Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) gives international students who just graduated from Australian schools a great chance. This visa lets you stay in Australia for a while to get work experience in your field, grow your career, or even look into ways to become a permanent resident. If you want to make the most of your Australian education, this guide will show you how to apply for the Subclass 485 visa, what you need to qualify, what papers you need, and the main steps to take.
What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) aims to help international graduates who have finished at least two years of study in Australia. It gives you a chance to live, work, or study in the country for a limited time. The visa has two streams:
- Graduate Work Stream: This suits graduates with skills that match a job on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
- Post-Study Work Stream: This fits graduates with higher education degrees (like bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees) from Australian schools, no matter what they studied.
Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 485 Visa
To apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa, you need to meet these requirements:
- Age Requirement: You must be younger than 50 years old when you apply.
- English Proficiency: You must show your English skills. You can do this by giving test scores from IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge Advanced English (CAE).
- Australian Study Requirement: You should have studied in Australia for at least two years. This study must be on a valid student visa.
- Qualification: An Australian school must give you your degree. This degree needs to meet the rules for your specific stream.
- Health and Character Checks: You have to pass Australia’s health and character tests. These include doctor exams and police checks.
- Health Insurance You need good health coverage for your whole stay in Australia.
- Timing of Application: You need to apply for the visa within six months after you finish your studies in Australia.
Documents You Need for the Subclass 485 Visa
Before you apply, get these documents ready to make sure your application goes:
- Passport: A passport that’s valid and has enough time left to cover your visa period.
- English Language Test Results: Proof that you can speak English well enough.
- Academic Documents: Your school certificates, grade reports, and a letter saying you finished your studies.
- Health Insurance: Papers showing you have Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC).
- AFP Check: A certificate from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) saying you’re okay.
- Proof of Residency in Australia: Things like bills or rent agreements that show where you live.
- Skills Assessment (for Grte Work Stream): Proof that what you can do matches a job on the Skilled Occupation List.
How to Apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa
Step 1: Check If You’re Eligible
Before you begin, ensure you confirm if you tick all the boxes for the Subclass 485 visa. Check if you’re in the Graduate Work Stream or the Post-Study Work Stream.
Step 2: Get Your Papers Together
Collect all the documents you need, making sure they match what’s asked for.
Step 3: Get an AFP Check
Ask for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) clearance certificate. Make sure it’s less than 12 months old to be valid for your visa application.
Step 4: Get Health Insurance
Buy Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) to meet the health insurance requirement for the Subclass 485 visa.
Step 5: Fill Out the Application Online
Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and fill out the visa application form online. Put in all the info they ask for and upload your supporting documents.
Step 6: Pay for Your Visa Application
The cost to apply for a visa varies from time to time based on the stream and how many people are applying. Pay up on time.
Step 7: Give Your Biometrics
You might need to provide biometrics, like your fingerprints and a photo, as part of applying.
Step 8: Hold Tight for the Result
After you send in your application, you’ll need to wait for the Department of Home Affairs to look it over. They’ll send you an email to let you know the outcome.
Processing Time for the Subclass 485 Visa
The time to process applications differs based on the stream:
- Graduate Work Stream: It takes about 6-9 months.
- Post-Study Work Stream: It takes about 5-7 months.
To speed things up, make sure all your papers are correct and complete.
Tips to Apply Successfully
- Apply Soon: Send in your application within six months after you finish your studies.
- Check Your Papers: Make sure all documents are correct and current.
- Ask for Help: Talk to migration agents or experts to get advice.
- Stay on Top of Things: Keep an eye on due dates and what you need to do.
Conclusion
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) gives international students a great chance to build up experience in Australia after they finish studying. This guide shows you how to apply it step-by-step. Begin your adventure now and unlock chances in one of the world’s most diverse and lively countries.
