Introduction
Have you completed an accredited course from an Australian institution and wish to stay and work longer in Australia? One of the most popular options is applying for a Subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate Visa.
What is a 485 Temporary Work Visa?
The Subclass 485 visa is designed for recent graduates in Australia, allowing them to live, study, and work temporarily in the country. For those aspiring to migrate to Australia after graduation, this visa provides valuable time to:
- Gain relevant work experience.
- Explore the most suitable migration visa options.
- Fulfill all migration requirements.
- Prepare a strong application for permanent migration pathways.
There are 2 main streams for the visa subclass 485:
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream: This stream is for international students who have recently completed Australian qualifications relating to an occupation on the skilled occupation list
- Post-Study Work Stream: This stream is for international students who have recently completed higher education degrees in Australia, regardless of their field of study.
Key Requirements for the 485 Visa Application
Generally, you must meet the following requirements in order to apply for a 485 visa:
- Age: You must be aged 35 years or younger at the time of application lodgement
- Visa: You must lawfully stay in Australia when you apply for a 485 visa AND you must hold your student visa in the last 6 months
- Residence: You must be in Australia at the time you lodge the 485 application
- Health Insurance: You must have adequate health insurance for you and all other applicants
- Police Check: You must have applied for an Australian Federation Police check when you apply
- English Level: You must achieve a IELTS overall 6.5 (no band score under 5.5) or equivalent at the time of visa lodgement
- Australian Qualifications:
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- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: You must have a qualification relevant to the skilled occupation list
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- Post-Study Work Stream: You must have graduated from higher education course from an Australian education provider.
- Skills Assessment:
- The skill assessment is not required for the Post-Study Work Stream.
- However, if you apply for a Post-Vocational Education Work Stream, you must prove that you have applied for a skill assessment in your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list.
The Updated Cost for a 485 Visa Application
- The current application cost as of Jan 2025
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- The cost for main applicant is AUD1,945.00
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- The cost for additional applicant 18 years old or above is AUD 975.00
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- The cost for additional applicant below 18 years old is AUD 490.00
- The updated cost from 1 Feb 2025
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- The cost for main applicant is AUD2,235.00
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- The cost for additional applicant 18 years old or above is AUD 1,115.00
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- The cost for additional applicant below 18 years old is AUD 560.00
As the cost for 485 visa will increase from 1 Feb 2025, lodge your application before this date to avoid additional expenses.
FAQs:
What is the deadline to apply for a 485 visa after graduation?
You must lodge your 485 visa application within six months from the date your student visa expires.
Can I apply for a 485 visa while outside Australia?
No, you must be in Australia at the time of submitting your visa application.
Can I travel overseas while waiting for a 485 visa?
Yes. While waiting for a 485 visa, you will be granted a Bridging Visa A, which allows you to stay lawfully in Australia. If you wish to travel outside Australia, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B. Once your Bridging Visa B is granted, you can travel from and to Australia.
I haven’t received the result of my skills assessment. Can I still apply for a 485 visa?
Yes, you can lodge your application while waiting for your skills assessment results. You must provide evidence that you have already applied for a skills assessment for your nominated occupation. You can attach the result later once it is available.
Wish to discuss your case in detail? Contact our experienced Migration Agent today at 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com for personalised consultation.