Everything You Need to Know About the Temporary Graduate Visa

One of the common questions that international students ask is what happens next when their Australian Student Visa expires. Are they capable of getting any extensions? Or probably have a chance in starting a career? So, to answer the question of what’s next in line for you, you can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa in Australia (Subclass 485).

If you have the same train of questions in mind, don’t get frustrated. In fact, you should be glad because you’re already getting closer to having your Australian Permanent Residency (PR)…

What’s a Temporary Graduate Visa in Australia (Subclass 485)

I know you’re already excited to extend your stay and build your dream career in the country. But hold on, it’ll pay off if you get to know first the concept behind the temporary graduate visa (subclass 485).

Basically, a temporary graduate visa in Australia is offered to international students who completed a two-year course from an institution in Australia. It’ll give you full work rights in Australia that range from 18 months to 4 years.

Two Types of Application Streams

There are two pathways that you can choose when applying for a 485 visa. You could either get a Graduate Work Stream (GWS) or Post-Study Work Stream (PSWS). If you’re not familiar yet with these two streams, here’s a detailed guideline that you can refer to.

Graduate Work Stream (GWS)

This stream offers one and a half years of visa coverage for students who completed a two-year course in the country.

Additionally, you must provide a relevant skill assessment to a chosen career coming from the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skill List (MLTSSL).

Post-Study Work Stream (PSWS)

If you, however, possess an Australian student visa and are a graduate or postgraduate from a particular course in the country, then this stream might be the right one for you.

Many students prefer the option of the Post-Study Work Stream (PSWS) considering the work visa can range from two to four years and does not require a skill assessment.

What are the Perks in Getting a Temporary Graduate Visa in Australia?

Another thing that you might want to know is the perks and benefits that you’ll get if you have a subclass 485 visa. Check the list below for the perks that you’ll get in having this temporary work visa.

You can include immediate family members when applying for subclass 485.

This visa will also gives you and your family members the privilege to work, study, and live in Australia within the visa duration.

Also, What are the Eligibility Requirements?

Now, the question is, are you eligible to get a Temporary Graduate Visa?

Read the requirements below to find out:

• You should be 50 years old and below.
• You should be in Australia when you make your application
• You should have private health insurance (OVHC) while on a 485 Graduate visa in Australia.
• You should meet the two-year study requirement and have completed qualifications within six months of applying for the visa
• You should have your skills assessed by the relevant skills assessment authority.
• You should have a minimum English level of IELTS 6, with no score lower than five (or equivalent English test,), unless you hold a passport from UK,
• USA, NZ, Ireland, or Canada.
• You should also take the English test within three years of your application.
• You should not be a previous primary holder of the temporary graduate or skilled graduate visa in Australia.

How Much Will it Cost You?

Before applying, it’s also essential to know the amount that you need to prepare so that your application will push through.

If you’re the main applicant, you’ll need to prepare AUD $1,650.

Meanwhile, an additional AUD $825 will be charged for every applicant with 18 years of age and above and AUD $415 for applicants below 18 years old.

Other Considerations

You must not have any unsettled debt to the Australian Government. If you or any of your family members have an outstanding balance with the Australian Government, your family needs to settle it before applying for the visa.

You must meet the minimum health requirements. Everyone listed in the application will undergo medical examinations as part of their protocol.

Also, you need to meet the character requirements. You and your family must pass the character test and should embody the character requirements under section 501 of the Migration Act 1958 during the stay.

Finally, before lodging your subclass 485 visa application, you need to secure first a health insurance. Normally, your OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) plan will suffice during your lodging time.

Key Takeaway

Securing a Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 visa is a good stepping stone in acquiring an Australian PR. However, it could be a tricky process once you miss any of the requirements discussed above.

If you’re in doubt of whether you’re going to apply for a 485 Visa? Ask the Migration Agent, is a platform dedicated to answering all your burning questions related to immigration pathways in Australia.

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Bill Mitroulas

Head of Migration at Questra Immigration. Managing and overseeing the growth and performance of Questra’s team of migration agents, while maintaining a client-centric and quality-driven approach. A registered migration agent since 2015 and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, with over 15 years’ experience in international education and 11 years in Australian Migration law.