Graduate Temporary 485 Visa

The Temporary Graduate subclass 485 visa is aimed at individuals who initially moved from abroad to study in Australia and who have since completed a minimum of two years’ formal study. Depending on personal circumstances, this visa can be issued for between 18 months and 4 years.

Holding a subclass 485 visa is often a great way of increasing the likelihood that you will be able to apply for a permanent or provisional skilled visa.

In order to apply for this visa, the applicant must have had an eligible student visa in the last 6 months, and still be physically located in Australia at the time that they apply.

Further information:

485 visa to Permanent Residence

Eligibility Streams Post Study Work Stream (PSWS): This stream is intended for recent international graduates from Australian institutions who have received at least a Bachelor’s-level degree. Through this stream, successful applicants are permitted to temporarily live, study and work in Australia.
Graduate Work Stream: This stream is aimed at recent international graduates with at least a Diploma-level qualification covering the skills required in specific occupations. Through this stream, successful applicants are permitted to temporarily live, work and study in Australia.
COMMON CRITERIA

 

 Certain eligibility criteria are shared by both streams:

  • Age: The primary applicant should be no older than 49 years old when they submit their application.
  • English: The primary applicant will be required to prove that they have sufficient English language skills when they apply. This can be by taking a test, or having a passport from certain majority English-speaking countries and territories.
  • Study in Australia: The primary applicant must have been studying for at least two years, and have completed their qualification within the last six months.
  • Points Test: Eligibility for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa is not dependent on meeting a points test.
FAMILY MEMBERS

 

 It is permitted to add some family members to an application for this visa, specifcally:

  • Dependent children
  • Spouses, de facto partners and same-sex partners

Individuals who have already applied for and received a subclass 485 visa may be permitted to add family members to their visa even after living in Australia on that visa.
LENGTH AND CONDITIONS

 

 How long the 485 visa will be granted will depend on the information provided in your application and which stream you are applying under.

Graduate Work Stream visas are usually issued for a period of around 18 months.

Successful applicants for the PSWS will be issued different length visas depending on the level of their qualification and whether they studied in an Australian regional area. Applicants who have studied in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne will typically be granted a visa for:

  • 2 years: for completed Bachelor Degree, Bachelor with Honours, Masters by Coursework or Masters (Extended)
  • 3 years: Masters degrees (research-based)
  • 4 years: Doctoral degrees

Holders of a 485 visa benefit from the unrestricted right to work in Australia. They are required to take out and keep personal health insurance while resident in Australia on this visa.

See also: Extra 1 or 2-year visa for international graduates from regional institutions
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT

 

 Applicants should note the English language requirements for the 485 visa (both streams) and are required to either:

  • Hold a UK, USA, New Zealand, Canadian or Irish passport; or
  • Complete one of the following:
    • IELTS (Academic or General Training) with an overall average of 6 and at least 5 in each band
    • Pearson (PTE Academic): overall average of 50 with at least 36 in each band
    • Occupational English Test (OET): B Pass in each band
    • Cambridge (CAE): 169 overall average with at least 154 in each band
    • TOEFL iBT (Internet Based Test): total score of 64, with at least 4 in Listening and Reading, and at least 14 in Writing and Speaking
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Fees
DOHA Application Fee AUD 1,895
Charge per additional applicant over 18 AUD 950
Charge per additional applicant under 18 AUD 475

Book your no-obligation consultation today with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne, and find out the right visa options for your unique circumstances.