4 years, depending on your qualification and stream.
• Full Work Rights: Work in your field of expertise or any other occupation.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Gain work experience that enhances your eligibility for permanent visas.
• Family Inclusion: Include eligible family members in your application.

Eligibility Streams

The Subclass 485 visa has two main streams:

1. Graduate Work Stream
   • Designed for students with qualifications related to occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
   • Duration: Up to 18 months (24 months for Hong Kong passport holders).
   • Eligibility:
     • Complete a qualification closely related to an occupation on the MLTSSL.
     • Provide a positive skills assessment (if required).
2. Post-Study Work Stream
   • For graduates of higher education degrees, regardless of occupation.
   • Duration: 2–4 years, depending on the degree:
     • Bachelor’s Degree: 2 years.
     • Master’s by Coursework: 2 years.
     • Master’s by Research: 3 years.
     • Doctorate (PhD): 4 years.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 485 Visa

To apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Age
   • Be under 50 years old at the time of application.
2. Australian Qualification
   • Hold a degree, diploma, or trade qualification from a CRICOS-registered institution.
3. English Language Proficiency
   • Meet the minimum English requirement (e.g., IELTS 6.0 overall, PTE equivalent).
4. Health and Character Requirements
   • Undertake a medical examination and provide police clearance certificates.
5. Australian Study Requirement
   • Complete at least 2 years of study in Australia.
6. Recent Graduate
   • Apply for the visa within 6 months of completing your course.
7. Health Insurance
   • Hold valid Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for the visa duration.

Required Documents for Subclass 485 Visa

• Personal Documents: Passport, national ID, and name change evidence (if applicable).
• Academic Documents: Degree certificate, transcript, and evidence of course completion.
• English Proficiency Test Results (if required).
• Health Insurance Evidence: Proof of OVHC.
• AFP Police Check: Australian Federal Police clearance certificate.
• Skills Assessment (if applicable): For Graduate Work Stream applicants.

Costs and Processing Times

Applicant Type	Visa Fee (AUD)
Primary Applicant	1,730
Additional Applicant (18+)	860
Additional Applicant (<18)	430

 

Processing Time	Graduate Work Stream	Post-Study Work Stream
75% of Applications	6 months	7 months
90% of Applications	10 months	9 months

Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa

1. Work Opportunities: Gain Australian work experience to boost your career prospects.
2. Regional Incentives: Stay longer in Australia if you live and work in regional areas.
3. Transition to PR: Use your work experience to apply for permanent residency through skilled migration pathways.
4. Family Inclusion: Your spouse and dependent children can join you on the same visa.

How to Apply for the Subclass 485 Visa

1. Check Your Eligibility: Confirm that you meet the requirements for your chosen stream.
2. Prepare Your Documents: Gather all necessary documentation, including academic, personal, and health evidence.
3. Apply Online: Submit your application through the ImmiAccount portal.
4. Pay the Visa Fee: Ensure timely payment to avoid processing delays.
5. Await Processing: While your visa is being processed, you may be granted a bridging visa to maintain your lawful status.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Apply within 6 months of completing your studies.
• Ensure your documents are certified and translated (if not in English).
• Meet health insurance requirements for the entire visa duration.
• Provide complete and accurate information to avoid delays or rejection.

How Bansal Immigration Consultants Can Help

At Bansal Immigration Consultants, we simplify the Temporary Graduate Visa process by providing:

• Expert guidance on eligibility and visa streams.
• Assistance with document preparation and submission.
• Support with bridging visas and post-visa options.

Contact us today to secure your Subclass 485 Visa and take the next step in your Australian journey