The Australian 485 Graduate Visa, also known as the Temporary Graduate Visa, offers international students a valuable opportunity to extend their stay in Australia upon completing their studies. This visa allows graduates to gain practical work experience, increasing their chances of securing permanent residency. With multiple streams, eligibility requirements, and recent changes, understanding the Australian 485 Graduate Visa is crucial for international students aspiring to further their careers in Australia. This guide covers the essential aspects of the visa, offering migration advice for a successful application process.
Overview of the Australian 485 Graduate Visa
The 485 Graduate Visa is designed for international students who have recently graduated from Australian institutions. It allows them to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. The visa is divided into four streams, each catering to specific circumstances and eligibility criteria:
- Graduate Work Stream
This stream is for graduates who have completed an eligible qualification related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). It allows students to work in Australia for up to 18 months, offering time to gain practical experience in their field of study. - Post-Study Work Stream
This stream is available to students who have completed a degree-level course (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral) from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution. Depending on the qualification, the visa is valid for two to four years. It is ideal for graduates seeking to gain work experience in their field. - Second Post-Study Work Stream
Graduates who studied, worked, and lived in a regional area of Australia may qualify for this stream. It extends the stay by one to four years, depending on their location and qualification. - Replacement Stream
This stream allows former 485 visa holders who lost time due to COVID-19 travel restrictions to reapply for a new visa. The visa duration aligns with the original length of their initial Graduate Visa.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the Australian 485 Graduate Visa varies depending on the stream you apply for. However, some general requirements include:
- Age Limit: Applicants must be under 50 years of age at the time of application.
- Eligible CRICOS-Registered Course: You must have completed an Australian institution’s course registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
- Recent Graduate: The course must have been completed within the last six months before applying for the visa.
- Student Visa Holder: Applicants must have held an Australian student visa within the six months preceding their application.
It is essential to nominate a stream while applying, as changing streams after submission is not permitted. Additionally, applicants must meet specific English proficiency requirements if they are not from an English-speaking country.
English Language Proficiency
For non-native English speakers, proving English proficiency is mandatory. Applicants can provide a passport from an English-speaking country like the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland, or submit one of the following English test scores:
- IELTS: A total score of at least 6.0 with a minimum of 5.0 in each component (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
- TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of 64 overall, with a score of at least 4 for listening, 4 for reading, and 14 for writing and speaking.
- PTE Academic: A total score of 50, with a minimum of 36 in each section.
- OET: At least a B in each section.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: A minimum total score of 169 and 154 in each section.
These test results must be from the last three years and meet the Department of Home Affairs’ standards.
Recent Changes to the Australian 485 Graduate Visa (As of 1 July 2023)
The Australian government implemented changes to the 485 Graduate Visa on 1 July 2023, impacting the Graduate Work and Post-Study Work streams. Understanding these changes is essential for potential applicants:
- Graduate Work Stream Updates:
- Occupation Nomination: The Graduate Work stream now requires applicants to nominate an occupation from the MLTSSL. This was not mandatory for applications lodged between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023.
- Skills Assessment: A provisional skills assessment in the nominated occupation must be submitted at the time of application.
- Visa Cost: The application charge increased to AUD 1,895 for single applicants.
- Post-Study Work Stream Changes:
- Extended Visa for Select Degrees: Graduates with degrees in health, teaching, engineering, or agriculture will benefit from extended post-study work rights, with Bachelor’s degrees extended to four years, Master’s degrees to five years, and Doctoral degrees to six years.
- Regional Study: Graduates from regional areas may qualify for an additional two years of stay through the Second Post-Study Work stream, provided they lived, worked, and studied in a designated regional area for at least two years.
Migration Advice Australia for a Successful Application
Navigating the complexities of the Australian immigration system can be daunting, but working with a registered migration agent can significantly improve your chances of success. Registered migration agents are professionals licenced by the Australian government to provide immigration assistance and advice. Their services include:
- Assessing Eligibility: Agents help identify which visa stream best suits your circumstances and whether you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Preparing Documentation: Agents assist in gathering and organising the necessary documents, such as skills assessments, English test results, and academic qualifications.
- Lodging the Application: Agents ensure your application is complete and error-free before submission to the Department of Home Affairs.
- Tracking the Application: Throughout the process, agents keep you informed of your application’s status and address any issues or questions raised by the Department.
Hiring a registered migration agent can be especially beneficial for students with complicated cases or those unfamiliar with immigration law.
Conclusion
The Australian 485 Graduate Visa is a valuable opportunity for international students to extend their stay and gain practical work experience after completing their studies. With the recent changes, applicants need to stay informed about eligibility requirements, visa streams, and application processes to ensure success. Seeking professional migration advice can further simplify the process and increase the likelihood of a favourable outcome, helping students unlock their path to permanent residency in Australia.
For more expert guidance on your migration journey, consider consulting Australian Portal Immigration (API), a trusted provider of migration advice and visa assistance tailored to your specific needs.
