Requirements For the Temporary Graduate Visa

Many international students plan to stay back after their studies, and their student visa expires. For them, the Australian Visa 485 is the most suitable option. It is an Australian temporary visa granted to specific international students who have recently finished their graduation. The minimum requirement is that you should have studied for a minimum of 2 years at an Australian institute, and the visa application should be lodged within 6 months of completing your course. 

If you are interested, read this blog as it provides a detailed account of the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 Visa requirements, processing times, and how it can open your pathway to a permanent residency.

Know about the two streams under the Temporary Graduate Visa 485

First, you should know that the Temporary Graduate Visa 485 is that it has two streams with different requirements and validities.

Graduate Work Stream Visa (GWS)

This stream allows the holders to stay in Australia for one year and six months.

Post Study Work Stream (PSWV)

Also called the Post Study Visa in Australia, this stream allows the holders to live in Australia for 24 to 48 months, depending on the academic qualification.

Both streams offer unrestricted work rights. However, as a holder, it is mandatory to hold a private health insurance cover. 

What are the common requirements for the 485 Visa?

To be eligible for the 485 Visa Australia, you have to meet the following general eligibility requirements.

Age requirement

Your age must be less than 50.

Satisfy the Australian study requirements

Visa application deadline

The visa application should be made within 6 months of the completion of your course. Note that by completion, of course, we mean the date of publication of final results and not the ‘Graduation Day.’ In most universities, Graduation Day falls after several months of final result publication. So, you should be very careful about this fact.

Apply onshore

This is an onshore visa. It means you must be physically present in Australia both at the time of visa application and visa grant. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are some border restrictions imposed. Check out the website of the Department of Home Affairs to find out the latest updates.

English language requirements

When lodging your Graduate Visa 485 application, you must demonstrate your English language skills. However, you will be exempt from this condition if you hold a passport from the USA, the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, or Canada. Otherwise, you have to provide the following evidence.

Health insurance requirements

Every visa holder in Australia must have sufficient private health insurance cover. As a student, you will require the OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover). With this insurance being valid, you can also apply for the Visa Subclass 485. However, you must have the Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) at the time of the visa grant. Without this cover, your application will not be approved.

Health requirements

For the visa 485, you will be required to go through medical checkups. But before undertaking those examinations, it is recommended to ask the authorities.

Character requirements

All visa applicants over 16 years of age must go through a check by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). You have to apply for the check before lodging your application and submit the necessary document when you apply.

Stream-specific requirements that you need to fulfill

In addition to the general Visa 485 requirements, you must meet the stream-specific eligibility criteria to qualify.

Graduate Work Stream Visa (GWS)

Post-Study Work Stream Visa (PSWV)

Visa application processing time

The 485 Visa processing time is not the same for the two streams. While 75% of the GWS applications get processed in 8 months, 90% take about 11 months. On the other hand, the processing time for 75% of the PSWV applications is 6 months, and that for the 90% of applications is 7 months.

How can the Graduate Visa Subclass 485 help you achieve permanent residency in Australia?

According to the rule, no temporary Australian visa allows the holder to obtain automatic permanent residence. But, if you can plan strategically, your Subclass 485 Visa Australia for a PR before it expires.

There are several options available, like visas under the Employer-Sponsored Migration and the General Skilled Migration Schemes. Usually, you will need to apply for another Australian temporary visa. But, you can also get your permanent residency visa application approved immediately after the Graduate Visa 485. 

However, before proceeding, it is mandatory to check whether you are eligible and create an effective strategy to enhance your PR chances. A top-rated Perth migration agent can help you with this.

How can a migration agent be helpful?

A registered migration agent Perth can help you understand the immigration process followed in Australia. Not only that, but they can also lodge the application for you. So, get in touch with the best migration agents and obtain a graduate visa easily.

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