Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Visa
This visa is for international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications that are relevant to specific occupations Australia needs or for students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Comprehensive Details
The Temporary Graduate (Class VC) Subclass 485 visa offers international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution the opportunity to stay and work in Australia temporarily. There are two primary streams under this visa: the Graduate Work Stream and the Post-Study Work Stream.
Graduate Work Stream:
This stream is designed for students who have qualifications related to occupations listed on the ‘Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List’ (MLTSSL). Graduates under this stream can stay in Australia temporarily to work or seek employment. Learn more: Graduate Work Stream.
Post-Study Work Stream:
The Post-Study Work Stream is for international students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree, Bachelor’s Honours, Master’s by Coursework, Master’s by Research, Master’s (Extended), or Doctoral degree from an Australian educational institution. This visa allows graduates to stay in Australia for an extended period to gain work experience. Learn more: Post-Study Work Stream.
Work Rights for 485 Visa Holders:
Holders of the Subclass 485 visa, along with their dependent family members, are granted full work rights in Australia.
485 Visa Subsequent Entrant:
If you have a spouse/partner or children, they can be included as dependents under your 485 visa application. Alternatively, they can apply separately as Subsequent Entrants after your visa has been granted. However, if you are accompanying an international student on a Subclass 590 Guardian visa, you are not eligible for this visa.
Temporary Graduate Visa Extension – Second Post-Study Work Stream:
Under new regulations, Subclass 485 Post-Study Work Stream visa holders who studied and lived in a regional area for at least two years are eligible for an extension of their visa, allowing them and their family members to continue living and working in designated regional areas. Secondary applicants are also eligible for this extension.
485 Visa Application Fees:
The base application charge for the Subclass 485 visa is A$1,945. Additional charges apply for dependent applicants: A$975 for those 18 years or older and A$490 for those under 18. For the second Post-Study Work Stream, the charges are A$765, A$385, and A$195, respectively. For more details, refer to the Subclass 485 Visa Fees.
Visa Processing Times:
For the Graduate Work Stream, 75% of applications are processed within 8 months, and 90% within 9 months. For the Post-Study Work Stream, the processing times are the same. While your application is being processed, you will be granted a bridging visa with full work and study rights. Learn more about Temporary Graduate Visa Processing Times.
Key Requirements for Subclass 485 Visa:
Australian Study Requirement:
Applicants must have completed one or more degrees, diplomas, or trade qualifications awarded by an Australian educational institution. The course(s) must have been registered for at least 16 calendar months and equivalent to two academic years of full-time study.
Visa Status:
Applicants must have held a Student Visa (Subclass 500) within the six months before submitting their 485 visa application.
Age Limit:
Applicants must be under 50 years of age.
Skills Assessment (Graduate Stream Only):
For those applying under the Graduate Work Stream, a skills assessment is required.
Skilled Occupation Nomination (Graduate Stream):
Applicants under the Graduate Work Stream must nominate an occupation from the MLTSSL.
Police Clearance:
Applicants must apply for Australian Federal Police clearance before submitting their visa application. The police clearance is only valid for 12 months from date of issue.
English Language Requirement:
Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 5.5 in each component and an overall score of 6.5 in IELTS or its equivalent in CAE, PTE, OET, or TOEFL iBT within the last three years before applying. Learn more: English Requirements for 485 Visa.
Health Insurance for 485 Visa:
Applicants must provide evidence of appropriate health insurance arrangements for themselves and any dependents when applying for the 485 visa. This includes health insurance during the visa processing period and for the entire duration of the visa.
For those transitioning from a student visa, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is acceptable for the visa application but may not be sufficient for the grant of the visa. If an applicant moves from a student visa to a bridging visa, they must switch from OSHC to an appropriate visitor’s health insurance policy. Learn more: Health Insurance Requirements.
Health Insurance Providers for Subclass 485 Visa:
- BUPA: Offers products like Essential Visitors Cover, suitable for 485 visa holders.
- Allianz: Allianz Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) satisfies 485 visa health insurance requirements.
- Medibank: Those transitioning from student visas to the 485 visa must switch from OSHC to Overseas Workers Health Cover to maintain continuous health insurance.
- NIB: Offers working visitor health cover that satisfies the insurance requirements for 485 visa holders.
Conditions of Subclass 485 Visa:
Upon grant, the following conditions may apply:
- Condition 8501: You and your dependents must maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia.
- Bridging Visa Conditions: Once your 485 visa application is lodged, your bridging visa will include full work rights.
- Second Post-Study Work Stream: To apply for a second Subclass 485 visa, you must continue to live in an eligible regional area for at least two years.
- 485 Replacement Stream: If you lost time on your original Subclass 485 visa due to travel restrictions, you can apply for a replacement visa, provided you held the original visa before December 15, 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- What is the 485 visa?
- The 485 visa allows international students who have recently graduated to work or gain experience in Australia temporarily.
- How do I apply for the 485 visa?
- Applications must be submitted online once your education provider confirms successful completion of your course.
- Can I apply for the 485 visa without IELTS?
- No, you must provide English proficiency test results (IELTS or equivalent) when you apply.
- Can I get a car loan on a 485 visa?
- Yes, provided you meet the lender’s criteria for income and savings.
- Can I apply for the 485 visa twice?
- You can apply for a second visa either through the Replacement Stream or the Regional Extension Stream.
- Can I apply for the 485 visa outside of Australia?
- Yes, under specific conditions like the concession period or through the Replacement Stream.
- Can I buy a house on a 485 visa?
- Yes, but you will need approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).
- Can I apply for the 485 visa after completing a diploma?
- Yes, under the Graduate Work Stream, but you must nominate an occupation from the MLTSSL.
- Can I study while on the 485 visa?
- Yes, you are allowed to study during your stay.
- Can I apply for permanent residency while on a 485 visa?
- Yes, you may be eligible for permanent residency through the General Skilled Migration program or employer-sponsored visas.
- What should I do if my 485 visa expires?
- You must apply for another visa or leave Australia before your visa expires.
For further details or assistance, feel free to contact us or check out our detailed guides and updates on the 485 visa.