Graduate Temporary 485 Visa

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a temporary visa that allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. Here's an overview of the subclass 485 visa:

Key Points about the 485 Visa:

1. Purpose: The subclass 485 visa is designed to provide eligible international students with an opportunity to gain work experience in Australia after completing their studies. It allows them to stay in Australia temporarily to gain practical work experience related to their field of study.
2. Two Streams:
   • Graduate Work Stream: This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications that are in demand in Australia. It allows them to work in Australia for up to 18 months.
   • Post-Study Work Stream: This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with a higher education degree from an Australian institution. The duration of this visa stream varies depending on the level of the qualification obtained:
     • Bachelor's degree: Up to two years.
     • Master's by coursework degree: Up to two years.
     • Master's by research degree: Up to three years.
     • Doctoral degree: Up to four years.
3. Eligibility: To be eligible for the subclass 485 visa, applicants must meet certain requirements, including:
   • Recently completing a course of study at an Australian educational institution.
   • Meeting the Australian study requirement, which includes completing a qualification that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
   • Having adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia.
   • Meeting health and character requirements.
4. Application Process: The application process for the subclass 485 visa involves submitting an online application to the Department of Home Affairs. Applicants need to provide evidence of their qualifications, English language proficiency, health insurance, and other relevant documents.
5. Work and Study Rights: Subclass 485 visa holders are generally allowed to work and study in Australia during the validity of their visa. They may also travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa is valid.
6. Pathways to Permanent Residency: While the subclass 485 visa itself is a temporary visa, it can provide a pathway to permanent residency for some individuals. For example, visa holders who gain relevant work experience in Australia may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through skilled migration pathways.