485 Temporary Graduate Visa
Subclass 485: Temporary Graduate Visa Overview
The Subclass 485: Temporary Graduate Visa is a temporary residency visa for international students, allowing graduates to stay in Australia after completing their studies to work, study, or travel. The visa is divided into two streams:
- Graduate Work Stream: For graduates whose qualifications are related to an occupation on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Post-Study Work Stream: For graduates who have completed a higher education degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate).
485 Visa Eligibility Criteria
General Requirements
- Age Limit: Applicants must be under 50 years old.
- Study Requirements: Must have completed a CRICOS-registered course, with studies lasting at least 2 years (92 weeks) and a minimum of 16 months of actual study in Australia.
- English Language Requirement: Must meet the English proficiency requirement (e.g., IELTS overall score of at least 6.0, with no band lower than 5.0).
- Visa Requirement: Must hold an eligible visa (such as a student visa) at the time of application or have had a student visa that expired within the past six months.
- Health & Character: Must meet health and character requirements.
- No Visa Restrictions: The current visa must not include a “No Further Stay” condition, or the applicant must have successfully obtained a waiver.
Graduate Work Stream
- Occupation Relevance: The applicant’s qualification must be related to an occupation on the MLTSSL.
- Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority is required.
Post-Study Work Stream
- Degree Requirement: Must have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
- Visa Condition: The applicant must have obtained their first student visa on or after November 5, 2011.
Key Benefits of the 485 Visa
- Work Rights: Allows full-time employment in Australia.
- Further Study: Holders can pursue additional studies.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Provides an opportunity to gain work experience for PR applications.
- Flexible Travel: Visa holders can travel in and out of Australia freely.
- Family Benefits: Eligible family members can apply for a dependent visa.
485 Visa Application Process
- Confirm Eligibility: Ensure all requirements are met.
- Prepare Documents: This includes academic records, skills assessment (if applicable), English test results, health insurance, etc.
- Lodge Application: Submit an online application and pay the required fees.
- Processing & Additional Requests: The Department of Home Affairs reviews the application and may request further documents.
- Visa Grant: Upon approval, the applicant can lawfully live, work, or study in Australia during the visa’s validity.
485 Visa Fees
- Main Applicant: AU $1,895
- Additional Applicant (18 years and over): AU $945
- Additional Applicant (under 18 years old): AU $475
Note: Fees and policies are subject to updates from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.