🌏 Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) - Detailed Guide for International Students

📝 Overview:

This visa provides a pathway for international students to extend their stay in Australia for work, study, or travel after completing their studies. It's a critical step for those seeking Australian work experience or planning a longer-term stay in the country. 

🎯 Basic Eligibility:

  • 🔞 Age: Must be under 50 years old, accommodating a wide range of students and recent graduates.
  • 🎓 Education: Requires a recent qualification from a course registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). This ensures the course meets Australian standards.
  • 📑 Visa History: Must have held a student visa in the last 6 months, indicating recent study in Australia.
  • 🚀 Stream Selection: Choose one of the four available streams, based on your qualifications and goals. This choice is final once the application is submitted.
  • 📄 Documentation: Includes evidence of qualifications, English language proficiency, health insurance, and character certificates.

🌟 Visa Streams Explained:

1️⃣ Graduate Work Stream

  • 🎯 Purpose: Tailored for graduates whose skills and qualifications are on the Australian skilled occupation list, addressing Australia's workforce needs.
  • ⏳ Duration: Valid for up to 18 months, with exceptions for certain passport holders.
  • 💰 Cost: The application fee starts from AUD 1,895.
  • 🛠️ Work Rights & 🏠 Family: Allows full work rights and the inclusion of immediate family members in the application.
  • ⏱️ Processing Time: Varies; check the latest processing times on the official website.

 

2️⃣ Post-Study Work Stream

  • 🎯 Purpose: For students who have obtained an Australian degree, offering a pathway to gain work experience in their field of study.
  • ⏳ Duration: Ranges from 2 to 4 years, depending on the level of Australian qualification.
  • 💰 Cost: Application fee starts from AUD 1,895.
  • 🛠️ Work Rights & 🏠 Family: Full work rights and family inclusion.
  • ⏱️ Processing Time: Varies; consult the official website for current times.

 

3️⃣ Second Post-Study Work Stream

  • 🎯 Purpose: For graduates who studied in regional Australia, promoting development in these areas.
  • ⏳ Duration: 1 to 4 years, influenced by the location of the educational institution and where you lived in Australia.
  • 💰 Cost: Starting from AUD 745.
  • 🛠️ Work Rights & 🏠 Family: Full work rights and family inclusion.
  • ⏱️ Processing Time: Check the official website for current processing times.

 

4️⃣ Replacement Stream

  • 🎯 Purpose: Specifically for those who lost visa time due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
  • ⏳ Duration: Matches the original visa duration, with certain exceptions for select degrees and passport holders.
  • 💰 Cost: Starts from AUD 1,895.
  • 🛠️ Work Rights & 🏠 Family: Includes work rights and allows adding new dependents.
  • ⏱️ Processing Time: Varies; refer to the official guide.

  

🚀 Key Points:

  • 🕒 Apply Early: Advisable to start the application process before graduation to avoid gaps in stay.
  • 🔍 Check Lists: For the Graduate Work Stream, ensure your skills are listed in Australia's skilled occupation list.
  • 🏥 Health Insurance: Required to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or similar health insurance.
  • 🔗 Stay Updated: Always refer to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for the most current information and detailed requirements.