The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is a popular visa for international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia. It allows graduates to live, work, and gain experience in Australia temporarily. This visa is crucial for individuals who want to enhance their skills, explore job opportunities, or transition to permanent residency in Australia.

This guide breaks down the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa step-by-step, including eligibility requirements, benefits, and the application process.

 

What is the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa?

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The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. The visa allows you to stay in Australia temporarily to:

• Work and gain valuable work experience in your field.

• Live in Australia for up to four years, depending on your qualifications and stream.

• Pursue career opportunities and expand your professional network in Australia.

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This visa has two primary streams:

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• Graduate Work Stream: For international students who have recently completed a qualification that relates to an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.

• Post-Study Work Stream: For international students who have recently completed a higher education qualification, such as a bachelor’s degree or above, and want to work in Australia.

 

Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

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To be eligible for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

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1. Age Requirement

• You must be under 50 years of age when applying for this visa.

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2. Study Requirements

• You must have completed at least two years of study in Australia.

• The qualification you’ve completed must be registered on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

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3. English Language Proficiency

• You must meet the English language requirement. This is typically achieved with a score of at least 6.0 in each component of the IELTS (or equivalent in other accepted English language tests like PTE Academic or TOEFL).

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4. Stream-Specific Requirements

• Graduate Work Stream: You must have completed a qualification that relates to an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

• Post-Study Work Stream: You must have completed a higher education qualification such as a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD at an Australian education provider.

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5. Health and Character

• You must meet the health and character requirements, which include undergoing health checks and providing police clearance certificates if necessary.

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6. Visa Application Timeframe

• You must apply for the Subclass 485 visa within six months of holding a valid student visa.

 

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

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Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before applying for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria, including age, study requirements, English language proficiency, and health and character requirements.

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Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents

Prepare the documents required for your visa application. These include:

• Passport (copy of personal details).

• Confirmation of Enrollment (COE) or Academic Transcript.

• English proficiency test results.

• Skills assessment (for Graduate Work Stream applicants, if applicable).

• Health check and police clearance certificates.

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Step 3: Submit Your Visa Application

Apply online through the ImmiAccount portal. Fill out the application form, upload your documents, and pay the visa fee. The cost of the Subclass 485 visa depends on the stream you are applying for:

• Graduate Work Stream: AUD 1,680.

• Post-Study Work Stream: AUD 1,680.

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Step 4: Wait for Visa Decision

After submitting your application, the Department of Home Affairs will process your visa application. Processing times can vary, but typically:

• Post-Study Work Stream: Takes approximately 4 to 6 months.

• Graduate Work Stream: Takes approximately 6 to 12 months.

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Step 5: Visa Grant

Once your visa is approved, you will receive a temporary visa that allows you to stay, work, and live in Australia for the duration specified in the visa. This may range from 18 months to 4 years, depending on your stream and the qualification you completed.

 

Benefits of the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

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• Work Rights: You can work in Australia for the duration of the visa, which helps you gain valuable work experience.

• Study Rights: You are allowed to continue your studies during the visa period.

• Pathway to Permanent Residency: The experience gained on the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa may help you qualify for a permanent skilled visa, such as the Subclass 189 or Subclass 190 visa.

• Family Inclusion: You can include immediate family members (spouse, children) in your visa application.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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1. How long can I stay in Australia on the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa?

• Graduate Work Stream: Generally, you are allowed to stay for up to 18 months.

• Post-Study Work Stream: You can stay for up to 2-4 years depending on your qualification and stream.

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2. Can I apply for the Subclass 485 visa if I completed my study in Australia while holding a visitor visa?

No, you cannot apply for the Subclass 485 visa if you were on a visitor visa while studying. You must have held a valid student visa during your studies.

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3. Can I apply for a Subclass 485 visa if I’ve already completed my studies overseas?

No, the Subclass 485 visa is for graduates who have completed their studies in Australia. If you have studied overseas, you would not be eligible unless you meet specific skills assessment requirements and are eligible for the Graduate Work Stream.

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4. What if I want to extend my stay in Australia after the 485 visa expires?

If your Subclass 485 visa expires and you still want to stay in Australia, you may explore options like applying for a skilled migration visa (e.g., Subclass 189, 190), Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), or transitioning to a Permanent Residency visa, provided you meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

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5. Can I include family members in my Subclass 485 application?

Yes, you can include your immediate family members (spouse, dependent children) in your Subclass 485 visa application. They must meet health and character requirements, and they will also be granted the same temporary visa as you.

 

Need help with your Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa application? Our expert migration agents are here to assist you at every step of the process. Contact us today to get started!