Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

Looking to stay in Australia after your studies and gain valuable work experience? The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is the perfect opportunity for international students like you to extend your time in Australia and kickstart your career.

At CIA Lawyers, we specialise in helping graduates secure this visa, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free application process.

Costs & Details of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

Understanding the costs and key details of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is crucial for anyone considering this opportunity to live and work in Australia after studying.

Here’s a breakdown of the visa streams, associated costs, durations, and typical processing times:

Visa Stream

Stay Duration	Cost (AUD)	Processing Time
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream	Up to 18 months (Hong Kong & British National Overseas passport holders: 5 years)	From $1,945
Post-Higher Education Work Stream	2-3 years (Hong Kong & British National Overseas passport holders: 5 years)	From $1,945
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream	1-2 years (Based on regional location)	From $765

Important Notes:

Processing Times: Processing times can vary based on individual circumstances. We recommend using the visa processing time guide for the most accurate and up-to-date estimates.
Cost Variations: The fees listed above are indicative and may change. Be sure to check the latest information before you apply to avoid surprises.

The visa is designed to provide international students an opportunity to gain Australian work experience, which can help boost their chances of qualifying for permanent residency down the line.

Detailed Breakdown of Each Stream

Understanding the different streams of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is key to choosing the right path for your situation. Here’s a breakdown of each stream:

Stream	Description	Stay Duration	Cost (AUD)
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream	For graduates with vocational qualifications (e.g., diploma or trade qualification).	Up to 18 months (5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders).	From $1,945
Post-Higher Education Work Stream	For graduates with a degree from an Australian institution.	2 to 3 years (5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders).	From $1,945
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream	For graduates from regional Australian institutions.	1 to 2 years, depending on the regional location.	From $765

#1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

This stream is for graduates who have completed a vocational qualification, such as a diploma or trade qualification and are looking to gain work experience in Australia.

Eligibility: You must qualify as relevant to a skilled occupation listed on the Australian Skilled Occupation List.
Stay Duration: Up to 18 months. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for up to 5 years.
Benefits: The stream allows you to live, work, and gain practical experience in Australia, making it an excellent opportunity to build your career in industries that need skilled workers.

If you’ve completed a trade or vocational qualification and want to make your mark in Australia, this stream provides the perfect opportunity to gain valuable work experience.

#2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream is for graduates who have completed a degree (or higher) from an Australian institution. It allows you to live and work in Australia while you get your career started.

Eligibility: You must hold a recent qualification from an Australian institution and meet specific study requirements.
Stay Duration: Typically between 2 to 3 years, depending on your qualification. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years.
Benefits: This stream gives you the chance to work in your field of study and gain further experience, which could lead to permanent residency options later on.

If you’ve earned a degree in Australia, this stream lets you continue building your professional career while living and working in Australia.

#3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream is for graduates who completed their qualifications at an institution located in a regional area of Australia. It’s designed to help skilled graduates contribute to the growth of regional Australia.

Eligibility: You must have completed your degree in a regional area and meet the requirements for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
Stay Duration: Between 1 to 2 years, depending on the regional location of your education and where you choose to live.
Benefits: You get to live and work in a regional area, contributing to local communities while gaining work experience in your field.

If you graduated from a regional area, this stream provides a great opportunity to live and work in some of Australia’s most beautiful and developing regions.

Benefits Of The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) offers key benefits for international students in Australia:

Gain Work Experience: The visa allows you to work in Australia, giving you the chance to apply your skills and enhance your career prospects.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: After gaining work experience, you may be eligible for permanent residency through other visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189).
Flexibility: You can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia, giving you the freedom to choose your career path and lifestyle.
Family Inclusion: Bring your family members along to live, work, and study in Australia while you’re on the visa.
Explore Regional Opportunities: If you’ve studied in a regional area, you can enjoy the benefits of working and living in these vibrant communities.

These benefits make the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) a great option for building your career and life in Australia.

Eligibility Criteria for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

To apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

Age: You must be aged 35 years or under when applying. Exceptions apply.
Visa Status: You need to have held a valid Student visa within the last 6 months.
Qualifications: You must qualify for a CRICOS-registered course that is recent and relevant to the visa stream you’re applying for.
Eligible Stream: You must apply for one of the available visa streams. Once you apply, you cannot change streams.
Supporting Documents: Ensure you attach all required evidence, such as academic qualifications and visa details, when applying.

Note: Changes to the eligibility of qualifications for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream will take effect from 14 December 2024.

These eligibility criteria help ensure that applicants meet the requirements to benefit from the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). Make sure to check the exact requirements for your specific situation before applying.

How CIA Lawyers Will Help You Get the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

Applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be.

At CIA Lawyers, we simplify the entire process and ensure you have the best chance of success. Here’s how we can help:

Expert Advice: We’ll guide you through the visa application process, ensuring you choose the right stream for your qualifications and situation. Whether you’re applying for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream we’ve got you covered.
Eligibility Check: We’ll assess your qualifications, age, and other key factors to ensure you meet all the requirements. Our team will confirm that everything is in order before you submit your application, reducing the risk of delays or complications.
Document Preparation: Organising and submitting the right documents can be tricky. We’ll assist you in gathering and preparing all necessary documents, making sure everything is correct to avoid any unnecessary setbacks.
Stream Selection Support: With multiple streams available, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you. We’ll make sure you apply for the most suitable stream based on your qualifications and career plans in Australia.
Minimise Errors: We handle the details to ensure your application is complete and accurate from the start. This reduces the chance of mistakes that could lead to delays, saving you time and stress.
Personalised Solutions: Every applicant is unique. We tailor our services to your circumstances to ensure the most efficient and successful application process possible.

We make the visa process simple and stress-free, allowing you to focus on your future in Australia. Whether you’re planning to further your career or build a new life, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)?

A: The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia to live, work, and study in the country temporarily. It is designed to help graduates gain work experience or further their education.

Q: How long can I stay in Australia with a Temporary Graduate Visa?

A: The visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 2-4 years, depending on the stream you apply for and the level of your qualification.

Q: What are the main eligibility requirements for the Temporary Graduate Visa?

A: You must have completed an eligible qualification in Australia within the last 6 months, meet English language requirements, and be under 50 years of age at the time of application.

Q: Can I bring my family to Australia with this visa?

A: Yes, you can include family members such as your partner and children in your visa application, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia.

Our Process

1. Consultation

Connect with a qualified solicitor to discuss your immigration needs and determine the best strategy for securing your visa under Australian immigration law.

2. Application

Our legal consultants will guide you through the preparation of all required documentation, including any necessary written or oral submissions.

3. Approval

We stand by your side throughout the entire process, advocating on your behalf and supporting you until your visa application is successfully approved.