Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa Application
The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa allows you to obtain a work visa in Australia for up to four years. This visa is for people that have undertaken study in Australia and allows them to work in Australia for a certain period of time after their studies. It is a common pathway for people looking to secure permanent residency in Australia.
The visa has two streams:
- Graduate Work Stream
This stream is for international students who have studied in Australia for at least two years and who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications in demand in Australia. To obtain a visa within this stream, you must be nominated for a qualification relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list. This stream lets you live, study and work in Australia temporarily for up to 18 months.
- Post-Study Work Stream
This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with a degree or higher qualification from an Australian CRICOS approved institution. This stream lets you live, work and study in Australia temporarily for up two years for an Australian Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree, three years for a research-based Master’s Degree, and four years for a PhD or Doctorate.
Requirements Of The ‘Graduate Work Stream’ Of The Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa
- Applicants must be under 50 years of age
- Applicants must have met the Australian Study Requirement
- Applicants must have a provisional skills assessment in an occupation that is on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Must meet the English requirements
- Must obtain adequate health insurance for their time in Australia
Requirements Of The ‘Post Study Work Stream’ Of The Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa
- Applicants must be under 50 years of age
- Applicants must have met the Australian Study Requirement
- Applicants must have completed a degree, masters or doctoral degree in an Australian university
- Must NOT have held a student visa that was granted before 5 November 2011
- Must obtain adequate health insurance for their time in Australia
Temporary Graduate Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Currently, 90% of Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visas are processed within five months of application. This is always subject to change.
You cannot apply for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa twice. Current Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders from hong Kong are eligible for a five year extension on their current visa in addition to the time they have already spent in Australia.
It is important that you meet the ‘Australian Study Requirement’ (2 years study in Australia) to ensure you are eligible to be granted a SC485 visa. Generally exemptions and credits due to previous study overseas does not count towards the Australian Study Requirement.
If you do not hold a passport from the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, the United States of America, Canada or New Zealand, then you must show that you have achieved a certain score in one of the following English tests: International English Language Testing System, Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test, Pearson Test of English Academic, Occupational English Test or Cambridge C1 Advanced test.
You must be in Australia when you apply for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa and also when the department grants your application.
If you do not hold a passport from the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, the United States of America, Canada or New Zealand, then you must show that you have achieved a certain score in one of the eligible English tests.
No, you must have sat an applicable English test to be able to apply for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa.
You do not need a skills assessment to be able to apply for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa, you must hold an eligible visa, meet the English proficiency requirement, be below the age of 50 and have a recent degree in a CRICOS-registered course.
Yes you can include family members in your application when you apply.
When you finish your student visa and apply for the Temporary Graduate visa, you will need to switch your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to an adequate health cover. You must still maintain adequate health cover for the whole duration of your stay in Australia.
You will hold full-time work rights on your Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa.
When you finish your student visa and apply for the Temporary Graduate visa, you will need to switch your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to an Overseas Visitor’s Cover (OVC). You must maintain adequate health cover for the whole duration of your stay in Australia.