Looking to Gain Work Experience After Graduation?
If you're about to complete your studies in Australia and want to gain relevant work experience, the Graduate Temporary Work Visa – Subclass 485 is a great option. This visa allows you to remain in Australia temporarily to work, travel, or pursue further studies after graduation.
About the Post-Study Work Visa – Subclass 485
The Subclass 485 Post-Study Work Visa enables international graduates to stay in Australia for 2 to 4 years, depending on the level of qualification they’ve completed.
- Doctoral Degree (PhD): Stay up to 4 years
- Master’s by Research or Coursework:Stay up to 3 years
- Bachelor’s Degree:Stay up to 2 years
This temporary visa gives you the opportunity to find employment on your own merit and gain valuable work experience in Australia. It’s also suitable for those wishing to travel or explore further study options.
Visa Application Costs
- Primary Applicant:AUD 2,235
- Secondary Applicant (18 and over):AUD 1,115
- Secondary Applicant (under 18):AUD 560
Additional costs may apply for health checks, police clearances, and biometrics. This visa is exempt from the Subsequent Temporary Application Charge.
Are You Eligible for the 485 Visa?
To apply for the Subclass 485 Graduate Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be under 50 years of age
- Hold a current student visa(not sponsored by Defence or Foreign Affairs and Trade)
- Have beengranted your first student visa on or after 5 November 2011
- Hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree from an eligible CRICOS-registered course
- Note: Diplomas or trade qualifications alone are not eligible
- Have held a student visa within the last 6 months, and currently hold a Bridging Visa A or B, or another substantive visa
- Provide evidence of:
- Adequate health insurance for all applicants
- AnAustralian Federal Police (AFP) check
- Meeting the English language requirement
- No outstanding debt to the Australian Government
- You must not have had a previous visa cancelled or application refused
Extending Your Stay in Australia
The Subclass 485 visa cannot be extended , but you may be eligible for a second post-study work stream visa if you:
- Live, work, and/or study in a regional area during your first 485 visa period
Additionally:
- Hong Kong passport holders may apply for permanent residency after 5 years
- Graduates impacted by COVID-19 restrictions can apply for and be granted this visa from outside Australia
Need Help Applying?
If you're ready to take the next step in your Australian journey and apply for the Post-Study Work Visa – Subclass 485, our expert team is here to help.
Contact us today for personalized guidance and support throughout your visa application process.
FAQ
Yes, you can bring your family with you on a 485 visa.
Except for the Graduate Work Stream, all other 485 subclass visas have a provision for extension based on specific conditions. Also, the applicant can apply only once for an extension. Applicants on the Post-Study Work Stream, the Second Post-Study Work Stream, and the Replacement Stream visa holders are eligible for a two-year extension based on a select degree.
There is no specific processing time for the 485 visa. You may use the visa processing time guide tool to check on recently decided applications. This specifically acts as a guide, which may not provide answers relevant to your application.
The stay duration for each stream is different:
- Graduate Work Stream: 18 months
- Post-Study Work Stream: 2-4 years after completing studies in Australia
- Second Post-Study Work Stream: 1-4 years after completing studies based on where the applicant studied, lived, and the pursuing degree
- Replacement Stream Visa: 18 months to 6 years based on the degree pursued
There are four types of Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Visas, including:
- Graduate Work Stream
- Post-Study Work Stream
- Second Post-Study Work Stream
- Replacement Stream Visa
You may be eligible to apply for a skilled work visa based on a few conditions and criteria. Seek professional counselling from our experts at Expert Education to know more. Temporary graduate visa holders from Hong Kong can find a pathway to permanent residency after five years.
No, the 485 visa approval entails a temporary stay duration in Australia as opposed to a green card that allows you to live and work indefinitely in the USA.