Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa is for international students who have recently finished their studies. The is a temporary visa that allows eligible students to live, study and work in Australia after completion of studies for up to 4 years. Students are eligible to apply for Subclass 485 visa once as a primary applicant. Further, this visa does not require any sponsorship from an Australian employer or an Australian relative or a nominating State or Territory.
COVID-19 Concessions
To provide assistance to temporary and provisional visa holders, who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to travel restrictions, the Migration Amendment (COVID-19 Concessions) Regulations 2020 dated 17 September 2020 [“the Instrument”] was passed to amend the provisions related to Subclass 485 visa. The following changes are brought by the Instrument, effective from 19 September 2020:
- Subclass 485 visa applicants may apply while within or outside Australia
- Concession for visa applicants from holding student visa within the six month period
- Study requirements extended from 6 months to 12 months for visa applicants
- Grant of Subclass 485 visa to applicants outside Australia
This visa has 2 streams: Graduate Work stream and Post-study Work stream, for qualifications completed outside or within Australia, respectively. Both streams have slightly different eligibility requirements.
Eligibility for Graduate Work stream
You must:
- Be under 50 years of age
- Meet Australian study requirements
- Meet English Requirements
- Nominate one occupation on the Medium and Long-term Occupation list that is closely related to that occupation
- Have positive skills assessment
- Meet health and character requirement
- Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused
Visas granted under this stream, allow the applicants to stay in Australia for up to 18 months.
Eligibility for Post-Study Work stream
You must:
- Meet Australian study requirement
- Hold an eligible qualification at a degree-level or above
- Have studied with an Australian education provider
- Meet health and character requirement
- Meet English Requirements
- Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused
- Unlike applicants in the Graduate Work stream, applicants in the Post-Study Work
stream are not required to nominate an occupation
Visas granted under this stream, allow the applicants to stay in Australia for up to 4 years.
Under special arrangement for Hong Kong passport holders, they may be eligible to stay for 5 years under both visa streams.
Advantages of Subclass 485 visa
- Study and work in Australia
- Live in Australia
- Travel to and from Australia
- Bring eligible dependents to Australia
If you facing any migration issues or want to know more this visa, Contact Us or call us on (02) 4626 100 to speak to one of our Registered Migration Agents in Sydney who can help you.
