The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a temporary visa that allows international students to stay in Australia to work, study, and gain experience after completing their studies at an Australian institution. There are two key streams for this visa: the Post-Vocational Education Work stream and the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with qualifications related to specific occupations that Australia needs. It allows graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily.
- Eligibility:
- You must be 35 years old or younger when you apply. (Exceptions apply)
- Be in Australia at the time of application.
- Hold an eligible visa (such as a valid Student visa).
- Have held a Student visa in the last 6 months.
- Your qualification must be relevant to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.
- You must have applied for a skills assessment in your nominated occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.
- Provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants at the time of application.
- Submit evidence that you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check.
- Provide evidence of meeting the required English language proficiency.
- With this visa, you can:
- Stay in Australia for 18 months.
- Travel, work, or study in Australia during your stay.
2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution. It allows you to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily.
- Eligibility:
- You must be 35 years old or younger when you apply. (Exceptions apply)
- Be in Australia at the time of application.
- Hold an eligible visa (such as a valid Student visa).
- Have held a Student visa in the last 6 months.
- Hold a recent degree in a CRICOS-registered course.
- Provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants at the time of application.
- Submit evidence that you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check.
- Provide evidence of meeting the required English language proficiency.
- With this visa, you can:
- Stay in Australia for 2 to 3 years after you have finished your studies, depending on the qualification.
- Travel, work, or study in Australia during your stay.
Key Features of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
- Duration:
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream: Stay in Australia for 18 months.
- Post-Higher Education Work stream: Stay in Australia for 2 to 3 years, depending on the qualification.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be aged 35 years or under at the time of application. (Exceptions for certain applicants).
- Must be in Australia when applying and must have held a valid Student visa within the last 6 months.
- Must meet health, character, and English language requirements.
- Work Rights:
- Both streams allow you to work, study, and travel within Australia during the visa’s validity.
- The visa provides an opportunity to gain work experience relevant to your qualification in Australia.
- Pathways:
- After completing your studies and gaining work experience in Australia, you may be eligible for a permanent visa or other visa options based on your work experience and skills.
This visa is an excellent opportunity for international students to extend their stay in Australia to gain work experience, further their studies, or explore other migration pathways.