Frequently Asked Questions – Graduate Temporary Subclass 485 Visas
The Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Visa is available for international students who have completed their studies in Australia. It allows them to stay in Australia for 18 months to 4 years, depending on their specific circumstances. During this period, visa holders have full work rights in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Subclass 485 Visas
For the latest updates on regional visa changes and their impact on this visa, including an extra 1 or 2-year visa extension for international graduates from regional institutions, see: Extra 1 or 2-year visa for international graduates from regional institutions.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) & COVID-19:
The Department is exploring options for students affected by COVID-19, both in Australia and abroad. This will align with the Government’s initiatives to support the international education sector. For more information, see: Likely Changes to Temporary Graduate Visa for International Students Studying Online.
Q: What Are the Different Types of Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Visas?
There are two streams under the Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 visa:
- Post Study Work Stream:
This stream is for international students who graduate with a higher education degree from an Australian institution, regardless of their field of study. It is available only to those who applied for their first student visa to Australia on or after 5 November 2011. Visas in this stream can be granted for up to four years, depending on the qualification obtained. - Graduate Work Stream:
This stream is for international students who graduate with skills and qualifications related to an occupation on the list of eligible skilled occupations. Visas in this stream are granted for 18 months.
Q: How Do I Qualify for the Graduate Work Stream?
To qualify for the Graduate Work Stream, you must meet the following criteria:
- Nominate an occupation from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Include evidence in your visa application that you have applied for a skills assessment for your nominated occupation with a relevant assessing authority.
- Your skills must be assessed as suitable by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation (“suitable skills assessment”).
- You must have met the Australian study requirement within the past six months.
- Each degree, diploma, or trade qualification you use to meet the Australian study requirement must be closely related to your nominated skilled occupation.
Note: You can only nominate one occupation and cannot change it after your application.
Q: How Do I Qualify for the Post Study Work Stream (PSWV)?
To qualify for the Post Study Work Stream (PSWV), you must meet these key requirements:
- You must have applied for your first student visa on or after 5 November 2011.
- You must have completed at least two years of study in Australia at the bachelor’s level or higher.
- You must have completed a bachelor’s degree, master’s, or PhD within the last six months.
- You must have held a student visa within the last six months and hold a substantive visa, bridging A or B visa at the time of application.
- If you hold a passport from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, or New Zealand, you are exempt from taking an English test. Otherwise, you must complete a recognized English test such as IELTS, OET, Pearson (PTE Academic), TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge (CAE Advanced).
- You must be under 50 years old at the time of application.
Q: How Long Is the Temporary Graduate Visa Valid?
The validity of the Temporary Graduate visa varies based on the stream:
- Graduate Work Stream: Valid for 18 months from the date of grant.
- Post Study Work Stream (PSWV): Valid for 2 to 4 years, depending on the qualification completed:
- 2 years: Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree, Bachelor with Honours, Master’s by Coursework, or Master’s (Extended).
- 3 years: Master’s by Research.
- 4 years: Doctorate.
Eligible Qualifications
For the Graduate Work Stream, the course(s) you completed must have resulted in a degree, diploma, or trade qualification. For example, completing two consecutive diploma-level courses may satisfy the Australian study requirement, provided all other requirements are met.
Qualifications Must Be Closely Related to Your Nominated Occupation:
The qualifications you complete must be closely related to your nominated skilled occupation. The skills acquired through your qualification must be directly transferable to that occupation. For example, if you nominate “Physiotherapist” as your occupation, a degree in physiotherapy would meet the requirement, but a degree in commerce would not.
Examples of Acceptable Combinations:
- An applicant who nominates “Physiotherapist” and completes a degree in physiotherapy in Australia.
- An applicant who nominates “Air-conditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber” and completes a Certificate III in Plumbing and a Diploma of Plumbing and Services in Australia.
Examples of Unacceptable Combinations:
- An applicant nominates “Registered Nurse” but satisfies the Australian study requirement with a Bachelor of Commerce.
Skills Assessment
You are responsible for arranging your skills assessment. Contact the relevant assessing authority well before applying for your visa, as each authority has its own assessment procedures, timeframes, and fees. Contact details for assessing authorities are available on the department’s website.
Key points to remember:
- You must obtain a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority before lodging your application.
- If your nominated occupation is “Medical Practitioner,” evidence of full medical registration is accepted as a skills assessment.
- If your nominated occupation is “Nurse,” you must obtain a skills assessment from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), even if you are currently registered to work as a nurse in Australia.
- A skills assessment is valid until the expiry date specified on the assessment or for three years from the date of issue.