Are you an international student in Australia dreaming of extending your stay after graduation? The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) opens doors for students like you to gain valuable work experience.
This guide is here to demystify the process, laying out eligibility criteria, application steps, and benefits so you’re set for success. Dive in!
Key Takeaways
- The 485 Visa lets international students stay and work in Australia after they finish their studies. It has two parts: Graduate Work for certain skills and Post-Study Work for all higher education grads.
- To get this visa, do these things: finish a degree in Australia, prove your English skills, have health insurance (OSHC), and pass police checks. Apply from within Australia with the right documents.
- If you’ve got specific higher degrees, the 485 Visa might let you stay longer—up to four years! This is great news because it means more time to gain work experience in Australia.
- Family can join you on a 485 Visa. Your partner and kids can live, study, and work in Australia too. Everyone must meet the visa’s requirements just like you.
- Keep up-to-date on changes to the 485 Visa rules. In 2023, there are new policies that could affect how long some graduates can stay after studying certain subjects.
Overview of the 485 Visa
Stepping into the world of post-graduate opportunities, holding a 485 Visa is like unlocking the door to professional growth in Australia. Picture yourself having completed your degree; now it’s time to transition from textbooks to real-world experience.
This work visa serves as a bridge for international students who’ve recently graduated from an Australian institution—offering them valuable work experience and a taste of life Down Under.
It comes with two streams: Graduate Work for those who have skills and qualifications related to an occupation on the skilled occupation list, and Post-Study Work offered to students graduating with higher education degrees irrespective of their field.
The journey doesn’t stop once you toss your grad cap in the air—think of this visa as your entry pass into Australia’s dynamic workforce. You’ll be able to stay, work, or study temporarily after finishing your studies at a CRICOS-registered course.
With requirements that include proficiency in English through exams such as IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT, health insurance coverage through OSHC, and meeting character stipulations including police checks—you’ll want to ensure all ducks are in a row before diving into application procedures.
Rest assured, taking this step could pave the way toward achieving permanent residency—a goal many international graduates hold dear.
Eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
To qualify for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), you must meet basic eligibility requirements, which include holding an eligible qualification from an Australian educational institution.
You may also be eligible for post-study work rights extensions based on your study level and field of study.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
You need to meet certain conditions to apply for a 485 visa. Here’s what you must do:
- Graduate from an Australian institution: Finish your degree, diploma, or trade qualification at an Australian educational institution.
- Be in Australia: You must be inside Australia when you apply for the visa and also when the decision is made.
- Hold a student visa: Before applying, you should have held a valid student visa for the past six months.
- Complete your studies: Successfully complete all requirements of your course that lasted at least two years.
- Prove your English skills: Pass one of the approved English language tests. For example, score well in IELTS or TOEFL iBT.
- Get health insurance: Have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for yourself and any family members coming with you.
- Check police records: Provide a clear police check to prove you’re of good character.
Post-study Work Rights Extensions
Great news for international graduates in Australia! The 485 visa now offers a fantastic opportunity to extend your stay. If you’ve completed certain higher education degrees, you might get an extra two years of post-study work rights.
This means more time to gain valuable work experience in Australia.
Picture this: you’re building a career Down Under and enjoying life without the rush to leave. Check your qualifications and see if they match the criteria for a visa extension. It’s a chance not to be missed – make sure your Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) is in date and apply for that extension before it expires.
The road ahead looks promising with these additional years on Australian soil!
Benefits of the 485 Visa
– The 485 Visa offers international students the opportunity to stay in Australia after completing their studies and gain valuable work experience related to their field of study. This visa also allows for family members to join the primary applicant during their stay, providing a sense of stability and support during this transition period.
Length of Stay and Work Rights
Your time in Australia on a 485 visa can last from two to four years, and it’s all based on your level of study. If you’ve wrapped up a bachelor’s degree or master’s by research, expect to stay for two years.
Mastered your subject through coursework? You just gained an extra year with a three-year stay now available. But let’s say you went further and completed a doctorate; the Australian government says ‘good on ya’—your reward is four full years down under.
Work rights come as part of the package too. As soon as you graduate, roll up your sleeves because you can work in Australia for anywhere between 18 months to five incredible years.
That means more than just kick-starting your career—it’s the chance to gain valuable international work experience that could open doors globally. And for those holding specific degrees, there are even options to extend this period by two more years! Just imagine where half a decade of Aussie employment could take you.
Including Family Members
The 485 visa is great for bringing family along. If you’re an international student, this means your loved ones can join you in Australia. Imagine having the support of your partner or the joy of your kids with you while you study or work.
They can live, learn and even get jobs on this visa.
Consider it a smart move to keep close ties during your Aussie adventure. You’ll focus better with family by your side and they get to enjoy life Down Under too! Plus, there’s nothing like celebrating milestones together when far from home.
Your spouse, children—everyone will soak up Australian culture and create memories that last a lifetime.
How to Apply for the 485 Visa
To apply for the 485 Visa, you will need to gather necessary documents and lodge your application online through the Department of Home Affairs website. The estimated fees and processing time may vary, so it’s important to stay updated on the latest information before submitting your application.
Additionally, make sure to double-check all requirements and prepare accordingly to increase your chances of a successful visa application.
Application Procedures
Applying for the 485 visa is a clear process. You’ll need to follow these steps correctly to succeed.
- Choose your stream – Decide between the Graduate Work stream or the Post-Study Work stream, based on your qualification.
- Gather documents – Collect all necessary paperwork, including graduation certificates, English test results, and Australian study requirements.
- Test your English – Take an approved English language test like IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Occupational English Test and score the required level.
- Get health insurance – Buy Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa.
- Complete a police check – Submit to a character assessment with police checks from every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more over the last ten years.
- Apply online – Fill out the application on the Australian Immigration website with all relevant details.
- Pay the fee – The cost for applying must be paid at the time of submission; it varies depending on your circumstances and is non-refundable.
- Await decision – Processing times can vary, but preparing correct documents helps speed up this step.
Estimated Fees and Processing Time
Understanding the costs and waiting period for your 485 Visa application is crucial. Let’s break down the estimated fees and processing times you should anticipate.
| Visa Stream | Estimated Fees (AUD) | Base Application Charge | Additional Charge 18++ | Additional Charge under 18 | Estimated Processing Time |
| Graduate Work | $1,650 | $1,650 | $825 | $415 | 4-5 months |
| Post-Study Work | $1,650 | $1,650 | $825 | $415 | 75% of applications: 90 days 90% of applications: 4 months |
| Second Post-Study Work | $1,650 | $1,650 | $825 | $415 | Contact immigration for updates |
Fees can shift with government policies, so always check the latest information. Processing times hinge on your individual circumstances and the number of applications received. Stay proactive, ensuring all required documents are accurate and submitted promptly to avoid delays. Your future in Australia awaits—take the next step with confidence!
Necessary Preparations for the 485 Visa
Before applying for the 485 Visa, there are several necessary preparations you need to make. This includes English language testing, obtaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and meeting police check requirements.
These preparations are essential steps in ensuring a smooth application process for the 485 Visa.
English Language Testing
To secure the 485 visa, you must meet specific English language proficiency requirements. As of 2024, a score of 6.0 will be necessary for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa.
You need to ensure that you achieve this required score to fulfill the English language testing criteria for your visa application.
To demonstrate your proficiency, prepare adequately for exams such as TOEFL iBT or IELTS and aim to attain the desired score. Your readiness and performance in these tests directly impact your eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
You must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) throughout your studies in Australia. It’s a requirement set by the Australian Government, and it’s crucial for applying for or renewing a Student Visa.
OSHC fulfills this necessity completely and is tailored specifically to international students, providing the essential health coverage you need during your time in Australia.
Police Check Requirements
Ensure AFP clearances and the correct type of police clearance are submitted by international students applying for the 485 visa. The Australian police check is a mandatory part of the application process, so remember to include it with your primary application.
Understanding the 485 Visa Extension
Navigating the complexities and limitations of the 485 Visa extension can be daunting, but with updated information for 2023 and a clear understanding of the process, you can maximise your post-study opportunities in Australia.
Ready to dive deeper? Keep reading to unlock all the details you need to know.
Extension Updates for 2023
Stay updated for 2023 as the Australian government is making changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa extension policy. This affects graduates with select Bachelor and higher level degrees in skills shortage areas.
It’s crucial for international students to be aware of these adjustments and how they may impact their visa application process.
As a result, it’s important for international students to stay informed about the new updates in order to prepare effectively for their 485 visa applications. Graduates holding specific Bachelor degrees or higher should pay close attention as they navigate through the altered policies impacting their post-study work rights.
Limitations on Extensions
The 485 visa extension has its limitations, which may impact your post-study plans. Keep in mind that the recent updates for 2023 might affect the potential duration of your extended stay.
It’s crucial to stay informed about these changes to make well-informed decisions regarding your visa status and future in Australia.
FAQs on the 485 Visa
How long do I have to apply for the 485 visa after graduating? You must lodge your application within 6 months of completing your course or within 6 months of the date on your letter confirming completion.
Can I include my family members in my 485 visa application? Yes, you can! Your family members need to be in Australia when they apply, and their visas will expire at the same time as yours.
Do I need a job offer to apply for the 485 visa? No, you don’t need a job offer to apply for this visa. However, having a job can boost your chances of obtaining permanent residency later on.
Can I leave Australia while holding a 485 visa? You’re allowed to travel across borders during the validity period of your Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 without jeopardising it.
When should I undergo health examinations before applying for the 485 visa? Health exams should generally be done before lodging your application unless there are valid reasons not to do so.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 485 visa offers international students a pathway to live, study, and work in Australia after completing their studies. It provides opportunities for both the Graduate Work stream and Post-Study Work stream, each with specific eligibility criteria.
The visa also allows for family members to be included in the application. Remember that meeting health and character requirements, as well as understanding visa conditions, are vital aspects of securing this opportunity.
When navigating through the 485 visa process, stay informed about all obligations and extensions to make the most out of your experience in Australia.
