485 Visa for Australia Guide and Tips

The Subclass 485 Visa in Australia is also called the Temporary Graduate Visa. As the name suggests, it is a visa granted to international students graduating from Australian study institutions for a temporary duration.

Under the Australian 485 Visa, the eligible graduates who have been granted the permit are authorised to live in the country and study further or work for a specified temporary period. The visa is designed to enable graduates to gain valuable practical work experience in Australia in their specific study domain after they have completed their intended study duration in the country.

Some of the key benefits of a 485 Visa are:

• Improved career opportunities

• A wider professional network

• Ability to work full-time in any profession of your choice 

• Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

Some of the key criteria defining 485 visa eligibility for international students include the recent completion of a study program registered with CRICOS, a valid study visa in the recent past, and being under 35 years of age. Though the specific eligibility requirements are likely to vary from one applicant to another, here are some commonly accepted criteria of eligibility for a 485 visa:

• The applicant must have recently held a valid student visa for Australia.

• They must have obtained a relevant qualification from an Australian institution in a CRICOS-registered program.

• All candidates must attach all required documents at the time of application as proof or evidence.

• The age must be at least 35 years or lower at the time of application (with some valid exceptions).

• The student visa must not be older than 6 months.

• The visa 485 eligibility applies to students applying for the stream that they are eligible for (changing streams after application is not permitted). 

_{Related Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485}

The primary steps in applying for a 485 visa are to meet the defined eligibility criteria, gather and submit the required documents, and complete the Skills Assessment (as applicable).

Given below is the complete step-by-step process on how to apply for a 485 visa in Australia:

• Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria: These include age, suitable qualification, proficiency in English, and a valid student visa.

• Submit the required documents: This is a crucial part of the application process, which requires all applicants to gather all the necessary documents, including ID proof, passport, academic certificates, proof of English proficiency score, evidence of an Australian Federal Police check, and health insurance.

• Complete the Skills Assessment (if required): Some streams may require completing a Skills Assessment for the chosen profession. If applicable, you may have to complete one.

• Create an ImmiAccount: To submit the visa application online, you would need to create an ImmiAccount on the official portal of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Once you are registered, submit your application and keep track of its status by regularly monitoring it online.

What Documents are Needed to Apply for the 485 Visa?

Some of the key documents needed for a 485 visa include proof of English proficiency, a valid passport, documents of identity, and details of health insurance, among others. The complete list of documents is shared below for your reference:

• Proof of identity, such as a national identity card or birth certificate

• Skills assessment report for the relevant streams of visa, showcasing alignment of your qualifications with the profession mentioned on the list of skilled occupations

• Test score from a recognised and globally accepted English proficiency test, such as IELTS

• All documents pertaining to your current or earlier Australian visas

• A valid passport

• Official academic transcripts and proof of completion of the program from a recognised institution in Australia

• Proof of sufficient health insurance

• Proof of an Australian Federal Police check

• Proof of residence

Fees to Apply for the 485 Visa for Australia

The exact cost of a 485 visa varies according to the stream chosen. The fees start from AUD 2,300, and the total cost of the visa depends on the number of applicants included in the visa application, such as spouses or dependent children (under 18 years of age).

• Post-Higher Education Work Stream: The visa applies to international graduates from a recognised institution in Australia. It allows them to live, study, and work in the country for a temporary, specified duration (generally 2–3 years, depending on the qualification). 

Cost: AUD 2,300 onwards

• Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: All International graduates with a diploma, associate degree, or trade qualification relevant to a profession demanded in the Australian market can apply for this visa.
  

Cost: AUD 2,300 onwards   

Duration: Up to 18 months

• Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: The visa is applicable to temporary graduates with a post-study work visa and a degree from a reognised institution in Australia. 

Cost: AUD 905 onwards

Duration: 1-2 years (approx)

The Temporary Graduate Visa is generally granted to international graduates in Australia for an average duration of 18 months to 3 years. Like its cost, the exact duration of the 485 visa is likely to vary from one applicant to another, depending on the chosen stream. It is thus best to check directly with the immigration authorities the exact duration granted for the visa, depending on the stream you choose, at the time of applying.

_{Related Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485}

To make a successful visa application, make sure that you have the required English language skills, meet the Australian Study Requirements (ASR), and meet the health and character mandates. Also, it is necessary to apply for a 485 Visa within 6 months of completing your intended study program at a recognised Australian institution.

Some of the most helpful 485 visa application tips are listed below for your reference:

• Meet the English language proficiency requirements: It is essential to prove your English proficiency as part of the visa application process. Ensure you take a globally recognised and accepted test, such as the IELTS, and achieve the desired score for your visa application.

• Submit proof of finances: Evidence of your financial capability to meet all your expenses while studying in Australia is also required. Ensure that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses. 

• Ensure that all documents are accurate: Make sure to furnish honest and accurate details in your visa application to avoid the chances of visa rejection.

Note: IDP Education experts can help with every stage of the application process for a 485 Australian visa. Talk to our consultants today to understand how we can assist.

1. Is it worth studying Engineering in Australia for Indian students?

Absolutely! Australian universities offering Engineering programs rank highly on world university ranking systems, such as QS, and offer brilliant career opportunities, as well as the best academic programs, comparable to those of universities worldwide.

2. Which Australian course has better global recognition today?

Engineering programs pursued in Australia generally have better and more direct recognition globally due to the standardised accreditation processes of these programs.

3. Which degree offers better scholarships in Australia for students?

It is challenging to determine which of the two degree programs (Engineering or Business) in Australia offers better scholarship options for international students. The availability of a scholarship program generally depends on other factors, such as the discretion of the university offering it, government initiatives (in the case of government-funded scholarships), and the academic merit of the student applying.

4. Which Australian cities are the best for Engineering and Business Studies?

Sydney and Melbourne are typically considered the top cities for pursuing both Engineering and Business Studies courses in Australia. These cities are home to some of the best-known universities offering these two disciplines.

5. Which degree helps you adapt better to the Australian work culture?

Both Engineering and Business courses in Australia offer excellent employment prospects to graduates. Your ability to adapt to the work culture may depend on your personal skills and strengths, and may vary from one graduate to another.

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