The Graduate Visa Subclass 485 is a highly sought-after visa for international students who have completed their studies in Australia. It offers a great opportunity for graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after finishing their degree. With this visa, graduates can gain valuable work experience. And even pave the way to permanent residency, making it a crucial step in their post-study journey.
In this blog, we will cover the key eligibility criteria for the Graduate Visa Subclass 485. We will also explain how consulting the best migration consultant can help you navigate the application process and increase your chances of success.
What is the Graduate Visa Subclass 485?
The graduate visa subclass 485 is a temporary visa designed for international students. Who have completed at least two years of study in Australia. It allows graduates to remain in Australia for a period of 18 months to up to 4 years, depending on the visa stream. The visa provides an excellent opportunity for graduates to gain work experience in their field of study. Which can improve their chances of securing permanent residency in the future.
The Subclass 485 visa is divided into two streams:
- Post-Study Work Stream: This stream is for international students who have completed a higher education degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) in Australia. It allows graduates to stay and work in Australia for up to 2 to 4 years, depending on their qualification.
- Graduate Work Stream: This stream is for international students who have completed qualifications that are closely related to occupations on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This visa allows graduates to live and work in Australia for 18 months.
Key Eligibility Criteria for Graduate Visa Subclass 485
Before applying for the Graduate Visa Subclass 485, it’s important to understand the key eligibility criteria. Meeting these requirements will ensure that your application is successful and that you can take full advantage of the benefits the visa offers. Below are the main eligibility criteria:
1. Age Requirement
Applicants must be under 50 years of age at the time of applying for the Graduate Visa Subclass 485. This is a basic requirement for both the Post-Study Work Stream and the Graduate Work Stream.
2. Australian Study Requirement
To be eligible for this visa, you must have completed at least two academic years (92 weeks) of study in a full-time course from an Australian education provider. The course must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
3. Qualification Requirement
- For the Post-Study Work Stream, you must have completed a higher education degree such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in Australia.
- For the Graduate Work Stream, you must have completed a qualification related to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This stream is ideal for those who have completed vocational education and training qualifications.
4. English Language Requirement
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency to be eligible for the Graduate Visa Subclass 485. You can prove this by taking an approved English language test, such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE, or CAE. You must meet the minimum score requirement set by the Department of Home Affairs. However, if you hold a passport from an English-speaking country, such as the UK, USA, Canada, or New Zealand, you may be exempt from this requirement.
5. Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. You may need to undergo a health examination to ensure you meet the country’s health standards. Additionally, you will need to provide police clearance certificates to show that you meet the character requirements. This is a standard procedure for all visa applicants.
6. Application Timing
You must lodge your visa application within 6 months of completing your course. This is an important timeline to keep in mind as late applications may lead to visa refusals. Consulting the best migration consultant can help ensure that you submit your application on time and avoid unnecessary delays.
7. Valid Visa at the Time of Application
You must hold an eligible visa, such as a student visa or a bridging visa, when applying for the Graduate Visa Subclass 485. Holding the right visa at the time of application is crucial, as an invalid visa can result in the rejection of your application.
Benefits of the Graduate Visa Subclass 485
The Graduate Visa Subclass 485 comes with a wide range of benefits that make it an attractive option for international students looking to extend their stay in Australia. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Work Rights
One of the most significant benefits of the Graduate Visa Subclass 485 is that it provides full work rights. This means you can work in Australia without any restrictions on hours. It gives you the freedom to gain professional experience in your field of study, which can be incredibly valuable for your career progression.
2. Pathway to Permanent Residency
The Graduate Visa Subclass 485 can serve as a stepping stone to permanent residency in Australia. By gaining work experience in Australia, you can improve your points score for General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas. Such as the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190). Additionally, working in regional areas may open up pathways to the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.
3. Opportunity to Stay Longer
Depending on the visa stream and the qualification level. The Graduate Visa Subclass 485 allows you to stay in Australia for up to 4 years. This gives you ample time to work, travel, and explore further educational opportunities in Australia. For example, doctoral graduates can stay for up to 4 years under the Post-Study Work Stream.
4. Include Family Members
The Graduate Visa Subclass 485 allows you to include eligible family members in your application. This means your spouse or de facto partner, and dependent children can join you in Australia. And enjoy the same rights as you, including the ability to work or study in the country.
5. No Sponsorship Requirement
Unlike other work visas, the Graduate Visa Subclass 485 does not require employer sponsorship. This gives you greater flexibility to choose your employer, switch jobs, or even work in different fields as you explore various career opportunities in Australia.
Why You Should Work with the Best Migration Consultant
The application process for the Graduate Visa Subclass 485 can be complex, and meeting all the eligibility criteria requires careful preparation. Working with the best migration consultant can significantly improve your chances of success. Here’s how a migration consultant can help:
- Expert Advice: Migration consultants are well-versed in Australia’s visa regulations and can provide expert advice on the best visa options for your situation.
- Application Support: A migration consultant can guide you through the entire application process, ensuring that you submit all the required documents on time and avoid common mistakes that could delay your visa approval.
- Tailored Solutions: Migration consultants offer personalized solutions based on your qualifications, work experience, and future goals. Ensuring that you choose the right visa stream for your needs.
- Up-to-Date Information: Visa rules and regulations change frequently. A migration consultant stays updated with the latest changes and ensures that your application complies with current requirements.
Conclusion
The Graduate Visa Subclass 485 is an excellent opportunity for international graduates to extend their stay in Australia. Gain valuable work experience, and explore pathways to permanent residency. By meeting the key eligibility criteria and working with the best migration consultant. You can increase your chances of a successful visa application and unlock the many benefits this visa offers. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, live in Australia long-term, or bring your family along. The Graduate Visa Subclass 485 can be your gateway to a bright future in Australia.
