Once you have completed your studies in Australia, the next logical step is to apply for a Temporary Graduate Work Visa. Not only does this allow one to work, live and study in the country, but it is also a route to obtaining permanent residency (PR) as it provides you the required time duration to increase your point score in Australia by gaining work experience and Professional Year program, PTE, NAATI and so on.
The 485 Visa consists of two streams known as the Graduate Work Stream and the Post Study Work Stream. It is commonly regarded as a visa that can lead to permanent residency in Australia. These visas are typically valid for a duration of 1.5 to 4 years. The application process for a 485 Visa can be complicated and challenging. Numerous obstacles may prevent you from obtaining one.
To increase your chances of success and streamline the application process, it is crucial to become acquainted with these potential challenges and take proactive steps to prevent them. Be aware that the application process may be complicated rather than difficult. Drawing from our extensive expertise, we have compiled a list of helpful tips and strategies that can help you avoid rejection and potentially expedite the processing time of your application.
Some of the things you need to take into consideration when applying for a 485 Visa are as follows:
Select the Apt Stream
Before applying for your visa, you need to know everything about the stream that you should apply with. For these, there are following criteria.
Education
If you have completed your higher education in Australia, such as Bachelor, Master, or Ph.D., you might be eligible for a post-study work stream (PSW) subject to other factors like your first arrival in Australia.
On the other hand, you might be eligible for a graduate work stream (GWS) if you have completed vocational training courses such as Certificate IV or Diploma subject to other factors which include the course being in Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and attaining the skill assessment for 485.
Validity
A PSW can be granted for about 2 to 4 years, whereas a GWS is granted for about 18 months.
Skills Assessment
If you are applying for a GWS, you will be required to pass a skills assessment test. This does not apply to PSW.
Top 10 mistakes to avoid getting your 485 visa rejected
We all strive to achieve our goals on the first try and become an inspiration for others, don't we?
When it comes to applying for the temporary graduate visa 485, it's essential to stay up-to-date and have a comprehensive understanding of all the necessary details to ensure a smooth and error-free application process.
Throughout the years, we have compiled a list of the most common mistakes made by applicants unknowingly during the application submission. By referring to these common mistakes, students can carefully review their applications and prevent any significant issues when submitting them to the migration department.
Choosing Graduate Visa Stream
Selecting an incorrect or unsuitable stream for the graduate visa 485 is a primary mistake. Carefully selecting the appropriate stream can be cost-effective, as well as may not result in unnecessary visa refusal.
Apply Before Deadline
It is important to stay updated about the application dates, and our migration consultants suggest that it is advisable to apply for the 485 visa within six months of completing your course.
Error-Free Educational Documents
It is crucial to avoid missing or submitting documents with errors, as they can be regarded as red flags. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly review the complete 485 visa checklist and provide appropriate evidence that supports the required documentation.
Meeting the Australian Study Requirement
It is mandatory to fulfill certain study requirements, before applying for the visa. This includes completing a diploma, degree, or qualification in Australia, which must meet the following obligations:
- The institution and course must be registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
- The duration of study in Australia should be a minimum of 16 calendar months.
- The course attended must comprise at least two academic years of study conducted in the English language.
Meeting English Language Requirement
As the majority of people in Australia are native English speakers, it is necessary to fulfill the English language requirement by completing a designated English language test and attaining the minimum score specified in the table below. Furthermore, it ensures language proficiency criteria!
| English Test Types |
Minimum Score/Grade for Each Component |
Minimum Score/Grade (Required) |
Total Score |
| Writing |
Speaking |
Reading |
Listening |
| PTE Academic |
36 |
36 |
36 |
36 |
50 |
- |
| OET |
B |
B |
B |
B |
B |
- |
| IELTS |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
- |
| TOEFL iBT |
14 |
14 |
4 |
4 |
- |
64 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) |
154 |
154 |
154 |
154 |
169 |
- |
Valid documents for dependent family members
You have the option to include your family members as dependent applicants when applying for the graduate visa. Well, you probably guessed it! It is required to provide valid evidence and supporting documentation for each family member during the application process.
The following individuals can be included as dependent applicants in the Graduate Visa Australia Application:
- Spouse or de facto partner
- Child or step-child
- Child or step-child of the spouse or de facto partner
Be Present In Australia
You need to reside in Australia for 16 months between the commencement and completion dates of the course. Additionally, it is important to carefully review the requirements regarding the duration of stay while applying, as this is a crucial period assessed by the Australian migration authority.
Get AFP Clearance
Australian Federal Police check is the mandatory document for the submission of the 485 visa and it must be requested before the submission of the visa. In case you are unable to receive a certificate on time, you can provide the receipt number of the AFP request document and prove that you have already requested before lodgement then upload your certificate on the portal afterward once received.
Skills Assessment
You are required to provide valid evidence that shows you have applied to a genuine assessing authority for skills assessment in your nominated skilled occupation. As proof of visa 485 skill assessment, you can include a test reference number or skills assessment application when applying.
Overseas Student Health Cover
When you hold a student visa in Australia, you will be on an Overseas Student’s Health Cover (OSHC). However, when you are transitioning to a Temporary Graduate Work Visa, you will be required to shift to an Overseas Visitor’s Health Cover (OVHC). Health insurance is mandatory for every individual to have when residing in Australia.
The key takeaways are
It is advisable to seek legal advice from a migration counselor, who is a qualified lawyer in Australia, rather than relying on a migration agent who is not a lawyer. Moreover, it is important to ensure that all the required supporting documents are readily available and promptly uploaded onto ImmiAccount immediately after submitting the online application. This step is highly recommended!
Everything must seem a bit overwhelming at the time of the process, we feel your worries and stress to dealing with this complicated matter– which is why we inspire you to consult with a migration consultant to make the procedures more simplified and easier!
Please reach out to us at +610396201773 (Melbourne), +610283784282 (Sydney), +610870992258 (Adelaide) for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What to do if a 485 visa is rejected?
Answer: If you believe that the decision you received regarding your 485 visa refusal is incorrect, you have the option to apply for a review of the decision at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. To initiate the appeal process, you must apply within 21 days and be physically present in Australia.
What medical conditions are causes for visa rejection in Australia?
Answer: Certain medical conditions, such as HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, cancer, significant heart problems, and mental illnesses, can potentially hinder the granting of a visa. Depending on the specific visa being applied for, the health requirement may also apply to the applicant's family members, even if they are not intending to migrate to Australia.
What is the most common visa rejection?
Answer: The most frequent reasons for visa rejections include incomplete or inaccurate forms, inadequate financial evidence, providing false information or misrepresenting facts, insufficient ties to the home country, a criminal record, overstaying a previous visa, and medical or health issues.
Does Australia give a visa after refusal?
Answer: In the event of an Australian visa refusal, applicants have the option to submit a new application. However, before reapplying, it is crucial to carefully assess the reasons for the initial refusal and take necessary steps to address the underlying issues that caused the refusal.
How long is the I-485 interview?
Answer: The I-485 interview typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. However, you should also account for an additional waiting time of 30 to 90 minutes before the interview begins. Moreover, reaching the USCIS office may require a considerable travel duration, which is further extended by the need to allocate ample time for the journey.
