Are you an international student in Australia who has recently graduated? Then you must be thinking about the possibilities of the future. One of the best options for you is the Subclass 485 Visa. But what is it? How is this your best choice? This visa works like a pass for graduates in Australia who want to stay here for a little while after completing their studies. This visa allows you to work, gain experience, and enjoy your life in Australia, which you might have missed during your studies.

But one thing you must keep in mind is that this visa is not granted to anyone or everyone. Specific criteria must be met to get the visa. Now you must be curious to know, "Do I qualify?" or "What do I need to do to get this visa?" This article has all the answers you need to know about the Subclass 485 visa and how it can help you grow and succeed after graduation.

Let's start with understanding, "what is a Subclass 485 visa?"

What is a Subclass 485 Visa?

A Subclass 485 visa, also known as a Temporary Graduate visa, is granted to international students after graduation. This visa allows students to stay in Australia after completing their studies at a CRICOS-registered university. You can also get a visa for your family, including your partner, child or partner's child. The visa will be granted only if they meet specific health and character requirements. Moreover, You can work in any sector without time restrictions.

Now that you understand subclass 485, let's examine its eligibility criteria.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Subclass 485 Visa?

Before applying for subclass 485, it is essential to know the eligibility criteria to ensure it is the right choice. For this visa, you must:

Be 35 or below 35 years old when you apply for a visa.
Have an eligible visa.
Have a valid student visa in the previous six months.
I have recently qualified for a CRICOS-registered course.
Apply for your eligible stream. You cannot change your stream once you have applied for the visa.

Attach the required documents with your application.

To get the correct visa, it is essential to understand the difference between streams of this visa.

What are the main Streams of Subclass 485 Visa?

There are three significant streams of subclass 485 visas. Let's look into the details of all of them individually for better understanding.

Post-Vocational Education Workstream

This visa stream is for students who have recently graduated in an occupation that is in demand in Australia.

Eligibility

The Eligibility criteria for post-vocational education workstream are:

You must be less than 35 years of age when you apply.
British National and Hong Kong Overseas passport holders must be aged less than 50 years when they apply for this visa stream.
If you are nominated, you must hold a relevant qualification according to the skilled occupation list.
You must meet the Australian study requirement with an associate degree, trade qualification, or diploma.

Stay Duration

Post-Vocational Education Workstream holders can stay in Australia for up to 18 months.
In the case of Hong Kong and British National Overseas, passport holders may stay for five years.

Post-Higher Education Workstream

International students who have just received their degree from an Australian education provider are eligible for this immigration stream.

Eligibility

When you apply, you have to be 35 years of age or younger.
You must be under 50 years old at the time of application if you are applying with a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport.
A recent degree in a course registered with CRICOS is required.
You must have a degree-level qualification or above to satisfy the Australian study requirements.

Stay Duration

You can stay between 2 and 3 years, depending on your qualifications.
British National or Hong Kong Overseas passport holders may stay for five years.
Indian nationals have the following stay periods as agreed in the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement:
Bachelor's degree (including honours) up to 2 years
Bachelor's degree (with first-class honours in STEM, including ICT) up to 3 years

Masters (coursework, extended and research) up to 3 years
Doctoral degrees (PhD) – up to 4 years.

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

Temporary Graduates with a degree from an Australian university situated in a regional area who hold a Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement visa are eligible for this visa stream.

Eligibility

When you apply, you have to be 35 years of age or younger.
You must be under 50 years old when applying with a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport or utilising a Master's (research) or Doctoral Degree to fulfil the Australian study requirement.

Stay Duration

You can stay between 1 and 2 years depending on;
the regional location of the education provider that you graduated from that led to the grant of your first Temporary Graduate visa.
The regional area you live in as the holder of your Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work or Replacement stream.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Subclass 485 Visa offers a fantastic opportunity for international graduates in Australia to extend their stay and gain valuable work experience. If you meet the age, education, and visa requirements, this could be your gateway to a brighter future in Australia. Remember, the key to a successful application is understanding the eligibility criteria and preparing your documents carefully.

If you're ready to take the next step and apply for your Subclass 485 Visa or have any questions about the process, don't hesitate to contact The Migration Australia. Our team of experts is here to guide you through every step of the way, ensuring that your journey after graduation is as smooth and successful as possible.

What Is Subclass 485 Visa and Who Is Eligible to Apply?