If you are an international student who has recently completed your studies in Australia, a Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) could be your next step. This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia after finishing your course. It’s a great opportunity to gain local work experience and start your career.
There are two main streams for the Temporary Graduate Visa: the Post-Higher Education Work Stream and the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream. Here’s what you need to know about each.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
(Previously called the Post-Study Work Stream)
This visa is for students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Australia. It allows you to stay in Australia to live and work. The length of the visa depends on the level of your qualification.
- Bachelor’s Degree (including honours): up to 2 years.
- Master’s Degree (coursework and extended): up to 2 years.
- Master’s Degree (research) and PhD: up to 3 years.
Who can apply?
- You must be 35 years old or younger (or up to 50 years old for Hong Kong passport holders and those who have completed a Master’s by Research or PhD).
- You need to meet the Australian study requirement (see below),
- Pass health and character tests, and show sufficient English skills.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
(Previously called the Graduate Work Stream)
This visa is for students who completed a trade or vocational course in Australia. It is available for people who have studied at least an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification.
- This visa is generally granted for 18 months (up to 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).
Requirements:
- You must be 35 years old or younger (or up to 50 years old for Hong Kong passport holders and those who have completed a Master’s by Research or PhD).
- Skills Assessment: You must get a positive skills assessment for an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) that is relevant to your studies.
- You need to meet the Australian study requirement (see below)
- Pass health and character tests, and show sufficient English skills.
Australian Study Requirement
For both visa streams, you need to meet the Australian study requirements:
- CRICOS Registered: Your course must be registered on the CRICOS system and be at least 92 weeks long.
- 16 Months Duration: You must have taken at least 16 months to complete the course.
- Closely Related: Your course must be closely related to the job you’re nominating on the MLTSSL.
Bridging Visa
If you apply for the Subclass 485 Visa while in Australia, you will be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This visa allows you to stay in Australia until a decision is made on your application. The BVA will also give you unrestricted work rights.
However, if you need to travel outside Australia, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B before leaving the country.
Visa Processing Time
- Post-Vocational Education Work – 5 to 8 months from lodgement
- Post-Higher Education Work – 52 days to 5 months from lodgement
The global visa processing times can be found on the official Immigration website. Remember, these times are estimates and subject to change.
The Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a great option for international students who want to stay in Australia after their studies. Whether you have completed a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s, or a trade qualification, this visa provides you with the chance to gain valuable work experience in Australia and potentially open doors to permanent residency later on.
Be sure to check all requirements, meet deadlines, and apply within 6 months of finishing your course to take advantage of this opportunity!
This is a very simplified version of this visa application. For more in-depth help, please book a consultation with one of our registered migration agents.