Temporary Graduate Visa: Your Option to Stay & Work in Australia After Completing Your Study
Are you planning to stay and work in Australia after completing your study? Have you heard about the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is a type of post study visa that allows you to live and work in Australia after completing your study. The graduate visa has 4 different streams, which are:
- Graduate Work stream: this stream is specifically designed for you if you have a relevant qualification to the specific occupation listed on Skilled Occupation List.
- Post-study Work stream: this stream is specifically designed if you graduated with a higher degree from an Australian institution.
- Second Post-study Work stream: this stream is specifically designed if you held a Post-study Work stream and graduated with a higher degree in an Australian regional area.
- Replacement stream: this stream is for the graduate visa holders who lost their time due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Now, let’s dive into the details of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), and how the visa will eventually lead you to Australian Permanent Residency.
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) April 2024 Update
The latest update on Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) shows significant changes. These changes on Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) will come into effect on 1 July 2024.
Amendments to the Graduate Work Stream 485 Visa
- the stream will be known as the Post-Vocational Education Work stream as of July 1 2024.
- the 485 Visa Post-Vocational Education Work stream has a maximum age requirement of 35 years old. However, the maximum age requirement for holders of British National Overseas passports and Hong Kong passports will continue to be 50 years old.
- the visa is valid for a period of 18 months. Aside from Hong Kong, holders of British National Overseas Passports are permitted to remain on this stream for a maximum of five years.
- candidates have to be employed in a profession that is listed on MLTSSL.
- candidates holding a bachelor’s degree or above are not permitted to apply for this stream.
Changes to the Post-Study Work Stream 485 Visa
- the stream would now be known as the Post-Higher Education Work stream as of July 1, 2024
- The 485 Visa Post-Higher Education Work stream has a maximum age requirement of 35 years old. However, the maximum age requirement for holders of British National Overseas passports and Hong Kong passports will continue to be 50 years old.
- The following is the validity period for applicants under the Post-Higher Education Work stream (485 Visa):
- two years for extended coursework of a bachelor’s or master’s degree;
- three years for a PhD and a Master’s degree through research
- According to the AI-ECTA, 485 Visa validity period for Indian applicants will be:
- for a bachelor’s degree (with honours), up to two years
- three years for a bachelor’s degree in STEM (including ICT) with first-class honours.
- up to three years of coursework, research, and extensions for a master’s degree
- for a PhD, up to four years
Changes to the Second Post-Study Work and Replacement Stream for 485 Visa
Regarding the 485 Visa Second Post-study work stream, nothing has changed. But, on July 1, 2024, the 485 Visa Replacement stream will come to an end.
These changes might affect you in many ways. But, don’t worry, we have compiled all Australian visa options for yourself to live and work in Australia here.
Changes to 485 Visa English Requirements
The IELTS score listed below is relevant for all TGV applications submitted on or after March 23, 2024:
- Minimum IELTS score: For Temporary Graduate visas, the minimum IELTS score (or equivalent) has been raised from 6.0 to 6.5. A minimum score of 5.5 in each of the test’s four sections—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—must be met.
- Test Validity Period Reduction: The 3-year validity period that was previously required for the English language test to qualify for a TGV has now been shortened to just one year. It is now required of applicants to provide documentation of passing an English language proficiency exam within a year of the date of the visa application.
Who is eligible for the 485 Visa?
The requirements for the Graduate Visa (subclass 4850 are different for each stream. And the current requirements for each stream of Graduate Visa are as follows.
Requirements for Graduate Work stream
For the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) – Graduate Work stream, the applicant must fulfil a few fundamental requirements, like:
- must not be older than 50 years old;
- must possess a valid visa, in this example a student visa;
- must have recently completed a course for which CRICOS has registered;
- must fulfil the two-year study prerequisite;
- must fulfil the prerequisite in English;
- if required, submit the skill assessment from the assessing authority.
Requirements for Post-study Work stream
To apply for this Post Study Work stream, you must meet certain requirements, like:
- must be younger than 50;
- must have a valid student visa as of November 5, 2011;
- must fulfil the requirements of the Australian study programme, such as having finished all course requirements and being enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course;
- must possess the necessary credentials, in this example, a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree;
- must be proficient in English or hold a passport from the Republic of Ireland, Canada, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, or New Zealand;
- must possess sufficient health coverage;
- must meet the requirements for character and health;
- must not owe the Australian government any money;
- must not have experienced a cancelled or denied visa.
Requirements for Second Post-study Work stream
To apply for the Second Post-study Work stream, you must meet the following requirements:
- be under 50 years of age;
- have completed study in Australian institutions in designated regional area;
- hold Graduate Visa – Post study Work stream or Replacement stream;
- have lived in designated regional area immediately for 2 years;
- have worked in designated regional area;
- have adequate health insurance;
- meet the health and character requirements.
Requirements for Replacement stream
The specific requirements for Graduate Visa – Replacement stream are:
- be under 50 years old;
- hold a Temporary Graduate visa as the main holder, or have held one and currently hold another substantive visa or Bridging visa A or B;
- have lost time on your visa due to COVID-19 travel restrictions;
- been outside Australia during the visa period, and not had your visa or any granted after the graduate visa;
- lodge the application before 1 January 2027;
- be in out or in Australia (but not in immigration clearance) when lodging the application;
- hold adequate health insurance;
- meet the health and character requirements.
Read more: Upcoming Immigration Changes Australia: New Visa Program and Expected Visa Fee Changes
How much is the cost for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)?
As of July 2023, the cost for Temporary Graduate Visa are:
- AUD 1,895 for Graduate stream, Post-study Work stream and Replacement stream
- AUD 745 for Second Post-study Work stream
The above cost may change in July every year.
Do I need OSHC (overseas student health cover)?
If you have a valid Student visa, you will already be covered by an Overseas Student Health Cover policy as a condition of your Student visa application. It is advised that you apply for a 485 visa with proof of your Overseas Visitors Health Coverage (OVHC) and have it begin on the day your student visa expires.
Do I need to complete an English test prior to application?
Yes, you must complete an English test prior to lodging a Graduate Visa application. You may refer to the updated English requirements above. And be noted that the IELTS certificate for Graduate Visa application will be valid only for 1 year.
You may also complete other type of English test with specified minimum overall band score.
Find the complete English requirement for 485 Visa: 485 Visa – English Requirements Temporary Graduate Visa
What is the chance of getting a Graduate Visa on or after July 2024?
Realistically, if you’ve turned 35 years old or older in or after July 2024, you won’t be able to get the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). Unless, you’re from the exempted countries.
Thus, if your study completes in July 2024, and you do realize that you’ll be 35 years old or older, it’s best to get the other visa option from now on. The Australian Government has provided various visa options for you to live and work in Australia after completing your study. And you can discuss the best visa options with our Registered Migration Agent on a private consultation session.