Are you an international student looking to extend your stay in Australia after completing your studies?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) offers a unique opportunity to live, work, and study in Australia after completing an eligible qualification. However, with recent changes implemented by the Australian government in December 2023, understanding the visa’s new requirements and benefits is crucial. This blog will guide you through everything you should know about the Temporary Graduate Visa Australia. It includes updates, eligibility criteria, the application process, and what the visa entails.

Introduction to the Temporary Graduate Visa

The Temporary Graduate Visa Australia (subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution. This visa allows you to gain valuable work experience in Australia, providing a solid foundation for your career. The visa gives you the flexibility to live and work in Australia temporarily, with the potential to transition to permanent residency.

What the Visa Entails

With the Temporary Graduate Visa, you can stay in Australia for varying lengths depending on your qualifications and the stream you apply for. Moreover, the visa offers the flexibility to work, travel, or pursue further education, allowing you to explore various employment opportunities in Australia. The specific duration and conditions are as follows:

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream:

• Stay Duration: Up to 18 months.
• Eligibility: One must have a qualification listed on the skilled occupation list that relates to your chosen profession with positive skill assessment. In fact, only those with an associate, diploma or a trade certification are eligible for selection in this category.
• Cost: From AUD 1,945.00
• Processing Time: In general, use the visa processing time guide tool for an estimate.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream:

• Stay Duration: Generally, it would be 2 to 3 years, depending on your qualifications. Those holding British National Overseas and Hong Kong passports can stay for five years.
• Eligibility: Requires a recent degree from an Australian study requirement-compliant program, that has also been CRICOS-registered and has a degree-level qualification or higher.
• Cost: From AUD 1,945.00
• Processing Time: Use the visa processing time guide tool for an estimate.

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream:

• Stay Duration: This could be between 1 to 2 years depending on where you lived as a Temporary Graduate visa holder and the regional location of your educational institution.
• Eligibility: Temporary Graduates who have graduated from a regional Australian institution, holding a Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement visa.
• Cost: From AUD 765.00
• Processing Time: Use the visa processing time guide tool for an estimate.

Eligibility Criteria for the Temporary Graduate Visa

To be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa subclass 485, you must meet specific requirements, including:

1. You must be 35 years or under at the time of application.
2. You have to be in Australia when applying.
3. You must meet the study requirements in Australia.
4. You need to meet the required English language proficiency standards.
5. You must have completed an eligible qualification from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution.
6. You must have held a Student visa in the last 6 months and completed your qualification within that period.
7. You have to fulfill each stream’s particular criteria. (Graduate or Post Graduate)
8. You must meet the health and character criteria set by the Australian government.

Key Changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa

The Australian government introduced several changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa in December 2023, impacting current and future applicants:

1. Increased English Language Requirements: Applicants must now meet higher English proficiency standards. This could include achieving higher scores in recognized English language tests such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
2. Renaming of Existing Streams: The visa’s streams have been renamed to better reflect the visa’s purpose and scope. Additionally, the Replacement stream has been ceased, making the application process more streamlined.
3. Shortening of Post-Study Work Rights: In this case, Post-study work rights have been shortened, meaning graduates will have less time to stay in Australia after completing their studies.
4. Reduction of Eligible Age: The maximum eligible age for applying for this visa has been reduced to 35 years, impacting older graduates considering this option.
5. Restrictions on Visa Transfers: There are now stricter rules regarding transferring from one visa to another, limiting the pathways for those on a Temporary Graduate Visa to move to other visa types.

Process to Apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa

Applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) involves several steps:

1. Gather Necessary Documents: Before applying, ensure you have all the required documents, including your passport, academic transcripts, English language test results, health insurance details etc.
2. Submit Your Application Online: The application for the Temporary Graduate Visa is submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs website. You will need to create an account on the ImmiAccount portal to start your application.
3. Pay the Visa Application Fee: The visa application fee must be paid when you submit your application. Make sure you have a valid payment method ready.
4. Attend a Health Examination: Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to undergo a health examination. Being that, this is done promptly to avoid delays in your application process.
5. Await Visa Decision: Meanwhile, after submitting your application and completing any additional steps, you will need to wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process your visa. Further, this can take 7 to 14 months, so applying well in advance is advisable.

Conclusion

The Temporary Graduate Visa Australia (subclass 485) remains a valuable option for international graduates seeking to live, work, and study in Australia. Also, the changes introduced in December 2023 mean that it’s more important than ever to stay informed and prepared.

Hence,to ensure you’re on the right track and for personalized guidance, consult the expert education consultants at Saga Studies. They are one of the best study abroad consultants in Amritsar because they can guide you through the process of studying and staying in Australia, helping you make the most of your opportunities.