This is a temporary visa for international students who have recently graduated from Australian institutions. You can study, work and live temporarily in Australia from anywhere between 24 months to 4 years (based on qualifications). The 485 gives international students a chance to increase their English skills along with an opportunity to gain local experience, International students can also complete a professional year on this visa if they are eligible.
There are two streams for this visa:
- Graduate Work Stream: If you are studying in Australia, you become eligible for this visa upon graduation. Duration: Up to 18 months
- Post-Study Work Stream: Students who have graduated with a higher education degree from an Australian institution (irrespective of stream of study) and want to work and live in Australia for over 18 months are eligible for this visa. Duration: 2-4 years (based on qualifications)
Basic Requirements for Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- Must be less than 50 years old
- Must hold an eligible visa as per the specifications given by the Department of Home Affairs
- Must prove their competency in English language
- Must have received an Australian degree within a period of 6 months before applying for the visa; and said degree must have been minimum 2 years in duration
- Must meet health and character standards
- Must have Australian health insurance (OVHC)
- Must meet requirements specific to the visa stream they are applying to.
In addition to fulfilling the above standards, applicants must also meet particular requirements (specific to each stream), as shown in the table below:
| Graduate Work Stream | Post-Study Work Stream |
|---|---|
| 1. Nominate a profession on the MLTSSL | 1. Hold a recent degree in a CRICOS-registered course |
| 2. Meet the Australian study requirements most closely related to the nominated profession | 2. Hold an eligible qualification at degree-level or above |
| 3. Have submitted a skills assessment for the nominated profession with relevant appraising authority at the same time as application is lodged. Visa can only be granted after approval of assessment. |
The 485 visa allows you to bring immediate family to temporarily live with you in Australia. You can freely travel, study and work with this visa. However, since this is a temporary visa, it cannot be extended. You will have to find and apply for other suitable visas in order to continue your stay in Australia as a skilled worker.
For more details, please contact PFEC Global. We will lead you through every step of the system, making sure that you are well taken care of.
Frequently Asked Questions about Migration Services
I am currently studying in Australia, what are my options if I want to apply for Permanent Residency?
When it comes to migrating to Australia, there are different types of visas each with their own eligibility criteria. Most of the international students aim to apply for visa SC189 or SC190. Australian government has recently introduced another SC491 which may also lead to permanent residency. Each of these subclasses have their own requirements and the points to qualify for them keeps on changing from time to time. As this a complex topic so it is always better to take a professional advice.
In order to discuss your prospects in line with the course you want to study, get an appointment at PFEC Global with one of our experienced migration agents who will be able to help you purely as per your personal circumstances.
At present, I do not have sufficient points to apply for PR. What are my options right now?
When it comes to the question “How many points I need for PR”, there is no definitive answer for this. Australian Migration Policies are very dynamic and things keeps on changing frequently. However, to see the last invitation marks, you can refer to Department of Home Affairs website where they continuously update the invitation points after their invitation rounds.
Subsequently, if you need the human touch, PFEC Global has the experienced Registered Migration Agents who will offer to check your case, completely free of charge! As each case is very different from the next, we strictly advise you to book an appointment with us to get professional advice to help turn your life around!
Are there any possible risks to applying for a new course and student visa when I know that my TR is expiring soon? If so, what are they?
All Australian student visa applicants MUST fulfill the Genuine Temporary Entrant Criteria in additional to other relevant critrea for the student visa to be granted. Moving from the subclass 485 visa to a student visa can be quite difficult for this very reason. You could try to minimize the risk by submitting your student visa application with a GTE statement that must show the reasons to choose the specific study program you have chosen in context of your past experience and your future career goals etc.
I am travelling on a Tourist Visa / Working Holiday Visa / TSS Visa; and would want to change to a Student Visa. Can this be done?
Most but not always, the answer is Yes. However, it is always a good idea to consult a registered migration agent to see if you are eligible to apply for a student visa on your temporary visa. But when you are, you cannot ignore the risk involved due to the GTE concern. Your visa application must be backed by strong evidence of your genuine intention to study. Each case must be handled on a case by case basis.
Have more queries you need sorted out? PFEC Global has a line-up of the most amazing professionals in the business. So, if you have any doubts about what to do, call us to book an appointment today!
I am currently residing in Australia on a Student Dependent Visa and my spouse who is a primay applicant is undertaking a Master level program. Am I given complete work & study rights in Australia as someone’s partner/ spouse?
When the main applicant of the scholarship is studying in a Master’s or a Doctoral degree, their partner is free to work full-time, or with no limits.
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