From Student to Skilled Worker: Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a highly popular visa stream designed for international students who have recently completed eligible studies in Australia. It allows these graduates to live, study, and, crucially, work in Australia temporarily, helping them gain the valuable work experience needed to qualify for permanent skilled migration pathways.

The Subclass 485 visa is not sponsored by an employer; rather, it is granted based solely on the applicant’s prior Australian study.

Two Streams of the Subclass 485 Visa

The visa is divided into two primary streams, each with different eligibility requirements, and most importantly, different durations:

1. Graduate Work Stream (GWS)

This stream targets graduates whose qualifications relate to a profession currently on Australia’s skilled occupation lists.

• Duration: Generally granted for 18 months (or 24 months for citizens of Hong Kong SAR or British National Overseas passport holders).
• Qualification Requirement: The applicant must have completed a qualification (e.g., a Diploma, Trade Qualification, or Bachelor’s degree) that is closely related to an occupation listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
• Skills Assessment: Applicants must provide evidence that they have applied for a formal skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority for their nominated occupation (e.g., engineers must be assessed by Engineers Australia).

2. Post-Study Work Stream (PSWS)

This stream is focused on the level and duration of study, regardless of the applicant’s specific occupation. It is the more common stream for university graduates.

• Duration: The grant period varies significantly, ranging from two to four years based on the level of the qualification obtained (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree). Recent policy changes have extended the duration for select high-demand qualifications.
• Qualification Requirement: The applicant must have graduated with a degree (Bachelor’s or higher) from an Australian educational institution. The field of study does not need to be on a skilled occupation list.
• No Skills Assessment Required: Unlike the GWS, a formal skills assessment is typically not required for the initial PSWS application.

Key Requirements for All Subclass 485 Applicants

Regardless of the stream, all applicants must meet several key criteria:

• Australian Study Requirement: Applicants must have completed at least two academic years (92 weeks of study) in Australia as a result of a CRICOS-registered course.
• Recent Completion: The application must be lodged within six months of completing the qualification.
• English Proficiency: Evidence of competent English proficiency is required (usually via an IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or equivalent test score).
• Health and Character: Applicants must meet Australia’s standard health and character requirements.
• Visa Status: The applicant must hold an eligible visa (typically a student visa, subclass 500) at the time of application.

The Strategic Value of the Subclass 485

The Temporary Graduate Visa is highly valued because it effectively bridges the gap between study and permanent migration:

1. Gaining Experience: The work rights allow graduates to gain Australian professional work experience, which is heavily weighted under the Skilled Migration Points Test (visas 189/190/491).
2. Boosting Points: This work experience can significantly increase a candidate’s CRS score, making them more competitive for future skilled visa invitations.
3. Regional Incentive: Graduates who study and apply from regional areas of Australia may be eligible for an additional one or two years added to their Subclass 485 visa duration, encouraging them to remain in areas outside of major cities.
4. No Sponsorship Needed: It provides a crucial period of independence where graduates can seek employment and gain experience without being tied to a specific employer, unlike the Subclass 482 visa.

In short, the Subclass 485 visa is the essential first step for international graduates who are serious about forging a long-term career path and achieving permanent residency in Australia.