Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa changes that you need to know
485 visa holders have seen some changes and extension benefits due to COVID-19. To summarise, the Australian Government announced the following changes on 25 November 2021:
- From 1 December 2021, the stay period for Masters by Coursework/Masters extended graduates is permanently increased from 2 to 3 years same as Masters by Research graduate
- From 1 December 2021, as a concession during the COVID-19 pandemic, the stay period on the Graduate Work stream, will temporarily increase from 18 to 24 months
- From 1 July 2022, the application requirements for the Graduate Work stream will be streamlined by removing the requirement for graduates to nominate an occupation from the skills occupation list
These exciting changes seek to address skill shortages as a result of COVID-19 and the closed borders over the past two years.
What is the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa?
The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa is available to eligible international students who graduate with an eligible qualification from an Australian educational institution. This visa allows you to enrich your studies by gaining full-time work experience in Australia, and may also provide you with the opportunity to pursue permanent visa options in Australia. The visa has two streams: Graduate Work stream and Post-Study Work stream.
Migration Affairs can assist with a 485 visa including determining your eligibility, advising on evidence required to support the application and drafting and lodging the application.
The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa has three streams:
- Graduate Stream
- Post-Study Work Stream
- Second Post-Study Work stream
If you are a Hong Kong passport holder, you may be eligible to have a 485 visa for a period of 5 years with a pathway towards permanent residency.
Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa – Graduate Stream
You may be eligible to apply for this visa under the Graduate Stream if:
- You held a student visa in the last 6 months before your application
- You are able to nominate an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) (This requirement will change From 1 July 2022)
- You hold a degree, diploma or trade qualification closely related to the nominated occupation
- You have a positive 485 skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority (This requirement will change From 1 July 2022)
- Your study for the qualification(s) satisfies the Australian study requirement in the past six months
- Your qualification was conferred or awarded by an Australian university or non-university education provider that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Courses and Institutions for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
- You meet the English language requirement
- You are under 50 years old
This visa is valid for 18 months and will allow you to work in Australia without any restrictions.
Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa – Post-Study Work stream
You may be eligible to apply for this visa under the Post-Study Work Stream if:
- You applied for and were granted your first student visa on or after 5 November 2011
- You held a student visa in the last 6 months before your application
- You hold an eligible qualification (Bachelor degree or higher)
- Your qualification was conferred or awarded by an Australian university or non-university education provider that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Courses and Institutions for Overseas Students (CRICOS) and that provider offers courses at degree level and above
- Your study for the qualification(s) satisfies the Australian study requirement in the past six months
- You meet the English language requirement
- You are under 50 years old
The 485 visa is valid for 2 years or 4 years, depending on the qualification you obtained. You will be able to work in Australia without any restrictions during this period.
Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa – Second Post-Study Work stream
You may be eligible to apply for this visa under the Second Post-Study Work Stream if:
- You hold a 485 visa under the post-study work stream, as the primary applicant
- You hold an eligible qualification (Bachelor degree or higher) which led to the first 485 visa grant
- Your qualification was conferred or awarded by an Australian university or non-university education provider that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Courses and Institutions for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
- You studied on a campus located in a designated regional area
- You worked and/or studied in a designated regional area while holding your first 485 visa
- You are under 50 years old
The second 485 visa can be granted for 1 year or 2 years, depending on where you studied while on a student visa and where you worked/studied while on your first 485 visa.
