Through the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) Australian international students can make their stay longer while acquiring workplace experience and working toward their permanent residency (PR) status. The complete guide delivers complete information about the 485 visa by explaining its streams together with fees and lists all documents while describing permanent residency options. The information presented here will guide you through your 485 visa journey regardless of your current graduation status.
What is a 485 Visa?
The Temporary Graduate Visa or 485 visa serves the international student population that finished their studies in Australian educational institutions. Graduates may reside and work and study in Australia under the 485 visa which gives them the chance to build professional expertise leading to better opportunities for gaining permanent residency.
Key Features of the 485 Visa include:
- The visa allows visa holders to work indefinitely throughout their visa period.
- Students holding 485 visas have the right to continue their education in Australian institutions.
- The application allows family members including spouses and children to obtain inclusion as part of the process.
- The 485 Visa extent depends on stream criteria and professional qualifications with validity periods from 18 months up to four years.
Streams of 485 Visa
The 485 visa contains three specific streams that offer benefits to different groups of graduates:
1. Post-Study Work Stream
This category targets international students who achieved their higher education diploma at an Australian institute among their bachelor’s or master’s degrees or doctorate programs.
Duration: Two years to four years counting from the day of qualification completion.
Eligibility: The applicant needs to finish a CRICOS-registered educational course for eligibility.
2. Graduate Work Stream
Studying at educational institutions in Australia qualifies international graduates for this stream which requires their presence on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Duration: 18 months.
Eligibility: Requires a positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority.
3. Second Post-Study Work Stream
The second category is designed for graduates who spent their educational time studying at a regional Australian institution. The development stream enables suitable candidates to stay in Australia for one to two additional years after their initial eligibility commencement.
Duration: The program lasts one to two years based on the education location.
Eligibility: Requirement stipulates study and residence experience in particular specified areas.
485 Visa Checklist – Documents/Requirements
a) Personal Documents
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your stay
- Birth Certificate: Proof of identity and age.
- Passport-Sized Photos: Recent photos meeting Australian visa requirements.
b) Family Relationships Documents
- Marriage Certificate: A marriage certificate is needed for the spouse in the application.
- Proof of Dependent Relationships: For children or other dependents. If there are any dependents or children included, then certificates are needed as proof.
c) Health & Character Requirements
- Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check: Must be completed within the last 12 months.
- Health Examination: Medical checkup to ensure you meet health requirements.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Proof of adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay.
d) Proof of Study Requirements
- Completion Letter: Official letter from your educational institution confirming course completion.
- Transcripts: Evidence of at least 92 weeks of study in Australia.
e) Skills Assessment (for Graduate Work Stream)
- Positive Skills Assessment: From a relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
- Employment Evidence: Proof of employment in your nominated occupation (if required).
f) English Language Requirement
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0 (with no band below 5.0) or equivalent (e.g., PTE, TOEFL, OET).
- Exemptions: Applicants holding a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, NZ, or Ireland are exempt from English tests.
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)
Australian permanent residency applications typically use the 485 visa as their most popular method. The 485 visa program enables multinational firms to use three main visa options for their operations.
1. Skilled Migration (Subclass 189 & 190)
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): Points-based visa for skilled workers without employer sponsorship.
- A state or territorial endorsement from Australia stands essential for visa candidates who want to get their Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa.
2. Employer-Sponsored Visas
- Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa): For skilled workers with a job offer from an Australian employer.
- Through the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa under subclass 186 an Australian employer can support skilled workers to obtain permanent residency status.
3. Regional Visas (Subclass 491 & 494)
- Through Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa) prospective skilled workers can live and work in Australian regional areas.
- The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa under subclass 494 enables workers to get permanent residency after their employer in regional Australia supports their work sponsorship.
How to Improve Your PR Chances While on a 485 Visa
1. Gain Australian Work Experience
The Australian work experience holds exceptional value in PR applications specifically for skilled migration visas particularly those as Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) and Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa).
Tips to Gain Work Experience:
Recruitment through your area of expertise should focus on positions that match your professional skills.
Your career advancement will benefit from actively joining professional associations and networking events and connecting with potential employers offline and through LinkedIn.
You should do internships alongside volunteering because they will help develop work experience and provide references even when full-time employment seems distant.
Benefits:
- Skilled migration application scores higher due to this evidence.
- The assessment establishes your readiness to offer a valuable contribution to the Australian working community.
2. Improve Your English Language Proficiency
Strong English skills are essential for PR pathways, as they contribute to your points score and demonstrate your ability to integrate into Australian society.
Tips to Improve English:
- Take an English Test: Aim for a higher score in IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL (e.g., IELTS 7.0 or higher).
- Enroll in English Courses: Consider taking advanced English classes or workshops.
- Practice Daily: Engage in conversations, watch English media, and read extensively.
Benefits:
- Higher English test scores can significantly boost your points for skilled migration.
- Improves your employability and communication skills.
3. Study Further to Enhance Your Qualifications
Additional qualifications can improve your skills assessment and increase your points for PR.
Options for Further Study:
- Professional Certifications: Obtain certifications like NAATI (for translators) or trade certifications.
- Short Courses: Enroll in courses that enhance your skills in areas like project management, IT, or healthcare.
- Higher Education: Consider pursuing a master’s degree or postgraduate diploma in your field.
Benefits:
- Increases your points for skilled migration.
- Enhances your employability and career prospects.
4. Obtain a Positive Skills Assessment
To succeed in skilled migration routes candidates must receive a positive skills assessment from an official evaluating body.
Tips for a Successful Skills Assessment:
- To qualify for Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) immigration you must select an occupation from this list.
- Accumulate all necessary documents which should include transcripts together with proof of work experience as well as supplementary supporting documents.
- You should initiate the skills assessment procedure immediately to prevent any processing slowdowns.
Benefits:
- Essential for skilled migration visas like Subclass 189 and 190.
- Through assessment your qualifications together with experience become officially recognised by employers within Australia.
5. Explore State Nomination (Subclass 190 and 491)
Applying for state nomination provides significant PR benefits by increasing your score according to application requirements.
Steps to Secure State Nomination:
- Every state implements unique qualifications and professional fields for which migrants can seek approval.
- Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect to receive a state nomination after applying for it.
- State nomination programs require prospective applicants to both live in the designated region and work there for an established time.
485 Visa Application Fee Breakdown
Every applicant needs to comprehend all 485 visa fees before submitting their application. The following section presents an organized explanation of expenses which includes information about initial applicant fees and subsequent applicant fees with extra charges detailed. The Australia Department of Home Affairs provides the fees presented in October 2023.
485 Visa Fees for Different Streams
Detailed table with visa application fees for primary applicants, additional applicants, and family members.
Primary applicants need to pay different base application fees based on which stream of the 485 visas they submit their application.
Fees for Different Streams:
- Post-Study Work Stream: AUD $1,895.
- Graduate Work Stream: AUD $1,895.
- Second Post-Study Work Stream: AUD $1,895.
Visa applicants must provide AUD $1,895 which needs payment when they apply for their visa through the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
485 Subsequent Entrant Visa Fees
Those entering as subsequent applicants after their primary applicant must pay minimum fees totalling AUD $1,895 for themselves and the dependent applicants.
- Primary Subsequent Entrant: AUD $1,895.
- Dependent Applicant (18 years or older): AUD $950.
- Dependent Applicant (Under 18 years): AUD $475.
Secondary applicants need to fulfil all eligibility points which were required from the main visa candidate.
Additional Costs Involved in a 485 Visa Application
Beyond the visa application fee, there are several other costs to consider:
a) Health Insurance (OSHC)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for 485 visa holders. Costs vary depending on the provider and coverage duration but typically range from AUD 500 to 1,500 per year.
b) English Language Test Fees
IELTS: AUD $395.
PTE: AUD $385.
TOEFL: AUD 300–400.
c) Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check
Required for character assessment. Fee: AUD $42.
d) Medical Examination
Required if requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Fee: AUD 300–400.
e) Skills Assessment (for Graduate Work Stream)
Fees vary by assessing authority but typically range from AUD 300 – 1,500.
How to Pay the 485 Visa Fees?
The visa application fee can be paid online using the following methods:
- Credit/Debit Card: Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.
- PayPal: Linked to your bank account or card.
- BPAY: Available for Australian bank accounts.
Bank Transfer: For international payments.
Common Mistakes That Can Cost You More Money
- Incorrect Documents: Ensure all documents are accurate and up-to-date.
- Late Applications: Apply before your student visa expires to avoid additional costs.
Reapplying After Rejection: Double-check your application to avoid rejection and reapplication fees.
Common Reasons for 485 Visa Rejections & How to Avoid Them
Applying for a 485 visa can be challenging, and even small mistakes can lead to rejection. Below, we outline the most common reasons for visa refusals and provide tips to help you avoid them.
Common Mistakes
- Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation: Missing or inaccurate paperwork, such as a completion letter or passport details.
- Failure to Meet English Requirements: Not achieving the minimum IELTS score (6.0, no band below 5.0) or providing invalid test results.
- Incorrect Skills Assessment: For the Graduate Work Stream, submitting an outdated or invalid skills assessment.
- Health or Character Issues: Failing to provide an AFP check, medical examination, or valid OSHC.
- Late Application: Applying after your student visa expires or missing the six-month post-study deadline.
- Insufficient Proof of Study: Not providing evidence of 92 weeks of CRICOS-registered study in Australia.
- Financial Insufficiency: Failing to demonstrate the ability to support yourself and dependents.
- Reapplying Without Addressing Issues: Submitting a new application without fixing previous errors.
Tips to Avoid Rejection
- Double-Check Documents: Ensure all paperwork is complete, accurate, and certified.
- Prepare for English Tests: Aim for a score higher than the minimum requirement.
- Verify Skills Assessment: Ensure it’s valid and matches your occupation on the MLTSSL.
- Meet Health and Character Requirements: Schedule medical checks and AFP checks early.
- Apply on Time: Submit your application within six months of completing your studies and before your student visa expires.
- Provide Proof of Study: Ensure your course is CRICOS-registered. Submit transcripts and a completion letter showing 92 weeks of study.
- Show Financial Stability: Provide bank statements or a job offer as proof of funds.
- Seek Professional Help: Consult a migration agent to address issues and strengthen your application.
By avoiding these common mistakes and following the tips above, you can significantly improve your chances of a successful 485 visa application.
Choose Grace International for Your 485 Visa Application
Grace International specializes in helping international students with 485 visa applications, PR pathways, and documentation. Our team of experts ensures a seamless and stress-free process, guiding you every step of the way.
Feel free to reach out to us for a proper consultation and to know more in-depth information about your 485 Visa application.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Do I need to pay the full 485 visa fee upfront?
The complete fee for the 485 visa should be paid at application time. The application fees must be paid during your visa enrollment process.
2. Can I work full-time on a 485 visa while waiting for PR?
The visa provides complete authority to work in any capacity.
3. What happens if my 485 visa expires before I get PR?
You should consider other visa options or you may reapply according to your eligibility requirements.
4. Do I need a skills assessment for all 485 visa streams?
Skill assessment is needed only for the Graduate Work Stream.
5. What are my options if my 485 visa application is refused?
If your visa application is refused you can appeal with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) if you believe the refusal was incorrect. Apply as a dependent if a family member holds a valid 485 visa. Fix the issues (e.g., missing documents, incorrect information) and submit a new application. Alternatively, you can consult a migration agent for tailored advice. Always address the refusal reasons and act before your current visa expires.
6. Can I apply for PR immediately after getting a 485 visa?
Applicants can apply for Permanent Residency with this visa if they fulfill all requirements.
7. What happens if I don’t get a job while on a 485 visa?
Candidates should concentrate on building experience alongside additional educational pursuits to enhance their opportunities for PR.
8. Can I extend my 485 visa if I don’t qualify for PR yet?
Only through the Second Post-Study Work Stream if eligible.
