Study, Work, and Settle in Australia on Graduate Temporary Visa (Subclass 485)

Dreaming of studying, working, and eventually settling in Australia? You’re not alone! Australia’s stunning landscapes, world-class universities, and thriving job market make it one of the top destinations for international students and skilled professionals. And guess what? The Graduate Temporary Visa (Subclass 485) is your golden ticket to transitioning from student life to a full-fledged career—and possibly permanent residency—in Australia.

Here’s how this amazing visa can help you study, work, and eventually settle in Australia. Let’s dive in!

1# Study: The First Step to Your Australian Journey

It all starts with your study experience. Australia offers top-tier education with globally recognized degrees. From science to business, arts to engineering, the range of courses is vast and diverse, making it a haven for international students.

Once you’ve completed your studies, you can’t just pack up and leave, right? That’s where the Graduate Temporary Visa (Subclass 485) comes into play. It allows you to stick around and gain real-world work experience right in the country where you’ve studied—paving the way to your Australian dream.

2# Work: Unlock Full-Time Job Opportunities with Subclass 485

Graduating from an Australian university is just the beginning. The Subclass 485 visa allows you to work full-time in Australia after your studies. Whether you’re aiming to break into corporate jobs, get involved in tech, or explore creative industries, this visa opens up the job market to you like never before. There are two streams you can apply for under this visa:

1# Graduate Work Stream:

• • This stream is perfect for students who have graduated with skills in demand, according to Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
  • You’ll get up to 18 months (or more for certain passport holders) to work, earn a salary, and build your professional experience.

2# Post-Study Work Stream:

• • This stream is for those who have graduated with a degree—Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate—from a recognized Australian institution.
  • You’ll get up to 4 years of work authorization depending on your qualification level. Think about how much career growth you can achieve in that time!

Working in Australia means more than just a paycheck—it’s about gaining valuable experience in a global job market. Many employers value Australian work experience, and by the end of your stay, your resume will stand out anywhere in the world!

3# Settle: Pave the Way to Permanent Residency

Here’s the best part—Subclass 485 is not just about living in Australia temporarily. This visa can be your stepping stone to permanent residency! After working in Australia for a few years and gaining valuable experience, you may become eligible to apply for a Permanent Residency (PR) visa through programs like:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Once you’ve gained the right skills and experience, many pathways can lead to settling permanently in Australia, especially if you are in a profession that is in high demand.

Who Can Apply for the Graduate Temporary Visa (Subclass 485)?

Let’s make sure you’re eligible for this incredible opportunity. To apply for the Subclass 485 visa, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Recent Graduate: You must have recently graduated from an Australian institution.
• Qualification Requirements: For the Graduate Work Stream, your qualifications must relate to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). For the Post-Study Work Stream, any degree from an Australian institution is accepted.
• Duration of Study: You need to have completed at least two years of study in Australia.
• Age: You must be under 50 years old.
• English Proficiency: Show that you can speak English through recognized tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
• Health & Character Requirements: Meet the health and character standards set by the Australian government.

If you check all these boxes, you’re one step closer to starting your professional journey in Australia!

Duration of Visa and Cost of Applying

Depending on which stream you apply for, the duration of your visa will vary:

• Graduate Work Stream: Valid for up to 18 months, with possible extensions in some cases.
• Post-Study Work Stream: Valid for 2 to 4 years, depending on your degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate).

As for the cost, the visa application fee is AUD $1,895 for the main applicant, with additional fees for dependents if you’re bringing your family along for the adventure.

How to Apply for the Graduate Temporary Visa (Subclass 485)?

Ready to make it happen? Here’s how to apply for the Graduate Temporary Visa step by step:

1. Complete Your Studies: Make sure you have successfully graduated from an Australian institution.
2. Take an English Test: Pass a recognized English test (like IELTS or TOEFL) to prove your English language skills.
3. Skills Assessment (for Graduate Work Stream applicants): If you’re applying under this stream, have your qualifications assessed by the relevant Australian authority https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skills-assessment.
4. Collect Your Documents: Gather essential documents, including your passport, proof of Australian qualification, health insurance, and English test results.
5. Create an ImmiAccount: https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login
6. Submit Your Application: Log in to your ImmiAccount, fill in the application form, upload your documents, and pay the application fee.
7. Wait for Approval: Processing times can vary, but most applications are processed within 6 to 12 months. Sit tight, the wait is worth it!