Australia, with its world-class education system, has become a hub for international students. But for many, graduation isn’t the end of the road. That’s where the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa comes into play. This visa allows eligible international students to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after completion of their studies.
The visa also gives international students an opportunity to utilise their time in Australia to gain valuable work experience, further their studies, and explore pathways to permanent residency if desired.
Graduate Work stream vs Post-Study Work stream: Which One’s for You?
One of the most significant aspects of the subclass 485 visa is the two streams available:
- Graduate Work stream is for international students who have recently graduated with qualifications that are relevant to eligible skilled occupations featured on the MTSSL.
- Post-Study Work stream is for international students who have recently graduated with an eligible higher education degree from an Australian educational institution.
Understanding the differences between these streams is very important. Applicants cannot change the stream they have selected after their application has been made.
You can refer below for a summary of the differences between the two streams for subclass 485 visa:
What is the Australian study requirement that must be met?
Under both streams, you must satisfy the Australian study requirement in the period of 6 months immediately before the day the application was made. This means that applicants completed their eligible qualification in the 6 months immediately before the day the 485 visa was made.
To satisfy the Australian study requirement, you need to have completed 1 or more degrees, diplomas, or trade qualifications for award by an Australian educational institution as a result of a course or courses. The course or courses must meet the following criteria:
- that are registered (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)) courses; and
- that were completed in a total of at least 16 calendar months; and
- that were completed as a result of a total of at least 2 academic years of study; and
- for which all instruction was conducted in English; and
- that the applicant undertook while in Australia as the holder of a visa authorising the applicant to study
These factors collectively align with the overarching policy goal of retaining the skills of international students educated in Australia, enabling them to make positive contributions to the Australian economy.
What are the skill and occupation requirements of the Graduate Work stream?
To meet the skills and qualification criteria for the Graduate work stream, you must nominate an occupation on the Department of Home Affairs’ Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Your Australian qualification must be closely related to that occupation. You can explore the occupations featured on the MLTSSL, as well as the relevant assessing authority on the Department’s website here.
Furthermore, an important step in the application process involves obtaining a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation. This assessment serves as validation of your qualifications and expertise in the chosen field. When submitting your visa application, you must at least provide evidence that you’ve applied for this skills assessment. Your skills assessment outcome must be positive in order to meet the requirements for a visa grant.
Do I need to provide evidence of English language proficiency?
Yes, English language proficiency is a requirement for both streams of the Subclass 485 visa. You can demonstrate your proficiency through tests like IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT.
However, if you are a citizen of and hold a valid passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland, you do not need to provide evidence of your English proficiency.
What are the requirements for a second subclass 485 in the Post-Study Work stream?
From 1 July 2022, holders of a first subclass 485 visa in the Post-Study Work stream who have lived (and worked or studied, if relevant) only in a designated regional area can apply for a second subclass 485 visa in the Post-Study Work stream for up to 2 years if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Designated regional area is a reference to all of Australia other than Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane. It is defined as:
- a designated city or major regional centre (category 2): Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong and Hobart, or
- a regional centre or other regional area (category 3): all locations outside Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, and Hobart.
The table below indicates the length of stay a Subclass 485 applicant may be eligible for based on the study location as the holder of a Student visa and residence location while holding the first Subclass 485.
What select degrees are eligible for an extended 2 years on the Subclass 485?
From 1 July 2023, Post-Study Work stream applicants who have a select degree that is in an area of verified skills shortage may be eligible for an extended 2 years on their visa. The full list of eligible course are available here.
Are there any work restrictions on the Subclass 485 visa?
If you hold a first subclass 485 visa, you do not have any study or work restrictions.
However, for holders of a second subclass 485 in the Post-Study Work stream and their accompanying family members, there are specific requirements to be aware of. Those in this category must live (and if relevant, work and study) only in regional areas that correspond to the visa criteria that were satisfied by the primary visa holder.
For a successful outcome, it is crucial that you meet all the above criteria when you apply for the visa, not after you have made your application. Please note that the criterion for skills and occupation is not applicable for applications lodged between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023.
Can I include my family members?
Yes, you can include your eligible family members, such as your spouse/de facto partner or dependent children, in your visa application. Additional application fees will be applicable for each accompanying family member.
Can I travel outside Australia while holding a Subclass 485 visa?
Yes, the Subclass 485 visa is granted with multiple entries. You can travel in and out of Australia while your Subclass 485 is valid.
Can I apply for a different type of visa after my Subclass 485 visa expires?
Yes, you can explore other visa options, such as employer sponsored visas or skilled migration visas, to extend your stay or apply for permanent residency in Australia. It’s essential to understand the eligibility requirements of each visa and select the appropriate visa pathway based on your circumstances.