What is the Graduate Visa 485
The Graduate Visa Subclass 485 is a temporary visa designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. It enables them to live, study, and work in Australia after completing their studies.
Australia’s Graduate Visa 485 is a significant opportunity for international students who have completed their studies in Australia. This visa allows graduates to gain valuable work experience in Australia, bridging the gap between academic qualifications and a permanent residency pathway. Here, we delve into the details of this visa and how it can pave the way to permanent residency.
Key Features
- Duration: Typically ranges from 18 months to 4 years, depending on the stream.
- Work Rights: Full work rights during the visa period.
- Eligibility for Permanent Residency: Serves as a stepping stone towards PR by providing work experience in Australia.
Streams of the Graduate Visa 485
The visa has two main streams, each catering to different graduate needs:
1. Graduate Work Stream
- Who is it for?
Graduates with qualifications relevant to occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). - Visa Validity
18 months (or longer for certain nationalities). - Purpose
To fill skill shortages in critical industries.
2. Post-Study Work Stream
- Who is it for?
International students who have completed a degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) from an Australian institution. - Visa Validity
18 months (or longer for certain nationalities). - Purpose
To fill skill shortages in critical industries.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Graduate Visa 485, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Age: Must be under 50 years of age.
- Educational Qualification: Must have completed an eligible course of study in Australia.
- English Language Proficiency: Evidence of English language skills through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
- Health and Character Requirements: Medical examinations and police clearance.
- Health Insurance: Must maintain adequate health insurance during the visa period.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
The Graduate Visa 485 is often a precursor to permanent residency in Australia. Below are some pathways through which graduates can transition to PR:
Employer-Sponsored Visas
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa allows graduates to secure sponsorship from an Australian employer to work in their field of expertise. This visa provides an opportunity to gain professional experience while meeting the criteria for permanent residency through pathways like the Employer Nomination Scheme. After fulfilling the necessary work and skill requirements, TSS visa holders may apply for PR, making this an attractive option for graduates in high-demand occupations.
Skilled Migration Program
The Skilled Migration Program provides pathways such as the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) and Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa), which are points-tested visas. Graduates can leverage their Australian qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency to accumulate points needed for eligibility. During their 485 visa period, they can also undertake skill assessments to strengthen their applications.
Regional Migration
The Regional Migration pathway encourages graduates to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. The Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa) offers temporary residency with a route to permanent residency for those who fulfill regional living and employment requirements.
Benefits of the Graduate Visa 485
- Work Experience: Provides time to gain Australian work experience, which is valuable for PR applications.
- Network Building: Opportunity to connect with potential employers and industries.
- Skills Recognition: Demonstrates skills relevant to Australia’s labor market.
- Flexibility: Offers freedom to work or study further, enhancing one’s qualifications.
