The Temporary Graduate Visa is available to graduates who have studied in Australia for at least two academic years. It allows the visa holder to live, work and study in Australia upon graduation from their studies in Australia. It is common for graduates to apply for the temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) if they are not eligible under the general skilled migration program. Unlike criteria for general skilled migration, the Temporary Graduate Visa is not points tested.
There are two different streams for the temporary graduate work visa:
- The Post-study work stream
- The Graduate work stream
Common criteria for both streams:
- Visa holders must be under 50 years of age
- Apply within Australia
- Have health insurance for the duration of their visa
- Be of good character and health
- Have completed one or more degrees, diplomas of trade qualifications in an Australian education provider in 6 months before the visa application was made
- Have completed at least 2 academic years of study within Australia in a registered course in 6 months before the visa application was made
- Have a competent English level
- Has not previously held the temporary graduate or skilled graduate visa
Additional criteria for the Post-study work stream:
- The visa applicant has a recognised qualification that is eligible for the visa from an Australian education provider
- The visa applicant applied for and was granted their student visa on or after November 5th, 2011
Additional criteria for the Graduate work stream:
- The visa applicant must have the skills and qualifications assessed by a relevant assessing authority as suitable for the occupation that is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List
Duration of the visa:
- Graduate work stream visas can be granted for up to 18 months
- Post-study work stream visas can be granted for up to 4 years
Visa Fee:
$1440
*The fee listed above is current as of May 28th, 2014 and is subject to change.
**Plus credit card payment fee if paying by credit card.
Excluded Costs
- Health Insurance
- Police check (if required)
- Medical Exam (if required)
- Postage
How Pathway to Aus helps:
Pathway to Aus understands that you may have enjoyed your time in Australia and may want to remain in the country after graduating. As a result we will assist in lodging a tailored application for the temporary graduate visa. Our Registered Migration Agents provide all clients with succinct advice and thorough assistance with every application. Pathway to Aus will provide:
- Assist in obtaining the required supporting documents
- Expert advice and correlation of documents
- Assistance obtaining a skills assessment through a relevant assessing authority
Many temporary graduate visa holders use the time on this visa to build up the skills and requirements necessary to meet the criteria to apply for a permanent general skilled visa in Australia. Anytime throughout the duration of the temporary graduate visa, visa holders can lodge an application for another permanent visa.
Feel free to contact Pathway to Aus with any questions that you may have in regards to the temporary graduate visa