A Comprehensive Guide for Graduate Visa Subclass 485

Let’s explore the key aspects of the Temporary Graduate Visa 485 (post-study work).

Australia offers various visa options for international students who have completed their studies and wish to gain work experience. One of the most popular is the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485. This visa allows graduates to work, study, and live in Australia temporarily after finishing their studies. Let’s explore the key aspects of the Temporary Graduate Visa 485 (post-study work).

What is the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485?

The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 is designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. It enables them to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. There are two streams under this visa: the Post-Study Work Stream and the Graduate Work Stream.

485 Visa Requirements

To qualify for the 485 visa, applicants must meet several requirements:

• Age: You must be under 50 years old.
• Qualification: You must have completed a course that is registered with CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students).
• English Proficiency: Applicants must meet the subclass 485 visa Australia IELTS requirement, which typically includes an overall score of at least 6.0, with no band less than 5.0.
• Health and Character: You must meet health and character requirements, including undergoing a medical examination and providing police certificates.
• Visa Status: You must hold an eligible visa, such as a student visa, at the time of application.

485 Visa Processing Time

The 485 visa processing time can vary. Generally, it takes between 4 to 6 months for the visa to be processed. However, processing times can be influenced by factors such as the completeness of the application and the applicant’s personal circumstances.

485 Visa Checklist

When applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485, ensure you have the following documents:

• Valid passport
• English proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
• Proof of health insurance
• Academic transcripts and completion letter
• Police clearance certificates
• Recent photographs
• Form 80 (Personal particulars for assessment)

Visa Subclass 485 to PR

The 485 subclass visa can be a stepping stone to Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia. Many graduates use the work experience gained on this visa to improve their points score for the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. Pathways to PR include visas such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190).

485 Subclass Visa Working Hours

One of the significant advantages of the 485 visa is the flexibility it offers in terms of working hours. Visa holders can work full-time, providing an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience and improve their chances of securing PR.

485 Visa Eligibility

To be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485, applicants must:

• Have completed a CRICOS-registered course.
• Apply within six months of completing their course.
• Provide evidence of adequate health insurance.
• Meet the English language requirement.
• Hold an eligible visa when applying.

485 Visa Australia Replacement Stream

The 485 Visa Australia replacement stream is an option for graduates whose original 485 visa was affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions. This stream allows eligible graduates to reapply for a Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485, enabling them to live and work in Australia for an additional period.

Graduate Visa Australia Duration

The duration of the Graduate Visa Australia depends on the stream:

• Post-Study Work Stream: Typically, the visa is granted for two to four years, depending on the qualification (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree).
• Graduate Work Stream: The visa is usually granted for 18 months.

Conclusion

The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 is an excellent opportunity for international graduates to gain work experience and explore living in Australia. It provides a pathway to Permanent Residency and offers the flexibility to work full-time, enhancing one’s career prospects.

For personalized assistance with your visa application, consulting with a Migration Agent in Perth can be invaluable. These professionals can guide you through the process, ensuring you meet all requirements and maximize your chances of a successful application.