GRADUATE 485

Understanding the 485 Graduate Visa for Australia

The 485 Graduate Visa allows students to live, study, and work in Australia after completing their education. It is divided into two streams:

  1. Graduate Work Stream
  2. Post-Study Work Stream

Graduate Work Stream (485)

This stream is for students who have completed two years of study at Certificate III, IV, or Diploma levels in Australia. The visa is valid for 1.5 years and offers full study and work rights. Applicants must nominate an occupation from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Course Completion: The course must have been completed within the last six months.
  • Physical Presence: You must have been physically present in Australia for at least 16 calendar months while completing your studies.
  • Study Duration: You must have studied in Australia for at least 2 years (92 weeks) on a student visa.
  • Provisional Skills Assessment: You need to apply for a provisional 485 skills assessment in your nominated occupation. A receipt of application for this assessment is sufficient when applying for the visa.
  • Health Insurance: Provide proof of Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC).
  • Police Clearance: Submit an Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check.
  • Recent Student Visa: You must have held a student visa in the six months prior to applying. Applicants on Bridging Visa A (BVA) or Bridging Visa B (BVB) who held a student visa in the past six months are also eligible.

Post-Study Work Stream (485)

This stream is designed for students who have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Australia. The visa is valid for up to two years and includes full work and study rights.

  • Master’s by Research Graduates: Eligible for a 485 visa valid for three years.
  • PhD Graduates: Eligible for a 485 visa valid for four years.

This stream does not require a listed occupation.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Course Completion: The course must have been completed within the last six months.
  • Physical Presence: You must have been physically present in Australia for at least 16 calendar months while completing your studies.
  • Study Duration: You must have studied in Australia for at least 2 years (92 weeks) on a student visa.
  • First Student Visa Post-November 2011: Applicants must have applied for and been granted their first student visa on or after November 5, 2011.
  • Health Insurance: Provide proof of Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC).
  • Police Clearance: Submit an Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check.
  • Recent Student Visa: You must have held a student visa in the six months prior to applying. Applicants on Bridging Visa A (BVA) or Bridging Visa B (BVB) who held a student visa in the past six months are also eligible.

Key Notes:

  1. Both streams require the course to have been completed in Australia within the last six months.
  2. Ensure you meet the English language proficiency requirements where applicable.
  3. The 485 visa provides a pathway for students to gain valuable work experience and potentially transition to permanent residency in Australia.

For more details or guidance, consult a registered migration agent or legal professional to ensure compliance with Australian visa regulations.