The Subclass 485 visa provides international graduates an opportunity to gain work experience, which can be critical for transitioning to permanent residency. The 485 visa is divided into different streams based on your level of education and where you completed your studies:
• Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: For graduates with vocational education qualifications such as diplomas or trade certificates. This visa allows you to stay for up to 18 months (or 5 years for some passport holders, like Hong Kong nationals).
• Post-Higher Education Work Stream: For graduates with a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s, or Doctorate. The duration of stay varies from 2 to 4 years, depending on the qualification.
• Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: This stream offers additional stay periods of 1 to 2 years for graduates who have completed their studies in a regional area.
Key Benefits:
• Work Rights: Unrestricted full-time work rights are granted, allowing you to gain valuable experience in your field.
• Study Rights: You can pursue further studies during your stay.
• Family Inclusion: Immediate family members (spouse and children) can be included in your application.
Transitioning from a Subclass 500 to 485 Visa
If you held a Subclass 500 visa while studying in Australia, you may be eligible to apply for the 485 visa after completing your studies. However, there are some crucial requirements to be aware of:
Study Completion:
You must have completed your course within the last six months and hold a qualification that meets the Australian study requirement. This means your course must have been:
• Registered with CRICOS.
• Completed over at least 16 calendar months.
• Completed as part of at least two academic years of full-time study (92 weeks).
Eligible Courses:
Only certain qualifications allow you to apply for the 485 visa. Diplomas and trade qualifications align with the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream, while higher education degrees fall under the Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
Application Timing:
You must apply for the 485 visa within six months of completing your studies.
Bridging Visa:
Make sure to apply for the subclass 485 visa before your subclass 500 student visa expires, and you can be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) at the time of subclass 485 visa lodgement, which allows you to stay in Australia while your 485 visa application is processed.
Streams of the Subclass 485 Visa
Understanding which stream to apply for is crucial. The visa streams are tailored to suit different qualification levels and study types.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
This stream is designed for graduates who have completed a diploma or trade qualification. It allows for a stay of up to 18 months, with extended stays available for specific passport holders (such as those from Hong Kong or British National Overseas). To be eligible:
• Your qualification must be closely related to an occupation on Australia’s skilled occupation list.
• You must meet the Australian study requirement (course completed over 16 months with at least 92 weeks of study).
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is for graduates with a higher education degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate). The visa duration varies based on the level of qualification:
• Bachelor’s Degree: Stay for up to 2 years.
• Master’s Degree: Stay for up to 2 to 3 years (coursework or research).
• Doctoral Degree (PhD): Stay for up to 4 years.
Applicants with higher education qualifications are not required to nominate a skilled occupation, making this stream more accessible to graduates from a variety of fields.
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Graduates who have studied in a regional area can extend their stay by applying for this stream. It provides an additional 1 to 2 years depending on the regional area where you studied. This stream encourages international graduates to live and work in Australia’s regional areas, supporting the government’s regional migration goals.
Future Pathways After the 485 Visa
The Subclass 485 visa is often used as a pathway to permanent residency through skilled migration visas such as:
• Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa
• Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa
• Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa
• Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
During your stay on the 485 visa, focus on gaining relevant work experience in your field. This can improve your chances of securing a permanent skilled visa, especially if your occupation is on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
Additionally, regional graduates may benefit from incentives under the second Post-Higher Education Work Stream, which can provide more time to accumulate work experience and improve their skilled visa applications.
The content on this page does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Australian immigration doesn't have to be complex and we can help with your unique circumstances. To seek legal advice for information that is specific to your situation, please contact us.
