The 486 visa in Australia, also known as the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), is an important pathway for international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia. This visa allows graduates to live, work, and study in the country on a temporary basis after completing their education. It is a popular choice for students who wish to gain work experience in Australia after completing their degrees.
The 485 visa is divided into two streams: the Graduate Work Stream and the Post-Study Work Stream. Each stream has different eligibility requirements and benefits. The 485 visa is crucial for those looking to extend their stay in Australia and enhance their employment prospects.
Graduate Work Stream
The Graduate Work Stream under the 485 visa is designed for international students who have completed their studies in Australia and are qualified in a skilled occupation. These occupations are listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This stream is ideal for students who have gained skills in areas of high demand, such as engineering, health, and trades.
To apply for this stream, applicants must have completed a qualification that closely relates to an occupation on the SOL. This could be a diploma, trade qualification, or bachelor’s degree. The Graduate Work Stream allows successful applicants to stay in Australia for up to 18 months, during which they can gain valuable work experience in their chosen field.
Post-Study Work Stream
The Post-Study Work Stream is available to international students who have completed higher education qualifications, such as a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree, in Australia. Unlike the Graduate Work Stream, applicants under this stream are not required to have a qualification linked to the Skilled Occupation List.
This stream offers a more extended stay in Australia, with visa durations varying based on the level of qualification. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree or master’s by coursework can stay for two years, while those with a master’s by research can stay for up to three years. Doctoral graduates are eligible for a four-year stay. This stream provides ample time for graduates to gain work experience and explore pathways to permanent residency.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 485 visa, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. First, applicants must have completed their studies in Australia while holding a valid student visa. The qualification must be registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) and should meet the Australian study requirement, which means that the course must have lasted for at least two academic years.
In addition to these basic criteria, applicants must have applied for the visa within six months of completing their course. They must also meet health and character requirements, which include undergoing a medical examination and providing a police clearance certificate.
For both streams, English language proficiency is required. Applicants need to demonstrate their proficiency through an approved English language test, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. The minimum English language score requirements may vary depending on the stream, but generally, an IELTS score of at least 6.0 is necessary.
Applicants must also hold adequate health insurance during their stay in Australia and cannot apply if they have previously held a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) as a primary applicant.
The Application Process
Applying for the 485 visa involves several steps. First, applicants need to gather all the required documents, including proof of identity, educational qualifications, and English language proficiency. It is essential to ensure that all documents are certified copies and are submitted according to the Department of Home Affairs’ requirements.
Next, applicants must lodge their visa application online through the Australian immigration portal. The application fee for the 485 visa varies depending on the stream, but generally, it is around AUD 1,730 for the primary applicant. Additional charges apply for dependents who wish to be included in the application.
After submitting the application, the processing time can vary. The average processing time for the Graduate Work Stream is around four to five months, while the Post-Study Work Stream may take three to four months. Applicants can track their application status online.
Work Rights and Benefits
One of the most attractive features of the 485 visa is the work rights it grants to international graduates. Visa holders can work full-time for any employer in Australia without restrictions. This flexibility allows graduates to gain valuable work experience and enhance their career prospects in the competitive Australian job market.
Additionally, 485 visa holders can study further if they wish to upskill or change their career path. This could include enrolling in short courses, vocational training, or further university studies.
Another significant benefit of the 485 visa is the pathway it creates towards permanent residency. Many international students use their time on the 485 visa to gain work experience, build their professional networks, and eventually apply for a skilled visa, such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or the Employer-Sponsored visa.
Family Members on the 485 Visa
The 485 visa also allows the inclusion of family members in the application. This means that the visa holder’s spouse, partner, and dependent children can accompany them to Australia. Family members included in the application have the same rights as the primary visa holder, including the ability to work and study.
It is important to note that family members must meet certain eligibility requirements, including health and character requirements, to be included in the visa application. If the family members are joining the visa holder after the primary applicant has already been granted the visa, they can apply for the 485 subsequent entrant visa.
Extending the Stay Beyond the 485 Visa
The 485 visa is a temporary visa, and its duration is not extendable. However, visa holders have several options if they wish to stay in Australia longer. One of the most common pathways is to apply for a skilled visa. The work experience gained during the 485 visa period can significantly enhance an applicant’s chances of being invited to apply for a skilled visa under Australia’s points-based immigration system.
Another option is to apply for employer sponsorship if the graduate finds an employer willing to sponsor them for a longer-term work visa. In addition, graduates may choose to pursue further studies, which could lead to eligibility for a different type of visa.
See also: Is It Easy To Get An Austria Visa
Conclusion
The 485 visa Australia is a valuable opportunity for international graduates who wish to live, work, and gain experience in the country after completing their studies. With its two streams – the Graduate Work Stream and the Post-Study Work Stream – the visa caters to a wide range of graduates, providing flexibility and a pathway to further opportunities in Australia.
This visa is not only a chance to gain professional experience but also a stepping stone towards permanent residency for many international students. By understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, and potential pathways beyond the 485 visa, graduates can make informed decisions about their future in Australia.
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