Australia Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 Streams Eligibility Application Guide

Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is an excellent opportunity for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. This visa allows graduates to live, study, and work in Australia for a limited time while gaining valuable work experience.

In this guide, we’ll cover the streams, eligibility requirements, benefits, and step-by-step application process to help you understand and apply for the Subclass 485 Visa.

What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?

The Subclass 485 Visa is designed for international students who have completed at least two years of study in Australia. It allows them to stay temporarily after graduation to gain work experience.

This visa has two main streams:

• Graduate Work Stream

• Post-Study Work Stream

Each stream has different requirements, eligible qualifications, and visa durations.

Benefits of the Subclass 485 Visa

• Work Opportunities: Gain Australian work experience in your field of study.

• Stay Longer in Australia: Depending on your stream, stay between 18 months to 4 years (or more for certain degrees).

• Bring Family Members: Include eligible family members in your application.

• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Work experience may lead to other skilled migration visas.

Streams of the Temporary Graduate Visa

1. Graduate Work Stream

• For graduates with skills and qualifications related to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

• Valid for up to 18 months.

• Requires skills assessment in the nominated occupation.

2. Post-Study Work Stream

• For graduates with a higher education degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate) from an Australian institution.

• Validity varies:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s (Coursework): Up to 2 years

  • Master’s (Research): Up to 3 years

  • Doctorate: Up to 4 years

• No requirement for nominated occupation.

Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 485 Visa

General Requirements

• Age: Must be under 50 years old.

• Visa Status: Hold an eligible student visa at the time of application.

• Qualification: Must have completed an eligible course in Australia.

• English Proficiency: Meet minimum English language requirements.

• Health & Character: Satisfy health and character standards.

Additional Requirements

• Apply within 6 months of completing your course.

• Have adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Check Your Stream Eligibility

Determine whether you qualify for the Graduate Work Stream or the Post-Study Work Stream.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Common documents include:

• Passport and identification

• Academic transcripts and completion letter

• English test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.)

• Health insurance details

• Skills assessment (if applying for Graduate Work Stream)

Step 3: Apply Online

Applications are lodged online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

The application fee is approximately AUD $1,895 (subject to change).

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary, but providing accurate documents can speed up the process.

Visa Costs

• Graduate Work Stream: Around AUD $1,895

• Post-Study Work Stream: Around AUD $1,895
  (Fees may change, so check the latest updates before applying)

Pathway to Permanent Residency

The Subclass 485 Visa can be a stepping stone to permanent residency through visas such as:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 186)

Gaining Australian work experience during your stay can improve your points score for skilled migration.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Apply before your current visa expires.

• Prepare documents early to avoid delays.

• Maintain health insurance throughout your stay.

• Consider consulting a registered migration agent for guidance.

Final Thoughts

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is an ideal option for international students who want to stay in Australia after graduation, gain local work experience, and explore pathways to permanent residency.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, ensure you gather all the required documents and apply on time to maximise your chances of approval.