What is the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa?

Australia, renowned for its exceptional education system, recognizes this opportunity and offers a unique pathway for recent international graduates – the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa.

Studying abroad is an incredible experience. It provides a top-tier education and immerses you in a new world of culture and international exposure. But, for many international students, the journey continues after graduation.

In this blog, we’ll learn about this temporary graduate visa, helping you grasp how it can help to migrate to Australia and have a successful journey for post-graduation.

Table of Contents

Understanding Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa

The Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa is an Australian visa designed for international students who have completed their studies in Australia and wish to stay there to gain work experience, further their education, or enjoy their time.

This visa bridges student life and professional life, allowing graduates to apply the knowledge they’ve acquired during their studies in a real-world context.

Eligibility Criteria

To get the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa, you need to meet these simple requirements:

Be under 50 years old.
Have the correct type of visa.
Must have had a student visa in the last six months.
Hold a recent qualification from an approved course.
Choose one stream; you can’t change your choice once you apply.
Attach the documents they ask for when you apply.

Technical Difficulties

Sometimes, there might be problems when you apply online for a Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa. If you see an error message, follow the guidelines and instructions they provide you in the message.

Age Limit

One important thing to remember is that you can be at most 50 when you apply for this visa. If you are, you won’t be eligible.

Learn More: Skillselect Visa Categories: Which Visa Pathway is Right for You? ✈️✈️

Two Streams of the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa

The Temporary Graduate Visa has two streams: the Graduate Work and Post-Study Work streams.

1. Graduate Work Stream

This graduate work stream is for international students who have recently completed their studies and hold qualifications and skills in demand in Australia. The visa under this stream is valid for 18 months.

To be eligible for the Graduate Work stream, graduates must hold a qualification closely related to a specific occupation on the skilled occupation list (SOL).

Here’s what you need to know:

You can stay for up to 18 months, but there’s a temporary increase to 24 months until 2 September 2023 for some people.
Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders might get to stay for five years.
It cost AUD 1,895.00.
To be eligible, you need a qualification for a job on the skilled occupation list.

Temporary Extension for COVID-19 Impact

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve made a particular rule. If you apply before 2 September 2023, you can stay for 24 months instead of 18 in the Graduate Work stream. This extension is to help graduates get more time to find work during these challenging times.

Special Considerations for Hong Kong and British National Overseas Passport Holders

If you’re from Hong Kong or have a British National Overseas passport, you might get to stay in Australia for five years under the Graduate Work stream. This consideration is an excellent opportunity for people from these places.

Read More: How to write a complete RPL Report for ACS Skills Assessment? ✈️✈️

2. Post-Study Work Stream

This stream is for recent graduates who have completed a higher education degree in Australia, such as a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or a Ph.D. The visa duration varies based on the level of qualification.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree are eligible for a two-year visa, while those with a master’s degree or Ph.D. can stay up to four years.

Here’s what you need to know:

Usually, you can stay for 2 to 4 years, depending on your qualifications.
You could stay for an extra two years with a particular degree.
Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders might get to stay for five years.
It costs AUD 1,895.00.
To be eligible, you need a recent degree from an approved course.

Extended Stay for Select Degree Holders

Starting 1 July 2023, if you have a select degree, you could get an extra two years to stay in Australia under the Post-Study Work stream. This extended stay is a great chance to get more work experience and enjoy your time in Australia.

Limitations on Extended Stay

You can apply if you already have a post-study work visa and are eligible for the extra two years. But remember, you can only get this extra time once. You can’t keep applying for it over and over.

Special Considerations for Hong Kong and British National Overseas Passport Holders

Like the Graduate Work stream, people from Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can also get up to 5 years to stay in Australia under the Post-Study Work stream. It’s a special offer for people from these places.

3. Second Post-Study Work Stream

This stream is for people who’ve already had a Temporary Graduate visa (first Post-Study Work stream or Replacement stream) and graduated from a university in a regional area.

Here’s what you need to know:

You can stay for 1 to 4 years, depending on where you studied and if you have a select degree.
It costs from AUD 745.00.
To be eligible, you need to meet some special rules.

Stay Duration Factors

How long you can stay under the Second Post-Study Work stream depends on a few things:

Where your university is located and how it’s classified.
Where did you live while you were on this visa?
If you have a select degree, you might stay longer.

Limitations on Extended Stay

Like in the Post-Study Work stream, if you already have a Second Post-Study Work visa and are eligible for the extra two years, you can apply for it. But you can only get this extra time once. You can’t keep asking for it.

4. Replacement Stream

This stream is for people who had a Temporary Graduate visa before but needed more time because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Here’s what you need to know:

You can stay for 18 months to 6 years.
It costs AUD 1,895.00.
You’ll get the same time as your old visa, except if you have a remarkable degree.
Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders might get to stay for five years.

Extended Stay for Select Degree Holders

Like in the Post-Study Work stream, you can apply for an extra two years if you have a select degree and a replacement post-study work visa. But remember, you can only get this extra time once.

Special Considerations for Hong Kong and British National Overseas Passport Holders

People from Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can get up to 5 years to stay in Australia under the Replacement stream. It’s a special offer for people from these places.

More Information

Work Rights

One of the significant advantages of the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa is that you can work in Australia. For some streams, you need a degree that matches a job on the skilled occupation list. This right means you can get work experience in your field and improve your chances of finding a good job.

Family Inclusion

You can also bring your family with the Temporary Graduate Visa. This inclusion allows your spouse and kids to come, too. It’s a great way to have your family with you while you enjoy your time in Australia.

Applying Outside Australia

If you’re affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions, you can apply for a Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa from outside Australia. This option is for people with eligible student visas who want to return to Australia once things get better.

Eligibility for Specific Streams

To get the right stream, you need to meet certain conditions:

For the Graduate Work stream, you must have a degree matching a job on the skilled occupation list.
The Post-Study Work stream needs you to have a recent degree from an approved course.
The Second Post-Study Work stream has special rules based on where you studied and your degree.
The Replacement stream is for people who lost time because of COVID-19 travel restrictions and may have some extra rules.

Read more: Engineers Australia Assessment Validity. 📑📑

How to Apply for a Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa?

The application process for the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa can be complex, and it’s essential to ensure that all requirements are met. It’s advisable to seek professional guidance or get the services of a Registered Migration Agent like MigrationSkillsAustralia to guide the application process.

It’s essential to make sure you follow all the rules. Also, remember that picking the right stream is very important because it decides how long you can stay and what you can do.

It’s recommended to carefully review the eligibility criteria, gather the required documentation, and follow the application process outlined by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa

The Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa offers several benefits to recent graduates:

Work Experience: This Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa allows graduates to gain valuable work experience in Australia, which can improve their employability and help them launch their careers.
Stay in Australia: The Post-Study Work stream enables graduates to stay in Australia for an extended period, allowing them to explore the country, travel, and experience its diverse culture.
Flexibility: Graduates can work, study, or travel during their visa’s validity, providing a well-rounded Australian experience.
Skill Development: Working in Australia offers the chance to develop and hone skills while earning a living.
Opportunity for Permanent Residency: The work experience gained on this visa can often be a stepping stone to permanent residency in Australia, as it can contribute to points under the General Skilled Migration program.

Read More: Immigration to Australia as an Engineering Manager for PR Visa. ✈️✈️

Conclusion

The Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa is your opportunity to make the most of your life after studying in Australia. This easy-to-understand blog has covered the essential details, eligibility conditions, different streams, and extra information to help you make informed choices about your plans.

Whether you want to work in a particular job, get more education, or enjoy the beauty of Australia, the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa opens doors to incredible opportunities. Remember to research well, prepare, and apply for your new journey in Australia.