The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is a work visa available to international students who have completed at least two years of study in Australia. This visa serves as a bridge for these students, allowing them to remain in Australia for a period ranging from 18 months to 4 years, depending on individual circumstances. It’s particularly useful for those aiming to boost their qualifications for permanent or provisional skilled visas.

Key points about the Subclass 485 Visa include

1. The applicant must be in Australia at the time of application.
2. Eligibility requires holding a valid student visa within the six months preceding the application.

Recent updates and changes to the 485 Visa encompass

• A revised list of occupations and qualifications that now qualify for extended post-study work rights.
• Additional work rights for specific occupations and qualifications.
• An extra 1 to 2-year visa extension for international graduates from regional academic institutions.
• Inclusion of secondary applicants in the 485 Visa program.
• Updates on processing times for the 485 Visa.

The 485 Visa is divided into several streams

• 485 Graduate Work Stream: For international students with skills and qualifications relevant to specific occupations in Australia.
• 485 Post-Study Work Stream: Designed for students who graduated from Australian institutions.
• 485 Second Post-Study Work Stream (Extension): For those seeking an extension of their stay under certain conditions.
• 485 Visa Replacement Stream: Aimed at those who need to replace a previous 485 visa under specific circumstances.

25 November 2023 update and 485 visas

Effective from 25 November 2023, there have been significant updates to the Subclass 485 visa and online study requirements, reflecting a shift to pre-pandemic norms. These changes include:

1. Reversion to Pre-COVID Online Study Requirements: The guidelines for online studies have reverted to the standards that were in place before COVID-19. However, any online courses completed between 1 February 2020 and 25 November 2023 will still be recognized for the Australian Study Requirement (ASR).
2. Return to In-Person Study: In line with the directives issued by TEQSA, the tertiary education regulator, all students were mandated to resume in-person studies by July 2023. This transition aims to standardize the education system without disadvantaging students, marking a conclusive end to the previous government’s announcement in November 2021.
3. Flexibility in Visa Granting Location: Starting from 25 November 2023, applicants for the Subclass 485 visa can be granted the visa regardless of their physical location at the time of the visa grant. This change introduces greater flexibility for international students and graduates, accommodating various circumstances.

485 Visa to PR

Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa Streams	Post-Study Work Stream (PSWS)	Graduate Work Stream (GWS)
Eligibility	– For international graduates with a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an Australian institution.	– For international graduates with a Diploma or higher, with skills relevant to specific occupations in demand in Australia.
Purpose	– Allows living, working, and studying in Australia temporarily.	– Permits temporary residence in Australia for work, study, and living.
Common Criteria
Age	– Applicants must be under 50 years old.	– Applicants must be under 50 years old.
English Proficiency	– Proof of English language ability required, through certain passports or English tests.	– English language proficiency evidenced through specific passports or test scores.
Australian Study Requirement	– Completion of 2 years of study in Australia.	– 2-year study requirement in Australia must be met.
Points Test	– Not points-tested.	– Not points-tested.
Including Family Members	– Spouses, partners, and dependent children can be included.	– Includes spouses, partners, and dependent children.
Visa Duration & Conditions
Duration	– Varies based on qualification and study location: 2 to 4 years.	– Typically valid for 18 months from the date of grant.
Work Rights	– Unrestricted work rights in Australia.	– Unrestricted work rights in Australia.
Health Insurance	– Required to maintain private health insurance.	– Mandatory private health insurance.
English Requirements
Passport Holders	– UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, New Zealand.	– UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, New Zealand.
IELTS	– Average 6, minimum 5 in each band.	– Average 6, minimum 5 in each band.
OET	– B Pass in each band.	– B Pass in each band.
PTE Academic	– Average 50, minimum 36 in each band.	– Average 50, minimum 36 in each band.
TOEFL iBT	– Total 64, minimum scores in each section.	– Total 64, minimum scores in each section.
Cambridge (CAE)	– Average 169, minimum 154 in each band.	– Average 169, minimum 154 in each band.
Additional Notes
Skills Assessment	– Certain authorities may require additional English testing.	– Additional English testing may be required by some assessment authorities.
OET Scores	– No change in required scores.	– Required scores remain unchanged.
Recognised Graduate Subclass 476 Visa	– Similar English requirements.	– Similar English requirements.

 

Fee Category	Amount (AUD)
Application Fee	$1,895
Additional Applicant Charge (18 years and over)	$950
Additional Applicant Charge (Under 18 years)	$475

 

VisaEnvoy’s standard fees for the 485 visa, which may vary for complex cases, are as follows:

1. 485 Visa (Post Study Work Stream): Starts at $900 + GST, with an added $400 for each dependent.
2. 485 Visa (Graduate Work Stream): This includes skills assessment and starts at $1400 + GST, with an additional $400 for each dependent.
3. 485 Subsequent Entrant: VisaEnvoy’s fee is $1,600 plus $150 GST, and the Visa Application Charge is $1,895.
4. Complimentary Service: We offer a free migration pathway consultation, valued at $150, for our 485 visa clients.

Starting from 1 July 2022, 485 visa applicants no longer need to get a skills assessment from the relevant authority. They can apply directly to the Department of Home Affairs for the visa. Due to this, many skills assessing authorities stopped accepting new applications from 10 June 2022.

 

Changes to the 485 Graduate Work Stream Visa

• The Department of Home Affairs has temporarily lifted the requirement for Subclass 485 visa applicants in the Graduate Work Stream to choose a skilled occupation and obtain a skills assessment. This applies to applications made from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.
• This update aligns the Graduate Work Stream with the Post Study Work Stream.
• These changes allow a wider range of graduates with degrees, diplomas, and trade qualifications that meet the Australian study requirement, but whose occupations are not on the current eligible list, to live and work temporarily in Australia.