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For international students who have completed their studies in Australia, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) presents an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience and extend their stay in the country. This visa allows recent graduates to work and live in Australia temporarily, providing a stepping stone to explore various career paths and further opportunities.

What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. It is available under two streams:

  • Post-Study Work Stream: This stream is for students who have completed a degree at the bachelor’s level or higher. It offers extended work rights of up to two to four years, depending on the level of qualification obtained.
  • Graduate Work Stream: This stream is for students who have completed a degree, diploma, or trade qualification in a field listed on the relevant skilled occupation list. It allows graduates to stay in Australia for up to 18 months to gain work experience in their chosen occupation.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Have recently completed a course from an Australian CRICOS-registered institution.
  • Hold an eligible student visa or have held one within the past six months before applying for the 485 visa.
  • Meet the English language proficiency requirement.
  • Comply with health and character requirements.

Applicants need to ensure they apply for the visa within six months of completing their studies.

Application Process:

Applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) involves the following steps:

  1. Obtain the necessary documents, including proof of graduation, English language test results, health examinations, and character certificates.
  2. Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website and submit the visa application online.
  3. Pay the visa application fee and provide biometric data, if required.
  4. Wait for the visa processing to be completed and receive the visa decision through the ImmiAccount.

It is essential to ensure that all documents are accurately filled and submitted to avoid delays in visa processing.

Post-Visa Considerations:

Once granted the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), graduates can:

  • Work full-time in Australia based on the visa stream and duration of the visa.
  • Travel in and out of Australia multiple times while the visa is valid.
  • Apply for other skilled visas, if eligible, while on the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).

Graduates should utilize this opportunity to gain valuable work experience, build networks, and explore future pathways, including the possibility of permanent residency in Australia through skilled migration programs.

Conclusion

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) offers a bridge from study to work for international graduates in Australia. By meeting the eligibility requirements and completing the application process accurately, recent graduates can open doors to numerous opportunities in their chosen fields while experiencing the vibrant Australian lifestyle.