Subclass 485 Visa Australia

The Second Post-Higher Education Workstream visa is for Temporary Graduates who hold a Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement visa and have a degree from an Australian institution located in a regional area. This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia on a temporary basis.

The steps to apply are as follows:

• Before You Apply: Start the process once you’ve lived for at least 2 years in a designated regional area while holding a Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement stream. Ensure you’re in Australia when applying.
• Gather Your Documents: Collect all necessary documents to support your application. Provide comprehensive information to facilitate the decision-making process. Some documents may take time to obtain, so have them ready to avoid delays.
• Apply for the Visa: Submit your application online. If you face any issues or error messages, refer to the common problems section for assistance.
• After You Apply: The officials will notify you when they receive your application and documents. Follow the instructions for what to do next after applying.
• Visa Outcome: You can be either inside or outside Australia (but not in immigration clearance) when officials decide on your application. If you’re applying as a family member, you can also be inside or outside Australia at the time of decision.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Aged 35 years or under at the time of application.
• Must be in Australia when applying.
• Hold a Temporary Graduate visa in Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement stream and have held it as the main applicant.
• Completed a degree from a CRICOS-registered course in an eligible designated regional area, leading to the first Temporary Graduate visa.
• Lived in an eligible designated regional area for at least 2 years before applying for the Second Temporary Graduate visa.
• Provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants.

Stay Duration:

The Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream of the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) permits a stay of between 1 and 2 years. The exact duration depends on:

• The regional location of the educational institution from which you graduated, leading to the grant of your first Temporary Graduate visa.
• The regional area where you reside while holding your Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement stream.

Visa Cost:

• INR 42,075.00 (AUD 765.00)

The subclass 485 visa is designed for international students who have completed their Australian Study Requirements and earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a recognised Australian university. This visa is available only to those who were granted a student visa for Australia. The duration of the visa depends on the level of your qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree, including honours, or a master’s degree without linked industrial training, qualifies you for a visa lasting 2 years.
• A master’s degree with a research component allows for a visa of up to 3 years.
• A doctoral degree (PhD) grants eligibility for a visa of up to 4 years.

When applying for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) in Australia, submitting accurate and complete documentation is crucial to avoid delays or rejections. The required documents serve to verify your identity, qualifications, and eligibility for the visa.

Here’s a comprehensive list of all necessary documents:

• Passport: A valid passport, including copies of all pages with personal details and any Australian visa stamps.
• Identity Documents: Birth certificate or national identity card to confirm your identity.
• Proof of Qualifications: Academic transcripts, degree certificates, and evidence of completion from an Australian institution. These should be certified copies if not in English.
• Skills Assessment: For relevant visa streams, a skills assessment report may be required, showing that your qualifications match an occupation on the skilled occupation list.
• Health Insurance: Evidence of adequate health insurance for the entire duration of your stay, covering all applicants.
• English Proficiency Evidence: Test results from recognised English language tests (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) if applicable.
• Australian Federal Police Check: Evidence of applying for or obtaining an Australian Federal Police check.
• Visa Documents: If applicable, provide documents related to your current or previous Australian visas, including visa grants and refusals.
• Proof of Residence: For specific streams, evidence showing that you have lived in a designated regional area (e.g., rental agreements, utility bills).

For the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) in Australia, demonstrating English proficiency is a key requirement. Applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills to ensure they meet the visa criteria.

However, there are exceptions based on specific visa streams or applicants who may be exempt from these requirements.

• Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents: Generally, these applicants are exempt from the English language requirement.
• Recent Graduates: If you have completed a degree from an Australian institution taught in English, you may not need to provide additional proof of English proficiency.
• Other Exceptions: Certain applicants may qualify for exemptions based on their specific circumstances or qualifications.

Applying for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa involves several steps. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Check Eligibility

• Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria, including age, qualification, and English proficiency requirements.
• Confirm that you hold a valid visa and have lived in an eligible regional area if applying for the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream.

Gather Required Documents

• Collect all necessary documents such as your passport, identity proof, qualification certificates, English language test results, health insurance, and Australian Federal Police check evidence.
• Ensure all documents are certified and translated into English if necessary.

Complete Skills Assessment (if applicable)

• If required for your stream, obtain a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.

Prepare for Health Insurance

• Obtain evidence of adequate health insurance for yourself and any family members applying with you.

Create an ImmiAccount

• Register for an ImmiAccount on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. This account will allow you to submit your visa application online.

Submit Your Application

• Log in to your ImmiAccount and complete the online visa application form.
• Upload all required documents and pay the visa application fee. Before submission, double-check that all information is accurate and complete.

Monitor Your Application

• After submission, you will receive a confirmation receipt. Keep track of your application status through your ImmiAccount.
• Be prepared to provide additional information or attend an interview if requested by the Department of Home Affairs.

Await Decision

• The processing time for the Subclass 485 visa can vary. You will be notified of the decision via your ImmiAccount. Ensure you monitor your email and account regularly for updates.

Post-Decision

• If your visa is granted, carefully review the visa conditions and requirements. Ensure compliance with all conditions during your stay in Australia.

Subclass 485 in Australia allows international students with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a recognised Australian university to stay and work in Australia for 2 to 4 years. The visa provides full work rights, allows travel in and out of Australia, and permits family members to join or apply as subsequent entrants.

Looking to explore study and work opportunities in Australia? AECC can guide you through the process of securing your Subclass 485 and help you make the most of your international experience. Contact AECC today to start your journey!