Graduate Visa

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a temporary visa that allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. It is designed to provide eligible graduates with an opportunity to gain practical work experience in their field of study and enhance their skills after completing their studies.

Key features of the subclass 485 graduate visa include:

1. Two Streams: The subclass 485 visa has two streams:

   • Graduate Work stream (will be renamed to Post-Vocational Education Work stream from 1 July 2024): For graduates with qualifications and skills relevant to occupations listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). It allows graduates to work in Australia for up to 18 months.

   • Post-Study Work stream (will be renamed to Post-Higher Education Work stream from 1 July 2024): For graduates with higher education qualifications from Australian institutions. The duration of this visa depends on the level of the qualification completed. Graduates with a bachelor's degree are eligible for a two-year visa, while those with a master's degree or PhD can apply for a visa of up to four years.
     

2. Work Rights: Subclass 485 visa holders are allowed to work full-time in Australia during the validity of their visa. This provides them with valuable work experience and an opportunity to gain exposure to the Australian job market.
   

3. Study Rights: Visa holders can undertake further studies in Australia while holding the subclass 485 visa. This allows them to enhance their skills and qualifications and potentially improve their chances of obtaining permanent residency in the future.
   

4. Pathway to Permanent Residency: The subclass 485 visa can serve as a pathway to permanent residency in Australia for eligible graduates. By gaining relevant work experience and meeting other requirements, graduates may become eligible to apply for permanent residency through skilled migration pathways.