Australia (AU) is famous among the student community for offering top-notch education, numerous career opportunities, a safe environment, student-friendly visa policies and more. Did you know that with a Temporary Graduate visa in Australia, you can live, study and work after completing your education? So, here’s everything related to a Temporary Graduate subclass 485 visa in Australia you must know.

Key Highlights:

• What is an Australian Temporary Graduate visa?
• Why do students opt for a Temporary Graduate subclass 485 visa in Australia?
• How to apply for a Temporary Graduate subclass AU 485 visa?
• What is the Post-Study Work stream?
• Graduate visa in AU (Temporary Graduate visa): New developments
• Post-study Work visa in Australia - New developments and eligibility

What is an Australian Temporary Graduate visa?

An Australian visa subclass 485 is a post-graduate visa that is specifically designed for international students who transition from academics to professional careers in Australia. However, your course should align with specific jobs that are in demand in Australia. So, post-completion of your higher education, an Australian graduate visa will let you stay back to pursue further education or work. This Temporary Graduate visa will allow you to stay for up to 18 months post-completion of studies.
Also Read: Student Visa for Australia: A Brief Guide Part I

Why do students opt for a Temporary Graduate subclass 485 visa in Australia?

When international students study in Australia, they also aspire to launch their careers. This experience develops a global outlook, expands their horizons, gives them a competitive advantage, and teaches them a great deal about new cultures. Their stint with Australian companies opens new pathways to build a lucrative career.

How to apply for a Temporary Graduate subclass AU 485 visa?

• You can visit Australia’s official immigration and citizenship website to apply online.
• Upload all the relevant documents.
• If you are selected, you will receive a notification.
• When selected, the officials will share the visa grant number, visa start date and visa conditions.

What is the Post-Study Work stream?

This graduate visa allows you to stay for 2-4 years, regardless of your field of study. You will be able to apply if you have received your first Student visa based on an application made on or after 5th November 2011 and if you have held a Student visa for the last 6 months.
Also Read: PSW Visa: The US, the UK, Canada, Australia and Ireland

Graduate visa in AU (Temporary Graduate visa): New developments

The Temporary Graduate subclass 485 visa will now be known as the Post-vocational Education Work stream. Students with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification will be eligible for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. These changes will take effect from 1st July 2024.

• Eligibility for subclass 485 visa - now known as Post-vocational Education Work stream

• As per the new development of the Graduate visa in AU, your age should be 35 or below when you apply. However, if you are above 35 and cannot apply for this visa, you will be allowed to apply for other visas depending on the purpose of your stay.
• There is no change to the duration of stay, which is up to 18 months, for this subclass 485 Graduate visa.
• Your chosen field of study/occupation should appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) to apply for this Graduate 485 subclass visa, which will now be known as the Post-vocational Education Work stream.
• If you have completed a degree-level qualification or higher, you will not be eligible for this visa. Instead, you can apply for Post-Higher Education Work stream.

Also Read: Level 1 universities in Australia for achieving academic excellence

Post-study Work visa in Australia - New developments and eligibility

• The Post-Study Work stream will be called the Post-Higher Education Work stream. Students who are 35 or below can apply under this stream. If they are above 35, they can explore other options depending on the reason to stay in Australia. 
• The duration of stay will remain the same, which is up to 2 years after completing a bachelor’s (including honours), up to 3 years after bachelor’s with first-class in STEM, up to 3 years after master’s (coursework, extended, and research) and up to 4 years after PhD. 
• You cannot apply for an extension of 2 years if you have completed your education in certain select degrees. The full list of these “select degrees” is available on the official Australian immigration website

Important Note: There can be some more upcoming changes and updates, so we advise our student community to stay updated by visiting Australia’s official immigration website.

If you are planning to study abroad but financial worries are creating a roadblock, you can opt for a loan for abroad study program. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer an education loan with several benefits, such as 100% finance and quick loan sanctions. If you have any queries, please contact us. We will be glad to assist you.