Australia, the exotic island nation with vivid landscape and exquisite flora and fauna is no doubt one of nature’s most unique creations. Apart from the picturesque natural beauty, Australia is also home to some of the top Universities in the world which attracts thousands of international students every year. With different visa provisions and accessible visa procedures, Australia is a hub for international students willing to study and work here.
One of the most sought-after visas is the Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows an international student to live, study or work in Australia after they have finished their studies. The visa has two streams: Graduate Workstream and Post-Study Workstream. The length of one’s stay will depend on which stream one applies for.

General requirements for Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

• The applicant must be in Australia while applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).
• The applicant must be under 50 years of age.
• Must hold a valid visa.
• Hold or have held an eligible student visa in the last six months.
• One must have successfully graduated from a degree, masters or doctorate that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Course for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
• Have proof of English language proficiency.
• An applicant must file for the 485 visa application within six months of the date of course completion. This is the first date on which the educational institution publicly notifies of meeting the requirements for the award of their degree, diploma or trade qualification.
• Register or complete a medical examination.
• Must have requested a National Police Check from the Australian Federal Police.
• Have an adequate health insurance. This is required for the duration of the visa processing period and your stay in Australia on this visa.

Additional visa requirements for Graduate Work stream

At the time you apply for this visa you must:

• Nominate an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.
• Have applied for a skills assessment in your nominated occupation.
• Have met the Australian study requirement in the last six months. Any degree, diploma or trade qualifications used to meet the Australian study requirement must be closely related to your nominated occupation.

Additional visa requirements for Post-Study Work stream

At the time you apply for this visa you must:

• Have applied for and subsequently been granted your first Student visa to Australia on or after 5 November 2011.
• Have met the Australian study requirement in the last six months on the basis of bachelor, masters or doctoral degree studies completed at an eligible institution.

Documents required while applying for Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

• Two colored passport-sized photograph of 45 mm x 35 mm dimension.
• Birth certificates showing both parents’ names.
• Passport bio data page.
• Certified copy of evidence (affidavit) of the name change (if applicable).
• Letter of course completion from the education provider.
• Certified copies of marriage certificates or relationship registrations (if applicable).
• Result of specified English language test.
• Character certificate from the Australian Federal Police.

Duration of stay allowed under Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

Graduate Work stream	18 months
Post-Study Work stream	Bachelor Degree Bachelor Degree with Honours Masters by Coursework Degree Masters (extended) Degree	2 years
	Masters by Research Degree	3 years
	Doctoral Degree	4 years

Cost and Processing time of Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

Streams of Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)	Cost	Processing Time
Graduate Work stream	From AUD1,650 onwards	6-9 months
Post-Study Work stream	From AUD1,650 onwards	4 months

Difference between Graduate Work stream and Post-Study Work stream

Graduate Work stream: This type of Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is for those international students who have recently graduated with qualifications and skills which are relevant to certain specific occupations in Australia. It allows an international student to live, study or work in Australia for a specific period of time.

Post-Study Work stream: This form of Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows an international student who has recently graduated from an Australian University to live, study and work in Australia for a specific period of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the basic element of Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)?
  This visa is quite flexible and allows an international student to live, study and work in Australia for a specific period of time.
• Does one needs to have a job in Australia while applying for the Subclass 485 visa?
  No, unlike many other Australian work visas, Subclass 485 doesn’t require one to have a job while applying for the visa.
• When an individual should apply for this visa?
  Within 6 months of completing the study program.
• Does Visa 485 require a police check?
  Yes, the applicants along with the dependents (if any) have to register for a police check to be eligible for Visa 485.
• Are family members allowed in this visa?
  Yes, dependents are allowed to accompany with the applicant provided they have gone through compliant medical exam.

Ref:
http://www.visa-path.com/en/col.jsp?id=141
https://www.cdu.edu.au/sites/default/files/international/fact_sheet.pdf
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485