Australian Skilled Visa Subclasses Explained
Permanent / Provisional
Subclass 485 — Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Overview
This visa allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution to live, study and work in Australia temporarily. There are two streams: the Graduate Work stream (for graduates with skills in an occupation on the skilled occupation list) and the Post-Study Work stream (for graduates of Australian bachelor's degrees or higher).
Eligibility Criteria
- Have studied in Australia for at least 2 years leading to the qualifying qualification
- Hold a recent qualification from an Australian institution
- Graduate Work stream: Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list with a positive skills assessment
- Post-Study Work stream: Hold an Australian bachelor's degree, masters or doctorate (no skills assessment required)
- Be under 50 years of age
- Have at least competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each component, or equivalent)
- Apply within 6 months of receiving your final results
- Hold or have held a student visa (subclass 500 or similar) when last in Australia
Application Process
1
Complete an eligible Australian qualification (degree, diploma, etc.)
2
Apply within 6 months of completing your qualification
3
Obtain a skills assessment (Graduate Work stream only)
4
Lodge your application with supporting documents
5
Undergo health and character checks
6
Receive the 485 visa and start building work experience
7