Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485
What is the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia. This visa allows graduates to live, work, and gain valuable work experience in Australia for a period of time. If you are looking to commence your career with Australian standard experience, the 485 visa offers great opportunities.
At Kris Ahn Lawyers, we have extensive experience in navigating the complexities of the visa process and offer personalised support from eligibility assessment to the final submission, ensuring a smooth and stress-free application experience.
Key Features of the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485
Work and Stay in Australia
The 485 visa allows graduates to stay in Australia temporarily and gain work experience.
Enter the Workforce and Gain Experience
By holding a 485 visa, graduates can enter the workforce and start gaining valuable experience.
Recent Changes
Keep in mind recent changes to the visa requirements introduced earlier in 2024, which may impact potential applicants.
Health Insurance
Visa applicants must have adequate health insurance to support their application and throughout their stay in Australia.
Meet the Character Requirement
Visa applicants must provide evidence of and meet the character requirement
Different Streams
Learn and understand the different streams of the 485 visa and understand which stream best fits your eligibility.
No Study Restrictions
While on this visa, you are free to study further without restrictions.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), you must meet the following criteria:
Be in Australia
Be in Australia at the time of application.
Age Requirement
You must be 35 years of age or under when you apply. Hong Kong of British National Overseas passport holders may be under 50 years of age when you apply.
Qualification
Hold an eligible qualification (such as an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification) from an Australian education institution.
English Proficiency
Meet the English language requirements.
Study Requirement
You must have studied in Australia for at least 2 academic years in a CRICOS-registered course.
Application Timing
You must apply within 6 months of completing your studies.
English Requirements
You must meet the English language requirements for the 485 visa, achieving an overall IELTS score of at least 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent scores in other accepted tests such as PTE or TOEFL).
Exemptions: Applicants from certain countries (e.g., the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand) are exempt from the English language requirement.
Graduate Visa Streams
There are two primary streams under the Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), with an additional option for a second visa:
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Post-Vocational Education Work stream
- Eligibility: For graduates with skills related to an occupation on the Medium Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) occupation list.
- Visa Duration: Up to 18 months. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years.
- Work Rights: Full work rights.
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Post-Higher Education Work Stream/Post-Study Work Stream
- Eligibility: For graduates who have completed a higher education degree (Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral degree) in Australia.
- Visa Duration: Usually between 2 and 3 years. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years.
- Work Rights: Full work rights.
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
- Eligibility: For holders of a Post-Higher Education Work Visa who live, work, or study in a designated regional area.
- Visa Duration: Between 1 and 2 years.
- Work Rights: Full work rights.
The Process
1
Gather Your Documents
Collect your Australian qualification documents, evidence of English proficiency, health insurance, and police clearances.
2
Submit Your Application
Lodge your visa application online, ensuring you provide all required documents and meet the eligibility criteria.
3
Health Checks
Complete any medical examinations.
4
Await Visa Outcome
After submitting your application and completing the necessary checks, wait for the Department of Home Affairs to review your application and notify you of the outcome.
Application Fees
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) fees are as follows:
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) Post-Vocational Education Work stream
- Primary Applicant Fee: AUD 2,235
- Additional Applicants (18+): AUD 1,115
- Additional Applicants (Under 18): AUD 560
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) Post-Higher Education Work stream
- Primary Applicant Fee: AUD 2,235
- Additional Applicants (18+): AUD 1,115
- Additional Applicants (Under 18): AUD 560
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) Second Post-Higher Education Work stream
- Primary Applicant Fee: AUD 880
- Additional Applicants (18+): AUD 440
- Additional Applicants (Under 18): AUD 225
Other Fees
- English Test Fees: AUD 300-460 depending on the test provider.
- Health Insurance: You must maintain health insurance for the duration of your stay.
- Police Clearances: Additional costs may apply for obtaining police checks.
How Can We Help?
At Kris Ahn Lawyers, we provide expert guidance through every step of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) application process, ensuring personalised and stress-free service. Let us help you navigate the complexities and increase your chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include family members in my 485 visa?
Yes, you can include your spouse or de facto partner, and dependent children in your 485 visa application.
Do I need to be in Australia when my 485 graduate visa is granted?
You must be in Australia when you apply but you may be offshore when your visa is granted.
How long can I stay on the 485 visa?
The duration depends on the stream: Up to 18 months for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, and between 2 and 3 years for the Post-Study Work Stream. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years.
What is the processing time for the 485 visa?
The processing time can vary but the Department of Home Affairs is currently advising between 52 days and 5 months.
