Temporary Graduate Visa
If you have completed one or more courses in Australia for at least 2 years’ study, you might be eligible for a temporary graduate visa (subclass 485). This visa will give you full working and study rights.
The 485 visa has two streams: Graduate-Work Visa (GWS) and Post-Study Work visa (PSW). The GWS is valid for 18 months whereas PSW varies from 2 to 4 years. The eligibility depends on your circumstances such as visa history and qualification.
Australian Study Requirement
To meet the Australian study requirement you must have completed either:
• A single eligible qualification that requires at least 2 academic years study, or
• More than 1 qualification that results in a total of at least 2 academic years study resulting in an eligible qualification.
Also, you must have completed your study in Australia, in a total of no less than 16 calendar months, while you held a visa authorising you to study.
Completion Date
Applications for a subclass 485 visa must be made within six months of the date of course completion.
The date of course completion is the date you first met the academic requirement for the award or your degree, diploma or trade qualification and were advised in writing by:
• Letter
• Publication in a newspaper
• Publication on the internet
• Email
• Bulletin board at the tertiary institution.
This date should not be confused with the date of conferral of award. The date of conferral is the date that the student actually receives their qualification, for example, at a graduation ceremony.
Have this level of English Language
You should prove your English proficiency. To do this, show evidence that in the last 3 years, you achieved, for example: IELTS Overall score of at least 6 with a minimum score of 5 for each of the 4 parts.
Meet Health and Character Requirements
You must have adequate health cover for the whole of your stay to be granted this visa. Your cover should cover you for medically necessary treatment, including transport.
You and any family who apply for the visa with you must meet the health requirement. You and any family members aged 16 years and over who apply for the visa must meet the character requirement.