Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Currently, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) has three major streams:

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This Subclass 485 Visa stream was previously called the Post-Study Work stream. This stream applies to students who have completed CRICOS-registered courses from an Australian institution, such as:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Bachelor (Honours)
• Master’s (Coursework)
• Master (Research)
• Doctoral degree (PhD)

The Post-Higher Education Work 485 visa is valid as per the qualification level, such as:

• Bachelor’s degree: 2 years
• Master’s (coursework/research): 2–3 years
• Doctorate (PhD): 3–4 years

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

This subclass 485 Visa stream was previously called the Graduate Work stream. Under this stream, the visa is provided to students who have just completed vocational education and training (VET) qualifications such as

• Diploma
• Advanced Diploma
• Trade qualification

To qualify for a Subclass 485 Visa under this specific stream, your completed qualification must be closely related to an occupation listed on the skilled occupation list. Moreover, it may be necessary to obtain a positive skills assessment as well.

Once approved, you can stay in Australia for up to 18 months on the Post-Vocational Education Work 485 visa.

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This Subclass 485 Visa stream was previously called the Second Post-Study Work stream. It is valid for graduates who previously held a 485 visa under the Post-Higher Education stream and have lived, studied, and worked in a designated regional area in Australia. This visa allows you to extend your stay under the 485 visa for an additional 1 to 2 years, depending on the regional classification. Just make sure to apply before your current 485 visa expires.

Although the basic requirements for this visa vary as per the stream, here are some of the key eligibility conditions:

• You are under 35 years of age at the time of application. However, passport holders or those with specific qualifications may be eligible for age exemptions.
• You have held an active student (subclass 500) visa in the last 6 months.
• You have recently completed a CRICOS-registered course that lasted at least 92 academic weeks.
• You meet the necessary health requirements.
• You have an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band below 5.5, or equivalent scores in approved English tests taken within one year of application.
• You have adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.

What Documents Are Required? (Apply for a subclass 485)

You need to gather some of the documents in order to verify your eligibility for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa. Make sure to collect the documents before filling in your application to avoid unnecessary delays. Here is the checklist of the key documents you’ll need:

• Passport or birth certificate (if required) to establish your identity.
• If applicable, a copy of your marriage certificate.
• A copy of your national ID card, if applicable.
• A completion letter of a CRICOS-registered course and an academic transcript provided by your Australian institution.
• A health examination certificate provided by your healthcare provider (if required).
• Proof of active Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for the entire duration of your stay.
• English language test results (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, or equivalent) no more than 12 months old, unless you hold an exempt passport.
• Skill Assessment papers, only if you are applying through the vocational stream or planning a migration pathway.
• AFP police clearance (must be requested before lodging).
• Payment receipt for visa application fees.

485 Visa Cost

The following are the Subclass 485 visa application fees for the principal applicant:

• Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: From AUD 2,300.00
• Post-Higher Education Work Stream: From AUD 2,300.00
• Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: From AUD 905.00

Note:

• The visa application fee is subject to change.
• Additional costs may apply for health examinations, English language test fees, and more.
• Secondary applicants (family members) listed on the application are subject to additional fees.

How to Apply for the Subclass 485 Visa?

You need meticulous planning when applying for your Subclass 485 Visa. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Check Eligibility

Firstly, analyse if you are actually eligible to apply for the Subclass 485 Visa. Analyse your qualification, age, English test validity period, and other requirements that are relevant to the chosen stream.

Gather Documentation

If you are eligible to apply for the visa, you need to gather documents to actually prove your eligibility to the Department. Collect the documents, like employment history, tax returns, proof of residency and other credentials mandated to be submitted for meeting the visa requirements.

Gather Documentation

Gather documents such as a passport, academic transcripts, a degree completion letter, health insurance, and other documents required for your visa application.

Lodge the Application Online

You can now submit your application via ImmiAccount by entering the required information and paying the Visa Application Charge (VAC).

Await the Decision

Finally, you will need to wait for visa confirmation. Make sure to stay informed in case the Department requests more information.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Visa Subclass 485 ?

The processing time for a Subclass 485 visa varies depending on the stream.

Post-Vocational Education Work

• 50% processed in 54 Days
• 90% processed in 3 months

Post-Higher Education Work

• 50% processed in 38 Days
• 90% processed in 62 Days

Please keep in mind that these are only estimates; the exact time period will depend on the application’s completion and the Department of Home Affairs’ current workload, among several other variables. For more information, click here.

485 Visa Conditions

Some of the common conditions you must comply with as a Subclass 485 visa holder include the following:

Some of the common conditions you must comply with as a Subclass 485 visa holder include the following:

• You have full employment rights in Australia while your visa is valid.
• You have adequate health insurance active for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
• You must continue to meet each and every condition under which the visa was granted.
• You must not participate in any kind of activity considered as disruptive or illegal as per Australian laws.
• There are no work or travel restrictions, so you can work and travel freely in and out of Australia while your visa is valid.

Pathways After the Subclass 485 Visa

The Subclass 485 visa can lead to other visa options, such as:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 482 or 186)
• Regional Visas (Subclass 491 or 494)