From Student to Resident: Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Australia has always been an attractive destination for students around the world because of its high-quality education system and welcoming environment. To encourage international students to stay in Australia after completing their studies, the Australian government introduced the Graduate visa (subclass 485) in 2008. This visa allows international students to work, study or live in Australia for a temporary period after their studies have completed. In this article, we will discuss the Temporary Graduate subclass 485 visa, who is eligible, how to apply and the pathway to permanent residency and Australian citizenship.

What is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa is a temporary visa that allows international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia to remain in the country for a temporary period. The visa has two streams: the Graduate Work stream and the Post Study Work stream.

The Graduate Work stream is for international students who have completed their studies in Australia and have an occupation on the skilled occupation list. This visa allows the student to live and work in Australia for up to 18 months.

The Post Study Work stream is for international students who have completed a Bachelor’s, Masters or Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution. The duration of this visa varies depending on the level of education the student has completed. It allows the student to work, study and live in Australia for two to four years.

Who is eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

To be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), the applicant must meet certain criteria. The general requirements for both streams are:

• Be under 50 years of age

• Hold an eligible student visa (subclass 500)

• Have completed an eligible course of study in Australia

• Meet the English language requirements

• Meet the health and character requirements

In addition to the general requirements, the Graduate Work stream applicants must have:

• Completed a trade qualification or degree at the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 7 or above

• Nominated an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list

• Obtained a skills assessment in their nominated occupation from a relevant assessing authority

For the Post-Study Work stream, the applicant must have:

• Completed a Bachelor’s, Masters or Doctorate degree at an Australian educational institution

• Graduated within the last six months or will graduate soon

• Applied for the visa within six months of the course completion

How to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

To apply for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa the applicant needs to submit an online application.

The following are the steps to apply:

• Gather the necessary documents, such as passport, English language test result, health examination result, police clearance certificate and skill assessment (for Graduate Work stream applicants).

• Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.

• Fill out the online application form and attach the required documents.

• Pay the visa application fee.

• Submit the application.

The processing time for the Subclass 485 visa is between 80 to 90 days.

Pathway to Permanent Residency and Australian Citizenship

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a pathway to permanent residency and Australian citizenship for international students who want to live permanently in Australia. The pathway to permanent residency depends on the visa stream the applicant holds.

For the Graduate Work stream, the applicant may be eligible for a Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) or a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) if they meet the eligibility criteria. These visas are points tested visas, and the applicant needs to score a minimum number of 65 points to be invited to apply. The applicant also needs to have a positive skill assessment and be nominated by a state or territory government.

For the Post Study Work stream, the applicant may be eligible for a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) or an Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa if they meet the eligibility criteria. These visas require the applicant to have an employer sponsor and be nominated for a skilled occupation that is on the relevant occupation list.

Once the applicant holds a permanent residency visa, they can apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for Australia citizenship is:

• Being a permanent resident for at least four years

• Being physically present in Australia for at least three years during the four-year period

• Being of good character

• Passing a citizenship test (if aged between 18 and 60)

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a great opportunity for international students who want to stay in Australia after completing their studies. The visa allows the student to work, study or live in Australia for a temporary period and is available in two streams: Graduate Work and Post-Study Work.

To be eligible for the visa, the applicant needs to meet certain criteria, such as completing an eligible course of study, meeting the English language requirements, and meeting the health and character requirements. The visa is a pathway to permanent residency and Australian citizenship. Overall, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a great way for international students to gain valuable work experience and explore opportunities in Australia.

Cost of the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

The cost of the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) can vary depending on the stream and the applicant’s circumstances. As of March 2023, the visa application fees are as follows:

• Graduate Work stream: AUD 1,650 for the primary applicant

• Post-Study Work stream: AUD 1,650 for the primary applicant

Pros and Cons of the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) offers many benefits to international students who want to stay in Australia after completing their studies. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are the pros and cons of the visa:

Pros:

1. Work Experience

One of the main benefits of the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is that it allows international students to gain work experience in Australia. This can be valuable for building a career and improving job prospects in the future. The visa allows the holder to work full time in any occupation and industry which can provide a range of opportunities to gain new skills and knowledge.

2. Opportunity to Explore Australia

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) also offers international students the chance to explore Australia and experience its culture and way of life. The visa allows the holder to travel within and outside Australia during the validity of the visa.

3. Pathway to Permanent Residency

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) can be a pathway to permanent residency in Australia. Depending on the stream and eligibility criteria, the visa holder may be eligible to apply for permanent residency after meeting certain requirements, such as completing a skills assessment and being nominated by a state or territory government. This provides long term security and stability in Australia.

4. Access to Healthcare and Education

As a temporary resident in Australia, the visa holder is entitled to access the country’s healthcare and education systems. This can be important for maintaining good health and wellbeing and pursuing further studies or training.

Cons:

1. Visa Conditions

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) comes with conditions that must be met by the visa holder. The holder must work in a skilled occupation or study in a regional area (depending on the stream) and meet the English language requirements. Failure to meet these conditions results in the visa being cancelled.

2. Limited Timeframe

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a temporary visa, meaning that the holder has a limited timeframe to stay and work in Australia. The visa can be valid for up to 4 years but this may not be enough time for the holder to achieve their goals in Australia.

3. Financial Implications

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) holder needs to cover the costs of living in Australia. This can be challenging for some international students.

4. Uncertainty

Applying for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) does not guarantee that the applicant will be granted the visa. There is always a risk that the visa application may be refused.

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Real Case Study

Lim is a Malaysian national who came to Australia to pursue her Master’s degree in engineering at the University of Melbourne. After completing her studies, she applied for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) under the Post-Study Work stream. This allowed her to stay in Australia for an additional 2 years and work full-time to gain work experience.

During her time on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), Lim worked as an engineer at a local firm and gained valuable experience in her field. She also took the opportunity to explore Australia and travelled to various parts of the country, including the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru.

As the end of her Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) approached, Lim began to consider her options for staying in Australia. She was interested in pursuing permanent residency and started researching the different pathways available to her.

After considering her options Lim decided to apply for a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) through the Expression of Interest (EOI) system. She worked with a migration agent to ensure that her application was complete and met all the eligibility criteria.

Although Lim was optimistic about her chances of success, there was a time when she felt like her immigration pathway was not going to work out. She received a request for further information from the Department of Home Affairs, which caused her to worry that her application might be refused.

However, with the help of Visa Bureau, Lim was able to provide the additional information requested by the Department of Home Affairs and her visa application was ultimately approved. She was thrilled to receive her Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and started planning for her future in Australia.

Over time, Lim settled into her new life in Australia and continued to work as an engineer. She also started to explore the possibility of becoming an Australian citizen. After meeting the residency requirements, Lim applied for citizenship and was granted Australian citizenship in 2022.

Looking back on her immigration journey, Lim is grateful for the opportunities that Australia has provided her. She feels that her decision to pursue a Master’s degree in Australia was one of the best decisions she has ever made and is proud to call Australia her home. While there were times when the immigration process was challenging, Lim believes that the hard work and perseverance paid off in the end.

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) FAQs

Q: What is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

A: The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a temporary visa that allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to stay in Australia temporarily to gain work experience.

Q: Who is eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

A: To be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), you must have recently completed a course of study at an Australian educational institution, have an eligible visa that allows you to apply for this visa, and meet other requirements such as English language proficiency and health and character criteria.

Q: How long is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) valid for?

A: The validity period of the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) depends on the stream you apply under. The Post-Study Work stream allows you to stay for up to 2 years, while the Graduate Work stream allows you to stay for up to 18 months.

Q: Can I work while on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

Yes, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows you to work full-time in any occupation, with no restrictions on the type or location of work.

Q: Can the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lead to permanent residency?

A: Yes, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) can lead to permanent residency through a number of different pathways, such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

Q: How do I apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

A: You can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) online through the Department of Home Affairs website. You will need to provide evidence of your eligibility, such as your graduation certificate and English language proficiency, and pay the application fee.

Q: How long does it take to process the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

A: The processing time for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) varies depending on the stream you apply under and other factors such as the volume of applications being processed. On average, processing times range from 75 to 90 days.

Q: Can I include family members in my Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) application?

A: Yes, you can include certain family members in your application, such as your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children. They will need to meet the relevant eligibility criteria and provide evidence of their relationship to you.

Q: Can I study while on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

A: Yes, you can study while on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). However, if you want to change your course of study, you may need to apply for a new student visa.

Q: What happens if my visa expires while I’m on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

A: If your visa expires while you are on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), you will need to apply for a new visa or leave Australia. It is important to maintain your visa status to avoid any negative consequences for future visa applications.

Q: Can I travel in and out of Australia while on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

A: Yes, you can travel in and out of Australia while on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). However, you must ensure that your visa is still valid and that you meet any other entry requirements for the countries you are traveling to and from.

Q: What happens if I can’t find a job while on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

A: If you are unable to find a job while on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), you may need to consider other visa options or leaving Australia. It is important to meet the conditions of your visa, including the requirement to gain work experience, to ensure that you remain eligible for future visa applications.

Q: Can I apply for permanent residency without going on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

A: Yes, there are other pathways to permanent residency in Australia, such as through employer sponsorship or the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). However, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) can be a useful option for international students who have recently graduated and want to gain work experience in Australia.

Q: How long does it take to process the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

A: The processing time for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the number of applications being processed at the time and the complexity of your case. It is recommended that you apply well in advance of your current visa expiring to allow for any processing delays.

Q: Can I include my family members on my Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) application?

A: Yes, you can include certain family members on your Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) application, such as your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children. However, they must meet certain eligibility criteria and provide evidence of their relationship to you.

Q: Can I switch to a different type of visa while on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

A: Yes, you may be able to switch to a different type of visa while on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) if you meet the eligibility criteria for the new visa. However, you should seek advice from a registered migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs before making any changes to your visa status.

Q: How long can I stay in Australia on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

A: The length of time you can stay in Australia on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) depends on the stream you apply for. The Graduate Work stream allows you to stay for up to 18 months, while the Post-Study Work stream allows you to stay for between 2 and 4 years, depending on your level of qualification.

Q: Can I apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) if I didn’t study in Australia?

A: No, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is specifically designed for international students who have recently completed a course of study in Australia. If you did not study in Australia, you may need to explore other visa options to come to Australia.

Post Graduate visas in Australia for International Students

Australia has a long history of welcoming international students to its shores, and in recent years, the country has become an increasingly popular destination for students seeking high-quality education and a multicultural experience. According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2022, there were over 787,000 international students enrolled in Australian universities, vocational education and training programs and English language courses.

One of the major draws for international students is the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in Australia after completing their studies. Post study work visas are designed to allow international students to remain in the country for a certain period of time to gain work experience in their field of study. This experience can be invaluable for future career prospects, both in Australia and in their home country.

In addition to the benefits of work experience, there are also other factors that make Australia an attractive destination for international students. The country has a high standard of living and a range of cultural and recreational activities that cater to diverse interests.

Furthermore, international students who complete their studies in Australia may be eligible for permanent residency through a variety of pathways, such as employer sponsorship, state or territory nomination or skilled migration programs. This provides further incentive for international students to remain in Australia and build a life here.

The popularity of post study work visas can be attributed to a range of factors, including the desire for work experience, the appeal of the Australian lifestyle and culture, and the potential for permanent residency. International students who choose to pursue these opportunities in Australia are contributing to the country’s economy and society and they are welcomed with open arms by the Australian government and its people.

Post Graduate Visa Situation in Australia

According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were over 787,000 international students enrolled in Australian educational institutions in 2022. This represents a significant increase from just a decade ago, when there were approximately only 400,000 international students in Australia.

In terms of where these international students come from, China is by far the largest source country, accounting for around 38% of all international student enrollments in 2022. Other major source countries include India, Nepal, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

When it comes to post study work opportunities, there are a range of visa categories available to international students in Australia. Data from the Department of Home Affairs shows that in the 2021-2022 financial year, there were over 28,000 skilled migration visas granted to individuals who had previously held a student visa in Australia. This represents a significant increase from the previous financial year, when just over 19,000 skilled migration visas were granted to former international students.

In terms of employer sponsored visas, the most common pathway is the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, which allows employers to sponsor foreign workers to fill skilled positions in Australia for up to four years. Data from the Department of Home Affairs shows that in the 2021-2022 financial year, there were over 36,600 TSS visas granted to foreign nationals. Of these, just over 3,900 were granted to individuals who had previously held a student visa in Australia.

State or territory nomination visas are another pathway to permanent residency for international students. These visas are designed to encourage skilled migrants to settle in regional or remote areas of Australia, where there may be a shortage of skilled workers. Data from the Department of Home Affairs shows that in the 2020-2021 financial year, there were over 8,000 state or territory nomination visas granted to foreign nationals. Of these, just over 3,000 were granted to individuals who had previously held a student visa in Australia.

Finally, it is worth noting that international students make a significant contribution to the Australian economy, both in terms of tuition fees and other spending. According to data from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, international education is Australia’s fourth-largest export, with a total value of around $39 billion in 2022. This represents a significant source of income for universities and other educational institutions.

Overall, the data shows that international students in Australia have a range of post study work opportunities available to them. These pathways can lead to permanent residency and eventual citizenship, providing a significant incentive for international students to choose Australia as their study destination. At the same time, the contribution of international students to the Australian economy is significant in terms of direct spending and the development of cultural and social ties between Australia and other countries around the world.

Free Visa Assessment

First, a free visa assessment can help individuals determine their eligibility for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) and identify any potential barriers or issues that may affect their application. This can save time and effort in preparing an application that may not meet the eligibility criteria or have a low chance of success.

Second, a free visa assessment can provide individuals with a better understanding of the requirements, documentation, and application process for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This can help individuals prepare a more accurate and complete application and avoid errors or omissions that may lead to visa application rejections or delays.

Third, a free visa assessment can offer insights into alternative visa options that may be available for individuals who do not meet the requirements for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This can help individuals explore other visa pathways that may better suit their circumstances and goals.

Taking a free visa assessment for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa with a reputable information provider such as Visa Bureau can offer several benefits, including increased knowledge and understanding of the visa application process, improved chances of visa application success, and the exploration of alternative visa pathways.