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Temporary Graduate Visa (485)
Get an Australian 485 visa
The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa is a work visa that allows international students who have finished their studies in Australia to live, study and work further in Australia on a temporary basis. This visa has several different streams that applicants may apply for. Applicants for this visa should be aware that there are a range of eligibility criteria and requirements that must be met in order to receive this visa.
At Australian Migration Agents, we have experience and knowledge of the Australian immigration system, including the application process for a Temporary Graduate visa. Should applicants need information, guidance or assistance at any stage of their application, contact an Australian Migration Agent.
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What is a Temporary Graduate 485 visa?
The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa is a means for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian education institution to live and work in Australia temporarily while they gain work experience and practical knowledge, either for themselves or if they wish to apply for a skilled visa in the future.
As alluded to above, there are two main streams available under this visa subclass, relating to the different qualifications that can be received by international students at Australian institutions.
The Graduate Work stream is the shorter term stream (18 months) that relates to qualifications at the diploma or trade qualification education level. This stream has unique requirements, including the requirement that applicants nominate an occupation on the medium to long term skilled occupation list (must be related to the course completed), and the requirement to have a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
The Post-Study Work stream (first temporary graduate visa), relates to qualifications above a bachelor degree education level. This longer term stream (2 years, or 4 years for select qualifications) does not require applicants to nominate an occupation or undergo a skills assessment.
For applicants who are a British national overseas or Hong Kong passport holder, they may be eligible to apply for a visa which is valid for an additional extended period.
For either stream, the qualification received must meet the requirements set by the Australian Government. These requirements include:
- The course the applicant has undertaken must be CRICOS registered
- The course the applicant has undertaken was in english
- The course the applicant has undertaken included at least two years of academic study
- The applicant held a valid student visa while studying this course
- All course requirements were completed successfully.
While there are also two other streams that are available (Second Post-Study Work stream and the Replacement stream), these only apply in specific circumstances and have particular requirements that must be met.
Eligibility requirements for Temporary Graduate visa subclass in Australia
While there are multiple streams available, applicants for Temporary Graduate visas will typically be required to meet the following summarised eligibility criteria in addition to the requirements mentioned above:
- The applicant must hold a valid passport
- The applicant must be onshore and currently holding a substantive visa or bridging visa.
- The applicant must have completed a CRICOS registered course with an Australian institution within the last 6 months
- The applicant must meet the relevant English language requirements
- The applicant must meet the Department’s various health and character requirements
Benefits of the Temporary Graduate 485 Visa
A Temporary Graduate visa can help provide international students who have just finished their education to receive invaluable related work experience. This can be of assistance to them if they wish to remain in Australia on another visa type, such as a Temporary Skill Shortage visa, that requires relevant work experience. These other types of visas can provide applicants with a pathway to permanent residency if that is something they wish to pursue.
Furthermore, there are additional benefits of a Temporary Graduate visa including:
- Unrestricted travel in and out of Australia
- Access to Australian working and living conditions
- The ability to pursue further studies
- The ability to include eligible family members, who receive full work and study rights if provided a visa
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485 visa checklist
In addition to completing the application form for a Temporary Graduate visa, applicants will also be required to provide additional documents and relevant supporting evidence. While it is difficult to forecast what documents are required for each individual application, the following is a list of documents that should typically be included in a Temporary Graduate visa application.
- Passport
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce/death certificate for previous spouse (if applicable)
- Proof of name change (if applicable)
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Birth certificate (for applicants under 18)
- Current CV or resume
- Skill assessment outcome from the relevant authority (if applicable)
- Evidence of registration or licencing (if applicable)
- Completion letter from your education provider
- Certified copy of your course transcripts
- Military service record or discharge papers (if applicable)
- Medical examinations
- Police clearance certificates from former countries of residence
- Australian Federal Police check (Character requirements)
- English test results
- Evidence of adequate health insurance
How the Temporary Graduate 485 visa works
To apply for this visa, applicants are required to be onshore and hold a valid substantive visa. Typically, following the completion of their studies, applicants will generally apply for a Temporary Graduate visa while they are on their Student visa, however applicants should be aware that this is not necessary and they only need to have held a student visa within the previous 6 months to apply.
After the application form has been completed, the relevant documents and supporting evidence has been compiled and the visa application fee has been paid, applicants can lodge their application online. When doing so, applicants will need to identify what stream they are applying for.
After applicants have lodged their application, they should be aware that the Department may make additional requests to them to undergo different requirements or provide further documentation. Similarly, if an applicant discovers a mistake on their application or their circumstances change, they should contact the Department as soon as they can to provide the relevant information.
Once a decision has been made on the visa application, the Department will contact the applicant advising them of the outcome. If successful, applicants can work and study in Australia for a further period of up to two years. If unsuccessful, the Department will notify the applicant of available avenues of review of the decision that has been made.
Applicants should be aware that if they have held a graduate visa in the past, they will need to apply for a different Post-Study visa stream. If this applies to you, contact an Australian Migration Agent today to discuss your options.
Future visa pathways after your Temporary Graduate 485 visa
Unfortunately, unlike other skilled visa types like the Temporary Skills Shortage (subclass 482) visa, there is no direct pathway to Australian permanent residence with this visa as it is a temporary visa. Applicants should be aware they are able to apply for a subsequent Temporary Graduate visa where eligible, which can be granted for between one and four years. Eligibility for this visa will depend on factors such as where the Australian education institution is located and the nature of the applicant’s degree.
However, if Australian permanent residence is something that an applicant is pursuing, after receiving further work experience on a Temporary Graduate visa, it may be possible for the applicant to apply for another work or skilled visa that provides permanent residency.
Benefits of using a registered migration agent
Engaging the services of a registered migration agent, like an Australian Migration Agent, offers individuals the opportunity to enhance their chances of making a successful application. The visa application process can often be overwhelming, complex and time-consuming. Yet, with the assistance of an Australian Migration Agent, applicants can feel supported during every step of the application process. An Australian Migration Agent will leverage their understanding and familiarity of the Australian immigration framework to offer tailored support and assistance however it is needed. This includes through:
- Consultation and Engagement
- Preparation and Support
- Submission and Communication
- Representation and Success
485 Temporary Graduate visa costs
When making a Temporary Graduate visa application, applicants should be aware of the two main costs that are associated with doing so
Applicants should be aware that when making a Temporary Graduate visa application, they will likely incur two main types of costs:
Department fees
The relevant fees for the Department of Home Affairs in relation to a Temporary Graduate visa application are as follows:
- Visa stage - visa charge $1,895
- Visa stage - second post-study work stream visa charge $745
Professional Fees
At Australian Migration Agents, we customise our fees to meet the individual and unique needs of each of our clients, recognising that no two visa applications are alike. To do so, we adopt a fixed-fee structure rather than an alternative billing method to ensure our clients have clarity regarding the expenses that are tied to their application. Additionally, we offer various different payment options and can establish payment plans to accommodate clients with different and varying financial needs and circumstances.
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.
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!
485 Visa Processing times
There are a number of factors that applicants should be aware of which can impact the time it takes for a visa application to be processed. This can include factors related to the Department, including their current workload, or can arise from an incomplete, incorrect or inaccurate application. As a result, it can be difficult to predict how long any given visa may take as they are decided upon on a case-by-case basis.
However, applicants should be aware that the Department publishes provisional timeframes on their website about how long applications are taking. Currently, the Department estimates that for the Graduate Work stream visas can take between 5 to 6 months, with applications taking 2 to 4 months for the Post-Study Work stream.
Temporary Graduate Visa Considerations
Applicants should be aware that although an Australian Migration Agent can help submit a strong ‘decision-ready’ application on an applicant's behalf, ultimately, the Department has sole discretion in relation to the reviewing and processing of visa applications. Despite this, an Australian Migration Agent can still assist applicants and sponsors at any stage of the process and can ensure that applicants provide all of the relevant information and meet all of the relevant eligibility criteria to maximise their chances of success.
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
How long is the temporary graduate visa for?
A Temporary Graduate visa can be granted for up to 2 years depending on what stream is applied for. For applicants applying under the Post-Study Work stream, this can be extended further depending on whether the degree is listed by the Department of Education as one that can extend how long a visa is granted for.
Can the 485 visa lead to permanent residency?
Unfortunately, the Temporary Graduate visa is a temporary visa. As a result it does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency in Australia (or Australian citizenship). However, applicants should be aware that the work experience gathered during the Temporary Graduate visa period can be leveraged when applying for other types of skilled visas.
Is 485 visa extended for 3 years?
The Department announced a two year extension for particular qualifications that will automatically apply to eligible applications lodged after 1 July 2023. This applies in addition to any existing extensions that were available.
How long does it take to get a visa for Australia with 485?
As stated above, it can be difficult to predict exactly how long a Temporary Graduate visa will take to be processed by the Department. While the Department provides provisional guidance on their website, this only forms a general estimate, with application processing being impacted by a range of factors.
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