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Subclass 476 Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa

Get an Australian 476 visa

Tailored for recent engineering graduates, the 476 visa offers an 18-month opportunity in Australia for study, work, and residence. Applicants must have a recent engineering degree from a Washington Accord-accredited institution and be under 31 years old. While not granting permanent residency directly, it can aid in future work visa applications for those pursuing Australian employment or additional experience.

This visa has been capped by the Government and will not be available for any further applications from 01 July 2024. As such, it is no longer possible to apply for this visa.

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What sets Australian Migration Agents apart

What is a Skilled Recognised Graduate visa 476?

This visa is tailored for recent engineering graduates, offering them an 18-month opportunity to reside, work, and study in Australia. Eligible applicants must hold an engineering degree from a Washington Accord-accredited institution, with recognized institutions listed online.

To qualify, candidates must have completed their engineering qualification within the past two years and never previously held a 476 or 485 graduate visa. Additionally, applicants must be under 31 years old at the time of application.

While the 476 visa doesn't directly lead to permanent residency, it can facilitate further work visa applications upon expiration, making it beneficial for those seeking Australian employment or additional work experience to pursue permanent residency.

Eligibility requirements for a subclass 476 Skilled Recognised Graduate visa

To be eligible for a 476 visa, applicants must meet the following key criteria:

  • Hold a valid passport
  • Complete an engineering qualification accredited under the Washington Accord within the last two years
  • Meet the specified English language proficiency standards
  • Satisfy health and character requirements, including maintaining adequate health insurance while in Australia
  • Be under 31 years of age at the time of application

Benefits of the Skilled Recognised Graduate visa

The 476 visa offers a pathway to other skilled visas, such as the subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage or subclass 189/190 skilled visas. For instance, the 482 visa often mandates two years of relevant work experience. With a 476 visa, a graduate can gain a year and a half of work experience, facilitating a 482 application and eventual permanent residence through the subclass 186 visa.

Additional advantages for a primary 476 visa holder comprise access to excellent working and living conditions in Australia, unrestricted travel to and from the country, the freedom to pursue studies without constraints, and the opportunity to include family members with full work and study rights.

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Skilled Recognised Graduate visa checklist

All requisite documents must be furnished online upon application submission and typically pertain to your engineering credentials. To aid you in this process, we've curated a comprehensive checklist to fulfill all visa criteria. Here's a glimpse of some documents you'll need to provide:

  • Passport
  • Marriage certificate (if relevant)
  • Death/divorce certificate for former spouse (if applicable)
  • Evidence of name alteration (if relevant)
  • National ID card (if applicable)
  • Birth certificate (for candidates under 18)
  • Official completion statement from your educational institution
  • Attested copies of your engineering program transcripts
  • Military service records or discharge documents (if relevant)
  • Health assessments
  • Police clearance certificates from previous places of residence
  • English proficiency test outcomes
  • Proof of sufficient health coverage

How the Skilled Recognised Graduate visa works

The 476 visa is designed to tackle shortages of engineers throughout Australia by offering recent engineering graduates from institutions worldwide an opportunity to work and live in Australia, enabling them to experience the excellent working and living conditions in Australia.

Graduates typically seek the visa shortly after finishing their program, although you can apply up to two years post-completion.

The application for this visa is conducted online, during which you must furnish all the requisite evidence and details of your qualification and identity documents.

Once the visa is approved, you'll have the liberty to live, work, and study in Australia for a maximum period of 18 months.

Future pathways after your Skilled Recognised Graduate 476 visa Australia

While there isn't a direct permanent residence pathway (PR) following a 476 visa, it's viable to seek further work visas upon its expiration. Consequently, any existing PR pathways for work visas become available to 476 visa holders.

For instance, an engineering graduate with six months of offshore work experience could pursue the 476 visa and work for an Australian firm for 18 months. This would fulfill the requisite work experience (two years) for a subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa, which subsequently offers a PR pathway after an additional two years with the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa. This exemplifies one of several avenues an engineering graduate could explore to attain PR in Australia.

Benefits of using a registered migration agent

The 476 visa offers recent engineering graduates an opportunity to work and live in Australia, addressing shortages of engineers across the country. Graduates can experience the excellent working and living conditions in Australia.

Applicants typically apply shortly after completing their degree, with a two-year window for application after completion. The application process is completed online, requiring submission of all necessary evidence and qualification documents.

Upon approval, visa holders can reside, work, and study in Australia for up to 18 months, providing a valuable opportunity to gain work experience and explore potential pathways to permanent residency.

  • Consultation and engagement
  • Preparation and support
  • Submission and communication
  • Representation and success

Visa subclass 476 visa costs

There are two primary expenses linked to applying for a subclass 476 visa.

Firstly, there are professional fees owed to Australian Migration Lawyers for application preparation. Our charges may vary based on the complexity of your case, with fees tailored accordingly. We operate on a fixed-fee basis, ensuring transparency regarding the total costs involved. Additionally, we offer flexible payment plans to accommodate financial circumstances. Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our qualified lawyers to receive an estimate.

Secondly, there are departmental fees imposed by the Department of Home Affairs for a Skilled Recognised Graduate 476 visa application $465.

Visa application steps

The visa application process can be challenging and time-consuming, but our team at Australian Migration Agents handles this daily and understands the requirements needed for successful outcomes. Get in touch to discuss your eligibility and explore the most budget-friendly services available to you.

Book a consultation

Step 1

Consultation and engagement

Organise a consultation time to speak with one of our agents. You can meet with us in person, via Zoom or telephone. Following this, we will send you paperwork that confirms our engagement to represent you.

Step 2

Preparation and submission

We will prepare written submissions in support of your visa application. This will be based on your individual circumstances, and supported by evidence where appropriate. We then submit your application to the relevant body (Department of Home Affairs, courts or tribunal)

Step 3

Representation and success

We will keep you informed about your application, and notify you of the outcome. If you receive an unfavourable outcome and we can reapply, we will!

476 Visa Processing times

The current processing period for a subclass 476 visa is unavailable as there have been no additional allocations for this subclass. Consequently, submitting an application for this visa is presently not feasible.

476 Visa Considerations

Our team at Australian Migration Lawyers comprises skilled legal practitioners specializing in Australian migration legislation.

While we cannot offer assurances regarding visa approval, as the ultimate decision lies with the Department of Home Affairs, our expertise in the field allows us to advocate effectively on your behalf.

Accessibility is a priority for us. Initial consultations are typically complimentary, and ongoing services are subject to a fixed fee, which we will outline during our discussions. Additionally, our consultations are available online, ensuring convenience regardless of your location within Australia. We can provide assistance at any stage of the 476 visa process.

Australia-wide services

Our skilled team offers in-person and virtual appointments, which means we can provide immigration assistance and advice regardless of where you live in Australia.  

Frequently asked questions

Read our most frequently asked questions.

What is a 476 recognised graduate visa?

The Skilled Recognised Graduate visa, also known as the 476 visa, offers a unique opportunity for recent engineering graduates to gain valuable work experience in Australia within a specified timeframe after completing their degree. This visa enables individuals to reside in Australia temporarily, typically within a two-year window following the completion of their engineering course. During this period, visa holders can explore various employment opportunities relevant to their field of study, contributing to both their professional development and the Australian workforce.

What is the difference between 476 and 485 visas?

The 476 visa caters specifically to recent engineering graduates, offering them an opportunity to apply even if they pursued their studies offshore, provided the institution meets the eligibility criteria.

On the other hand, the 485 visa is reserved for graduates of Australian institutions exclusively. To qualify, applicants must choose from a list of eligible occupations and undergo a skills assessment. While the conditions of both visas may appear similar, the eligibility requirements differ significantly between them.

How can I get PR after a 476 visa in Australia?

While a 476 visa doesn't offer a direct Permanent Residency (PR) pathway, individuals can explore alternative routes once their 476 visa expires. Various work visas become viable options for 476 visa holders seeking PR.

For instance, an engineering graduate with six months of offshore work experience could secure a 476 visa and work for an Australian company for 18 months. This period would fulfill the necessary work experience requirement (two years) for a subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa. Subsequently, after an additional two years under the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, they could pursue PR. This pathway represents just one of the several avenues engineering students might contemplate to obtain PR status in Australia.

Is the 476 visa closing in Australia?

The allocation of 476 visas reached its limit in December 2023, leading to a halt in new applications.

As of now, it remains uncertain whether there will be additional slots assigned to this visa subclass in the 2024-2025 financial year. The future of the visa hinges on whether it will persist or face closure to new applicants. Given the persistent shortages of engineers in Australia, it's probable that a restricted number of positions will be earmarked for this visa in the upcoming financial year.

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