Completing your international education in a beautiful country like Australia is a huge accomplishment. After years of studying and hard work, you’ve earned your degree and are ready to take the next step. For many international students, that next step is to start their career. The good news is, Australia offers a clear pathway for you to do just that: the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this most common post-study work visa option for recent graduates. We’ll cover who can apply, how long you can stay, and the steps to start your professional life Down Under.
Note: This blog is provided as information only and is subject to change as policies are updated. For official guidance relating to Australian student visas and immigration, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
What is the Temporary Graduate Visa?
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a work visa designed for international students who have recently graduated from an eligible program at an Australian educational institution. It allows graduates to stay in Australia for a temporary period to live, work, and gain practical experience in their field of study.
This visa is a crucial link between your student life and your professional future. It’s an opportunity to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting, build a professional network, and experience Australian work culture firsthand.
Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa has two main streams, and the one you apply for depends on which qualification you’ve earned.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This is the most common stream for graduates who have completed a degree qualification from an Australian university. The Post-Higher Education Work Stream is open to students who have recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree (including honours), master’s degree, or doctoral degree.
How long you’re able to stay in Australia with a Post-Higher Education Work stream – Temporary Graduate visa will vary depending on which qualification you’ve earned. Bachelor’s and course-based master’s graduates may receive a visa duration of up to two years. Or, if you’ve just completed a research-based master’s or doctoral degree, your visa may be approved for up to three years.
It’s important to note that the Australian government has ended the previous two-year extension for graduates with degrees in specific areas of skill shortage. This means the durations listed above are what most students should expect. However, there are two notable exceptions: international students from Hong Kong who graduate from Australian courses may be granted a visa for up to 5 years, and Indian nationals may be granted an additional 12 months of visa stay, depending on the degree type they earned.
Learn more about Temporary Graduate visa eligibility for students from India.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
This stream is for graduates who have completed one or more Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses resulting in a diploma, associate degree, or trade qualification. This stream is generally for students who have graduated from a TAFE institution rather than a university.
Another key difference between these two streams is that the Post-Vocational Education Work stream is linked to specific occupations that Australia needs. These occupations can change regularly, and the most current list may be found on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List. Applicants will also need to apply for a skills assessment in their nominated occupation from the appropriate assessing authority.
If you’re approved for a post-study work visa under this stream, you will generally be allowed to stay and work in Australia for up to 18 months.
Key Eligibility Requirements for the Temporary Graduate Visa
All Temporary Graduate applicants must meet certain basic requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. These requirements can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current information.
Here are the general Temporary Graduate requirements all applicants must meet:
- Age: You must be under 35 years old when you apply (Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders must be under 50).
- Recent Graduate: You must have completed your studies and applied for the visa within six months of your course completion date.
- Study Requirement: You must have completed a qualification which required at least two academic years of study in Australia. The course must be registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Applicants to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream may combine courses to meet this requirement, but at least one of the courses must have been completed in the past 6 months, and all of them must be closely related to your nominated occupation.
- English Language: You must provide evidence of your English language ability, such as test results from IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
- Health and Character: You and all family members included in your application must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for the Temporary Graduate visa is a straightforward online process. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
- Gather Your Documents: Before you begin, collect all the necessary paperwork. This includes your passport, proof of your academic qualification (a degree certificate or academic transcript), your English test results, and evidence of health insurance. You may also need to apply for an Australian Federal Police check.
- Create an ImmiAccount: You will apply for your post-study visa online through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. If you don’t have one from your student visa application, you will need to create one.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form accurately. You must select the correct stream (Post-Higher Education Work or Post-Vocational Education Work) based on your qualification. Be careful to select the right stream as you cannot change your selection after you apply and are likely to be rejected if you choose the wrong stream.
- Upload Documents: Upload clear, readable copies of all your supporting documents.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the visa application fee (A$2,300) and submit your application.
- Wait for a Decision: The Department of Home Affairs will review your application. You can check the processing times on their website, and you can also check the status of your application in your ImmiAccount.
What Happens After the Visa is Granted?
Once your Temporary Graduate visa is granted, you can start your career in Australia! If you secure a Post-Higher Education Work visa, you have full work rights, which means you can work for any employer in any job. If you secure a Post-Vocational work visa, you’ll need to find a job that is connected to your qualifying skills. In either case, you’ll have the freedom to look for a job in your field, gain experience, and build your professional profile.
While the Temporary Graduate visa only allows you to work and live in Australia for a limited time, the experience you gain can be a powerful tool for your future. It can also help you qualify for other longer-term visas, such as an employer-sponsored visa or a skilled migration visa, which could eventually lead to permanent residency in Australia.
A post-study work visa is more than just a permit to work: it’s a bridge to your future. It gives you the chance to turn your Australian education into a career and a life in a country you’ve already come to love. By understanding your options and preparing your application carefully, you can take a major step toward building a successful professional life in Australia.
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