Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485

Temporary Graduate Visa

Subclass 485

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• Overview
• Streams
• Application Process
• Benefits
• Why us?
• FAQs

Visa Subclass 485 also known as Temporary Graduate Visa. It is one of Australia’s most popular graduate visas, allowing fresh international graduates to live, work, and study in the country after completing their studies. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) serves as a bridge, allowing you to transition from academic life to professional engagement within Australia.

This visa offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable work experience, enhance your skills, and broaden your horizons in a dynamic environment. To get your temporary graduate visa without any fear of rejection, get in touch with Stepping Stones Career Solutions, Australia’s best visa and immigration services.

Overview of Visa Subclass 485

The Subclass 485 visa is designed for international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia. It permits graduates to live, work, and study in the country temporarily, providing a platform to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their academic tenure.

Subclass 485 Requirements

To qualify for the Subclass 485 visa, applicants must meet specific requirements:

• Age Limit Applicants must be under 35 years of age at the time of application. This adjustment, effective from July 1, 2024, reflects Australia’s focus on attracting emerging professionals poised to contribute to the economy over an extended period.
• English Language Proficiency: Demonstrating competent English language skills is essential. Applicants are required to undertake an approved English language test, such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic, and achieve the necessary scores. Notably, the validity period of English language proficiency tests has been reduced from three years to one year, emphasizing the importance of recent language assessments.
• Australian Study Requirement: Applicants must have completed a course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). The course should have a minimum duration of two academic years and must be closely related to the nominated occupation for the Graduate Work Stream.
• Health and Character Requirements:Meeting health standards and providing police clearance certificates are mandatory to ensure the well-being and safety of the Australian community.

Key Streams of Visa Subclass 485

Temporary graduate visa subclass 485 has 3 key streams including the Post-Vocational Education Workstream, Post-higher Education Workstream, and Second Post-Higher Education Wor stream.

Post Vocational Education Work Stream

Post Vocational Education Work Stream is a visa for international students who have recently completed their graduation with qualifications that are relevant to specific occupations Australia needs.

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  Applicant can live and study with this visa
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  Applicant can bring their family.

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  Applicant can stay up to 18 months.
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  Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years.

Post-higher Education Work Stream

This visa stream is for all international candidates who have just graduated from an Australian institution with a relevant degree. With the help of this visa stream, applicants can live, study, and work in Australia.

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  Applicant can work in Australia with a post-higher education workstream.
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  Applicant can bring their family.
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  Applicant needs a recent degree in a CRICOS-registered course.

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  Applicant can stay between 2 and 3 years.
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  Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years.

Second Post-higher Education Workstream

The second post-higher education work stream is for temporary graduates holding a post-higher education work, post-study work, or replacement visa with a degree from an Australian university/institute located in a regional area.

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  Applicant can work with this visa
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  Applicant can bring their family
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  Applicant can stay between 1 and 2 years

Application Process for Visa Subclass 485

Applying for the Subclass 485 visa involves several steps:

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  Determine the Appropriate Stream:Assess your qualifications to decide whether the Graduate Work Stream or the Post-Higher Education Work Stream aligns with your educational background.
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  Gather Necessary Documentation: Compile all required documents, including proof of identity, academic transcripts, English language test results, health insurance coverage, and evidence of meeting the Australian study requirement.
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  Lodge the Application: Submit your application online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal. Ensure that all information is accurate and complete to avoid processing delays.
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  Await Processing: Processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and the volume of applications. Staying informed and prepared can facilitate a smoother application experience.

School Fees for Dependent Subclass 485 Visa Holders

Dependent children of temporary graduate visa subclass 485 visa holders in Australia need to pay for school fees at a private or public school. The Australian government will not offer free education for dependent children.

• The Australian government will only grant a student visa to a child if they are under 18 years old when the visa application is being processed
• Children who are 18 or older will need to apply for their own visa
• The cost of a student visa in Australia is at least AUD 1,600 unless there is an exemption

Benefits of the Subclass 485 Visa

Holding a Temporary Graduate Visa offers numerous advantages:

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  Work Experience: Gain practical experience in your field of study, enhancing your professional skills and employability.
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  Pathway to Permanent Residency: Utilize the work experience gained to meet the criteria for various permanent residency pathways, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
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  Cultural Immersion:Experience Australia’s diverse culture, lifestyle, and work environment, enriching your personal and professional life.

Subclass 485 Changes

The Subclass 485 visa has undergone significant changes to better align with Australia’s migration objectives:

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  Increased Visa Application Charges: Effective February 1, 2025, the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the Subclass 485 visa has been increased. Application charges will rise from $1,945 to $2,235.
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  Removal of Graduate Certificate Eligibility: As of December 14, 2024, Graduate Certificates are no longer recognized as eligible qualifications for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream. This change underscores the emphasis on higher-level qualifications and aligns with Australia’s strategic migration goals.
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  Age Limit Reduction: The maximum age limit for applicants has been reduced from 50 to 35 years, effective July 1, 2024. This policy shift aims to attract younger professionals who can contribute to the Australian economy over a longer period.

Specified Qualifications Applicable for Extension of Visa Subclass 485

As of July 1, 2023, the Australian government has specified certain qualifications that make graduates eligible for an extension of the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) in the Post-Study Work stream. These qualifications are outlined in the Migration (Specified Qualifications Applicable for Extension of Subclass 485 Visa) Instrument (LIN 23/048) 2023.

To be eligible for this extension, your qualification must:

1. Be recognized under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
2. Result from completing a course that:

• Is listed in the Schedule of the LIN 23/048 instrument.
• Corresponds to the specific Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) code provided in the instrument.

Subclass 485 Visa Extension Policy

The Subclass 485 visa extension policy allowed overseas students to stay in Australia after graduation to gain experience, improve credentials, and reduce the risk of unemployment.

 The length of stay depended on the type of degree and the workstream.

Current and prospective international students need to stay informed about these changes and plan accordingly. For personalized advice and to explore your visa options further, consider consulting with Stepping Stones.

Provisional Skills Assessment for Visa Subclass 485

If you’re applying for a Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa, a Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA) is your first step. It confirms that your Australian qualification is relevant to your nominated occupation. This assessment is typically for recent graduates in fields like IT, engineering, or trade occupations.

Once approved, you can move on to the Job Ready Program (JRP) to gain hands-on experience in Australia. A successful PSA opens the door to work opportunities and further migration pathways.

Need help with your assessment? Stepping Stones Careers Solutions is here to guide you!

Why Choose Stepping Stones Career Solutions?

Navigating the complexities of visa applications can be challenging. At Stepping Stones Career Solutions, we specialize in providing personalized assistance to help you achieve your migration goals. Our experienced team offers:

• Expert Guidance: Comprehensive support throughout the visa application process.
• Tailored Solutions: Customized strategies to meet your unique circumstances.
• Up-to-date Information: Insights into the latest visa regulations and requirements.
• Commitment to Success: A dedicated approach to ensuring the best possible outcome for your application.

Take the Next Step with Us

Embarking on your post-study journey in Australia is an exciting opportunity. Let Stepping Stones Career Solutions be your trusted partner in making this transition seamless and successful. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in securing your Temporary Graduate Visa and achieving your career aspirations in Australia.

FAQs on Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485

What is a TR 485 visa in Australia?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students to stay in Australia after completing their studies. It provides work rights and is a pathway to gaining local experience.

What is a 485 replacement visa?

This is for 485 visa holders affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions. It lets eligible applicants reapply for the same visa duration they lost due to border closures.

Can a 485 visa lead to PR?

Yes! While the 485 itself is temporary, it can help you gain skilled work experience, improving your eligibility for permanent residency (PR) through skilled migration pathways.

Is 485 a bridging visa?

No, the 485 is a temporary visa, not a bridging visa. However, if you apply for PR while holding a 485, you may receive a bridging visa during processing.

What is skilled migration Australia subclass 485?

Subclass 485 is not a skilled migration visa, but it allows recent graduates to live and work in Australia, often helping them qualify for skilled migration programs later.

How long is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485

It depends on your stream:

• Graduate Work Stream: Up to 2 years
• Post-Study Work Stream: 2 to 4 years (depending on degree level)
• Second Post-Study Work Stream: Additional 1 to 2 years (for eligible applicants)

What is the age limit for TR in Australia?

You must be under 50 years old to apply for a Subclass 485 visa.

What is a Subclass 485 dependent visa?

Your partner or dependent children can apply to join you in Australia under the 485 visa as secondary applicants, allowing them to work and study.