485 Visa- Temporary Graduate

Overview

The 485 Visa is for international students under the age of 50 who have completed a CRICOS registered course of study in Australia.  

There are 2 available streams, which are:

• Graduate Work Stream

  • If you have recently graduated from a course relating to an occupation where there is a skill shortage in Australia. This visa allows international students to live, work and study in Australia.

    • You can work and stay in Australia up to 18 months

    • Hold a qualification relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list

    • Bring your family to Australia

    • Processing time is approximately 4 months

• Post-Study Work Stream

  • If you have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution. You can work and live in Australia with this visa.

    • Work and Stay between 2 and 4 years in Australia, based on your qualification

    • Hold a recent degree from a CRICOS-registered course

    • Bring your family to Australia

    • Processing time is approximately 4 months

  • Post-Study Work Stream - Visa Validity Period

    • The validity period depends on the study that was completed before applying for Subclass 485. 

      • Doctor in Philosophy - 4 years

      • Masters by Research - 3 years

      • Masters by Coursework or Bachelor Degree - 2 years

    • If the study was completed from a regional institution,  there would be an extra 1 year added to the validity period. 

  • Post-Study Work Stream - First Student Visa Requirement

    • You can only qualify for a Post Study Work Visa if you have applied for and been granted your first student visa on or after 5 November 2011. If you have held a student visa that you applied for prior to 5 November 2011, then you are not eligible.

    • If you made a student visa application prior to 5 November 2011 but it was not approved due to a cancellation or withdrawal, then you may still be eligible.

Australian Study

You must complete a course or series of courses in Australia that take at least 2 academic years (at least 92 weeks).

English Language Requirements

You will need to establish your English language ability when you lodge your 485 visa application.

• If you hold a passport from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada or New Zealand you are exempted.

• IELTS (Academic or General Training): overall average of 6 and at least 5 in each band

• (PTE Academic): overall average of 50 with at least 36 in each band; 

• Or equivalent TOEFL iBT and Cambridge CAE.

Limited Time As to When You Can Apply

You must apply for your 485 visa within 6 months of completion of your Australian studies. You must either hold a student visa when you apply or have held a student visa within the last 6 months.

Health Insurance

You will need to show that you have adequate arrangements for health insurance when your 485 visa is granted. Whilst it is OK to have OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) at the time of application, you will need a Working Visa cover for approval of your 485 visa.

You also need to maintain your Working Visa cover whilst you hold your 485 visa. If you do not maintain this level of cover, your 485 visa might be canceled.

Common Mistakes

• Failing to meet the English requirements for your course

  You’ll need to have a comprehensive level of English to participate in Australian universities. You’ll likely be required to take the online examination – International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

• Incorrect and/or incomplete documents

  Accuracy and consistency are empirical when it comes to document submission for any visa application. Misspelled and or incomplete documents won’t be a good thing for you. Moreover, the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) will deem that you are not sure of what course you’re applying for and/or not have a concrete plan for your study.

• Not using a migration professional

  While you can apply for a student visa on your own, it may cost you a lot more if you’re unsure how to progress on your application. The actual process of visa application requires proper research on the immigration law and assessment of your circumstances.

Costs 

Subclass 485 Department Fees
Application: $1,650
Additional applicant Charge 18+ yrs old: $825
Additional applicant Charge -18 yrs old: $415

Accreditation