
Overview of Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485
The Subclass 485 Visa includes two separate streams that fulfil the different needs of international graduates while working in Australia. Most importantly this visa subclass works as an extension, which is available to international students, holding either of the streams. The main aim of this visa is to support Australia-based work experience acquisition by international graduates who need professional development to build their careers. The duration of stay in Australia, under this visa depends on both the qualifications and the stream chosen by the graduates.
International students with eligible occupations within Australia can use this visa to move closer to obtaining permanent residence permission through skilled immigration. The visa enables qualified graduates to spend time in Australia, where they can strengthen their professional relationships enhance their skills, and improve their opportunities for future visa applications.
485 Visa Requirements (Eligibility)
There are two categories of 485 visas. In this section, you will know all the details about the same.
Eligibility for Graduate Work Stream (485 Visa) (Post-Vocational Education Work stream)
In this section, you will know the eligibility criteria that have to be met before applying for this visa classification:
Qualification Requirements
Those who wish to apply for visa 485 must have recently received their degree in Australia from a program directly relevant to a SOL-listed occupation. The SOL contains jobs that Australia requires and qualifies for skilled migration registration.
Application Timing
The visa application period starts immediately after you earn your eligible qualification and ends six months from that date. The application period lasts six months after completing your eligible qualification, thus it is essential to submit your application within this period, as late submissions are not considered.
Age Requirement
The visa is available to candidates below 35 years of age, who apply during the eligibility period. The established age restriction makes the visa accessible to people who wish to launch their professional life early, so they can actively participate in the Australian labour marketplace.
English Proficiency
Proving your level of proficiency in English language skills is a mandatory requirement. IELTS, PTE or TOEFL are approved standardised tests for demonstrating English language proficiency.
Health and Character
Every application needs to fulfil the health and character standards set by Australia. Health checks and police clearance applications from previous home locations, where you lived, over a specified period are requirements.
Visa Duration
The Graduate Work Stream permits international students to remain in Australia for a duration of 18 months, however, the eligibility period differs according to their acquired qualifications.
Eligibility for Post-Study Work Stream (485 Visa) (Post-Higher Education Work stream)
The applicants must meet the following criteria:
Qualification Requirements
This stream is open to international students who have a completed higher education qualification (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral qualification) from an Australian educational institution. As opposed to the Graduate Work Stream, the qualification must not be specifically connected to a skilled occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List.
Application Timing
You need to apply for the visa during the period following your higher education degree completion, which does not exceed six months. The application period has strict regulations so no requests after the designated period will receive approval.
Health and Character
The Health and Character requirements apply to the Graduate Work stream in the same way. Police checks together with medical examinations are required from countries where applicants spent more than a year during the last five years.
Visa Duration
The length of stay granted under the Post-Study Work Stream depends on the level of your qualification:
- Bachelor’s degree graduates: Generally granted a visa for 2 years.
- Master’s degree graduates: Typically granted a visa for 3 years.
- Doctoral degree graduates: Usually granted a visa for 4 years.
Temporary Graduate Visa Application Fees
Three kinds of visas fall under 485. These vary by the education level. In the table below, you will find the fees that the Australian embassy charges to apply for these categories.
Visa Category (Stream Wise) Application Fee (AUD)
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream 2,235
- Post-Higher Education Work stream 2,235
- Second Post-Higher Education Work stream 880
Application Process
The application process becomes quite simple when you trust the right platform. In this section, you will know how about the right visa experts, who can help in navigating the process with greater ease.
Choose Trusted Experts from the Market
The market of specialists providing expert advice for any kind of visa is huge. So, students willing to move to Australia, on a temporary graduate visa must opt for a trusted platform such as Nexus Immigration, after researching the mammoth market. With rising technology and digitalisation, you can contact the experts with a few clicks.
Provide Right Details
The next crucial step is to give your details to the designated counsellor. This will help them to file your request further, with the Australian government. The professionals assist at every step, to ensure accuracy and fast results.
Gather Documents
Your documents play an important role in your visa processing. If any of the legal papers (documents) are missing or contain false information, your visa will face rejection for sure. The overseas experts will verify all your documents so that the rejection rate stands at nil.
Pay Fee
While finalising the expert and the platform, they will quote you a fee including various charges. The platform with a high success rate will keep all the prices open. Hence, there will be no hidden charges. So, the applicants must pay the fees well in advance to avoid any delays or rejections at a later stage.
Ease into Comfort
Once you pay the fees, leave everything to the designated expert. The team will handle the further process. This will include applying for the visa, tracking the process and keeping you updated. The trusted platform will provide you with continuous updates.
Subclass 485 Visa Processing Time
The processing duration for the Subclass 485 Visa depends on both the stream you select and the completeness of your application. Most Subclasses of 485 Visa applications are processed by the Department of Home Affairs in a period spanning 4 to 6 months. Your Subclass 485 Visa processing time extends, when further documents get requested or when health checks and character background checks encounter delays. The processing time will be shorter if you provide an error-free visa application that meets every requirement of the visa.
Rights and Benefits
There are several rights and benefits that the 485-visa holder can enjoy. In this section, you will know what rights can be exercised by the holders.
Work Rights
The holders of the Subclass 485 Visa possess unrestricted access to full-time work options throughout Australia. The visa allows you to take any job available, at every job level, and work from any workplace in Australia. One main advantage of this visa is it permits unrestricted employment which enables graduates to build their skills under Australian working conditions and earn money to support themselves. Free full-time work authorisation through the Subclass 485 Visa enables students to pursue their career goals as well as seek permanent residency in Australia.
Family Inclusion
Under the Subclass 485 Visa provisions visa holders may apply to bring their spouse along with their other dependents. Your dear ones will be able to join you in Australia under this visa application. Your spouse or partner together with your child dependents will receive precisely the same authorisation that you have, to work as well as study giving them freedom to prosper alongside you in Australia. The application process that allows your family members to come with you integrates well with preserving family unity throughout your Australian living and professional experiences.
Health Coverage
Some Visa 485 holders qualify for Medicare access to public healthcare services under specific circumstances. The eligibility rules for Medicare depend on the existing agreements which Australia maintains with your original country of citizenship. If you do not qualify, you will require private health insurance during your stay, since Medicare may not extend coverage to every 485 Visa holders. Applicant needs to verify his country’s health agreement status with Australia before determining Medicare qualification since this impacts whether they must have private insurance.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Unlimited stay in Australia can begin through a Subclass 485 Visa. The SOL contains a list of occupations where work experience can lead to subclass 189 and subclass 186 skilled migration visas for permanent residency. Through the 485 Visa, you will obtain a transitional period which lets you enhance your permanent residency application while working in Australia and fulfilling the requirements for skilled migration.
485 Visa Checklist
There are certain documents that students must obtain before applying for a visa. These are as follows:
- Valid Passport
- Scorecard of Required English Proficiency Exam (IELTS, TOEFL or PTE)
- Health Insurance
- Character Certificate
- Birth Certificate
- Passport-size photo
Why Choose Nexus Immigration Services?
Seeking professional guidance during the Subclass 485 Visa application produces a successful application experience. Our team at Nexus Immigration provides complete assistance to applicants ensuring an efficient and successful visa application result. Our services guarantee a Subclass 485 Visa application success due to the key factors detailed below.
Expert Knowledge and Experience
Our immigration law specialists have in-depth knowledge of Australian regulations when handling Subclass 485 Visa applications. We maintain active knowledge regarding visa requirements and the most recent regulations since we have mastered Australian immigration law. Having experienced professionals in Australian immigration law, managing your application with competence, ensures higher approval chances.
Personalised Consultation and Guidance
Every candidate has different personal circumstances that we understand. Our careful & specialised assessment of your needs continues from the outset until the completion of your application regardless of the stream you choose (Vocational Work Stream or Post-Study Work Stream). We give tailored support, which helps applicants fulfill all the required documentation while selecting their stream and ensuring their application matches all the necessary requirements.
Efficient and Streamlined Process
Our team handles the visa application complexities through a simplified approach, that guides each task efficiently. We take responsibility for all the documentation tasks while guaranteeing deadline compliance and checking document correctness in submission. Our highly efficient system enables you to concentrate on your prospects while we manage all the required tasks.
Increased Chances of Approval
The immigration experts at our company thoroughly examine your materials to meet all conditions and avoid any oversight. Our assistance team examines your application in detail which minimises the scope of mistakes and strengthens the probability of getting approved. Our team will work diligently, to show your case most favourably, so that your chances of succeeding increase.
Comprehensive Support for All Stages of the Process
Whether you are just starting your application, seeking advice regarding eligibility or need assistance after you’ve got your visa, we are here to guide you every step of the way. We offer ongoing advice, assisting you in making informed choices that align with your future prospects and career objectives in Australia.
Transparent and Affordable Pricing
At our immigration facility, we present our customers with straightforward pricing details that exclude all additional fees. The systems we provide you with operate within your cost parameters and deliver the first-class support you need within your financial constraints. From the beginning, you will see all expenses because pricing remains open and clear during every stage.