The Australian government recently announced that those studying online overseas in light of COVID-19 will still be able to access the post-graduate visa. Great news for all concerned and in particular for the industry of international education. After completing your studies in Australia, even if some of these studies were completed initially overseas, it’s understandable that you’ll want to extend your stay and begin your career here. Understanding the graduate and post-study visa process can make sure you have all of the necessary information to make a successful application and be able to work full-time in Australia for the length of your visa.
What is the 485-Graduate work visa?
The Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) gives international students the right to work full-time after studying in Australia for between 18 months to 2 years. To be eligible, a student will need to have completed two years of study, equal to 92 weeks on the register for international education courses, CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). It’s important to note that the Australian Study Requirement will require legislative change to accommodate the recent government announcement for those who have partly studied remotely offshore.
This visa allows recent overseas graduates to study, live and work in Australia temporarily. It is valid for a period of 18 months.
Please note that studying for a Diploma may not be viewed as closely related to a career in areas such as engineering or architecture, as these require a Bachelor’s degree to qualify for a skills assessment. Consider your application carefully and seek advice to make sure it is completed correctly.
Applying for the 485-graduate visa
To be eligible for the 485-graduate visa, you will need to obtain 6 points in the IELTS test in all bands. The application is also subject to both medical and police checks, as well as ensuring that adequate health insurance is in place.
Applying for the 485 visa can seem simple from the outset, but like any visa subclass, it is important to be aware of the pitfalls. While you can complete the application yourself, it’s advisable to consult with an expert help to ensure your application is submitted correctly. This prevents simple mistakes that could harm your application, such as an incorrectly-written completion letter from your education provider.
It’s important to note that if you have been refused a visa in Australia, it can be difficult to obtain other visas, making it important to get your application right the first time.
Top tips when applying for the 485-graduate visa
Some great tips to help you with your application include:
- If you don’t get the required IELTS points before your visa expires, you can still apply within six months of your course ending. You can do this while holding a student or tourist visa.
- Conduct all of the necessary insurance applications and police checks before applying for the visa.
- Check that your completion letter has been written correctly by your college or university.
Please note that if this visa is refused, you will not be able to apply for another visa in Australia. This is why seeking the advice of an experienced migration agent can be vital before you start the application process.
What is the 485 post-study visa?
This visa allows for international students who have graduated from Australian institutions to continue to study, live and work in Australia temporarily. This visa can be valid from 2 to 4 years depending on the qualification gained. To be eligible, you’ll need to have studied a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree for two years or alternatively a PhD. Graduate Diplomas or Certificates are not eligible for this visa.
Recently the government announced that any student from Hong Kong would automatically be entitled to a 5 year graduate visa.
Applying for the 485 post-study visa
To apply for this visa, your university or higher education provider should give you the correct completion letter with correct dates.
If you obtain credits for your studies, you must ensure you study for at least sixteen calendar months, otherwise, you will not pass the Australian study requirement. You do not need a skills assessment to apply, although you will need to score 6 in all bands of the IELTS test.
Your next steps:
If you need to apply for a graduate or post-study visa, contact an expert to avoid refusals.
Our team of Migration experts will handle your case with care and dedication, making sure you have your best chances to be approved! We turn the application process into an easy and stress-free application, offering you all the support you need. We can also work on alternative visa solutions in case the Graduate or Post-study visa are not right for you.
Book now or contact us to speak to our Migration coordinator:
