Australia has long been a popular destination for international students, offering not just world-class education but also pathways to stay and work after graduation. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) has been a crucial bridge for these students, allowing them to gain work experience in their field of study. However, as of July 1, 2024, significant changes to the visa program have come into effect. Here’s a detailed guide on how to transition from a student visa to a 485 Graduate visa, taking into account the new requirements.
New Visa Streams
The Australian Government has re-aligned the visa streams to better reflect the level of study completed. The Graduate Work stream will now be known as the Post-Vocational Education Workstream, while the Post-Study Work stream will become the Post-Higher Education Workstream. This change aims to ensure that the visa eligibility criteria are more closely matched to the qualifications earned by the applicant.
Post-Vocational Education Workstream
For those with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification.
The qualification must match a job on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Applicants must be thirty-five (35) years of age or younger.
Up to eighteen (18) months for most applicants; up to five (5) years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders.
Post-Higher Education Workstream
For those with a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification.
Degrees include bachelor's, master's (coursework and extended), master's (research), and doctoral degrees.
Applicants must be thirty-five (35) years of age or younger.
Stay Period:
Bachelor's degree: Up to two (2) years
Master's (coursework and extended): Up to two (2) years
Master’s (Research) and doctoral degree: Up to three (3) years
Holders of Hong Kong and British National Overseas passports: Up to five (5) years.
Key Changes
Previously, restrictions applied to applicants whose first Student visa was granted before November 5, 2011. These have now been removed, allowing a broader range of candidates to apply.
The extension of two (2) years for “select degrees” is no longer available. This change applies to the Post-Higher Education Workstream.
To have benefited from the previous visa requirements, your application should have been submitted before July 1, 2024. Any applications lodged after this date will be evaluated under the new rules.
Student Visa to a Temporary Graduate Visa
Transitioning from a student visa to a 485 Graduate visa requires careful planning and adherence to the updated requirements.
First, ensure that you have completed all academic requirements for your qualification before you apply. The completion date is defined as when all academic criteria for your degree, diploma, or trade qualification have been met, excluding the formal conferral or graduation ceremony. To qualify under the new regulations, your application must have been lodged before the effective date of July 1, 2024, if you wish to be assessed under the existing criteria.
For applications submitted after this date, the new rules will apply, which may include changes in eligibility, visa duration, and age limits. Make sure to gather and submit all required documentation, including evidence from your education provider regarding your course completion. Planning your application timing and understanding the new visa streams will be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition and maximizing your chances of a successful application.
Transition Sequence
Student Visa (Subclass 500) must come first. It allows you to stay in Australia to study and complete your qualifications.
After completing your studies, you can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to stay and work in Australia based on your qualifications.
Application Tips
Verify Eligibility
Determine which visa stream aligns with your completed qualifications. The Post-Vocational Education Workstream is for those with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification related to occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The Post-Higher Education Workstream is for those with a bachelor's degree or higher qualification. Ensure that your qualification is relevant to the occupation you wish to pursue.
Complete Your Studies
Ensure that you have completed all academic requirements for your qualification before applying. This includes finishing all coursework, exams, and any other academic obligations. The completion date for visa purposes is when you have met all academic requirements, not the date of graduation or formal conferral of your degree. Ensure that you have official documentation from your education provider indicating this date.
Gather Documentation
Collect and provide evidence from your education provider confirming your course completion date. This is critical for verifying your eligibility and supporting your visa application. Along with evidence of course completion, gather other required documents such as proof of identity, English language proficiency, health insurance, and any required police clearances.
Plan Ahead
Visa processing times can vary. Apply well in advance of your student visa expiry to allow sufficient time for processing and to avoid any gaps in your visa status.
Seek Professional Advice
If you’re uncertain about the requirements or the application process, consider consulting a registered migration agent. For a seamless migration experience, Australian Portal Immigration is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process with expert precision.
Review Your Application Thoroughly
Before submitting your application, review all information and documents carefully to ensure accuracy and completeness. Any errors or omissions can delay the processing of your visa or result in rejection.
Application process
Step 1: Before You Apply: Begin the process as soon as your education provider confirms that you have completed your course successfully.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents: Assemble all necessary documents to support the application. Providing detailed information with the application will facilitate a smoother decision-making process.
Step 3: Apply for the Visa: The visa application must be submitted online. If there are any issues or error messages during the submission consultation is a must.
Step 4: After You Apply: You will receive a notification once your application and documents have been received. Make sure to follow any additional steps or requirements specified for the next stages.
Step 5: Visa Outcome: The visa decision will be made regardless of whether you are in or outside Australia (excluding immigration clearance) at the time of the decision. For family members applying as subsequent entrants, the decision can also be made whether they are in or outside Australia.
Please note that immigration regulations may change over time. To ensure you meet the current eligibility criteria and receive personalized guidance, we recommend consulting with Australian Portal Immigration. You can book your appointment here.
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