TEMPORARY GRADUATE VISA (Subclass 485)
This visa is for international students who have recently graduated from Australian institution(s). This visa allows the international students to live, study and work after finishing their studies for a period of 18 months to 4 years. This visa has two streams: Graduate work stream and Post-study work stream. Here are the key checklist for 485 Temporary Graduate Visa:
General requirements for main applicant for both streams:
- be under 50 years of age
- hold an eligible visa
- be in Australia
- meet the 2-year Australian study requirement
- hold adequate health insurance
- meet health and character requirements
- meet English language requirements
- meet specific requirements of the stream
The Australian study requirement
The Australian study requirement can be satisfied if the visa applicant has completed CRICOS-registered, one or more degrees, diplomas or trade qualifications in the past 6 months, which meet the following conditions.
- The total CRICOS registered duration of the course/s is at least two academic years (92 weeks)
- The study was completed in at least 16 calendar months
English requirements
The visa applicant must satisfy the English language requirement with either of the following test formats:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): An overall score of at least 6 with a minimum score of 5 in each of the four test components.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: An overall score at least 50 with a minimum score of 36 each in each of the four test components.
- Occupational English Test (OET): A score of at least B in each of the four test components.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT): An overall score of at least 64 with 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for Writing and 14 for speaking.
- Cambridge English – Advanced (CAE): An overall test score of at least 169 with a minimum score of at least 154 in each of the four test components.
The visa applicant must have sat the English language test in the three years before applying and the results should be provided with the visa application.
Health, character and insurance requirements
- The visa applicant and dependant family members included in the application must meet health requirements by completing the required health examinations as part of the visa application process.
- All visa applicants who are in Australia and 16 years of age or older must satisfy character requirements. S/he must provide evidence of clearance or should have applied for an Australian Federal Police check, in the 12 months prior to application date.
- All visa applicants must have adequate health insurance.
Graduate work stream
This is for international students who have recently graduated and possess the skills and qualification for one of the occupation in Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This visa is valid for 18 months from the date of grant.
The applicant must meet the following requirements for the grant of the visa:
- Nominate an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and provide evidence that s/he holds a successful skill assessment outcome in the nominated skilled occupation from a relevant assessing authority.
- Prove that degree(s), diploma(s), or trade qualification(s) used to meet the Australian study requirement is closely related to nominated skilled occupation.
Post-study work stream
This visa is for international students who applied their first student visa on, or after, November 5, 2011 and have graduated with higher education degree(s) from Australian education provider(s). This visa is valid for 2 to 4 years, depending upon the highest qualification obtained in Australia.
Post-study work visa duration
- For Bachelor Degree / Bachelor Degree with Honours / Masters by Coursework Degree / Masters (extended), the visa would last for 2 years from the grant date.
- For Masters by Research Degree applicants, the visa would last for 3 years from the grant date.
- For Doctoral Degree applicants, the visa would last for 4 years from the grant date.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Is skill assessment required for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?
Skill assessment is required only for applicants who are applying for Temporary Graduate visa under Graduate Work stream. It is not required for the applicants who are eligible for Post Study Work stream.
Q. Are AFP and overseas police check mandatory at the time of 485 visa application?
Evidence of AFP application or report is mandatory at the time to visa application whereas overseas police check is to be provided only upon request by DIBP.
Q. While applying for 485 visa, does dependent also needs to apply for police check?
Yes, all dependent family members in the application who are 16 years of age or older needs to submit police check(s) as per the character requirement.
Q. Will the visa medical that was done within the last 12 months be valid for a current application of 485 visa?
Yes, however, only Chest X-ray will be reused by DIBP if it was done within last 12 months and all other required tests can be requested by the DIBP again depending upon the situations.
Q. Is PTE (A) Test recognised for 485 visa application purpose?
Yes, DIBP recognises PTE as the valid test for the visa application.
Q. When can I apply for 485 visa?
Applicant needs to apply Temporary Graduate visa within 6 months of the course completion date.
Q. What is the validity of English test for 485 visa?
For the purpose of 485 visa application, English test results are valid for 3 years and should be valid at the time of visa application lodgement.
You are very helpful and efficient. They helped me a lot and they are very professional. Good service and good quality.
Thank you for working on my visa over the last couple of months and for quick response when needed. I really appreciate your professional work.
