Mastering the Temporary Graduate Visa 485: Your Path to Success

The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 is one of the most popular visas for international students in Australia. It provides graduates with the opportunity to live, study, and work in Australia after completing their studies. Commonly known as the graduate visa 485, it offers flexibility and multiple streams depending on your qualifications and career plans. This visa is designed to help international students gain valuable work experience in Australia, making it an excellent pathway to permanent residency.

What is Visa Subclass 485?

The Visa Subclass 485, also called the temporary graduate visa 485, allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to stay in Australia temporarily. With this visa, you can gain work experience in your field, improve your chances of securing employer sponsorship, or apply for another skilled visa pathway.

Types of Graduate Visa 485

There are two main streams for the graduate visa 485:

1. Graduate Work Stream – For international students with skills and qualifications closely related to occupations on Australia’s skilled occupation list.
2. Post-Study Work Stream – For students who have recently completed a higher education degree in Australia.

There are also visa 485 extension options available under specific circumstances, which allow certain graduates to extend their stay in Australia.

485 Visa Requirements

To apply for the visa 485, applicants must meet specific visa 485 requirements, including:

• Must be under 50 years of age.
• Hold an eligible student visa (Subclass 500) in the last 6 months.
• Meet the 485 visa English requirements through IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or other accepted tests.
• Have health insurance in place.
• Provide the 485 visa checklist documents such as passport, visa grant letter, health cover, qualification documents, and English test results.

485 Visa IELTS General or Academic?

A common question among applicants is whether to take IELTS general or academic for 485 visa. The requirement depends on the visa application stage. Usually, both IELTS General and Academic are accepted for the 485 visa IELTS requirement.

• IELTS requirement for 485 visa 2020 and beyond: You must achieve an overall score of at least 6 with a minimum of 5 in each band.
• IELTS validity for 485 visa: The test must be taken within 3 years before lodging your application.

485 PTE Requirement & English Criteria

If you prefer the PTE Academic test, the 485 PTE requirement is a minimum score of 50 overall, with no less than 36 in each section. This aligns with the English requirement for 485 visa and is considered equivalent to IELTS scores. The 485 visa English requirements are mandatory for all applicants, ensuring they can integrate into the Australian workplace.

485 Visa Processing Time

The 485 visa processing time varies depending on the stream and the number of applications being processed by the Department of Home Affairs. Generally:

• Graduate Work Stream: 4 to 6 months.
• Post-Study Work Stream: 5 to 7 months.
• Extension applications may take additional time depending on eligibility.

Applicants should always ensure their 485 visa checklist is complete to avoid unnecessary delays.

485 Visa Extension

The subclass 485 visa extension is available for eligible graduates. If your course and location qualify, you may be able to apply for a graduate visa 485 extension. For example:

• International graduates from regional areas may be entitled to an additional 1–2 years on their 485 visa extension.
• The 485 visa extension eligibility depends on where you studied and lived during your course.
• The 485 visa extension fee is similar to the base visa application charge but may vary depending on your situation.

Understanding the graduate visa 485 extension requirements is crucial before applying to ensure you meet all conditions.

Why Choose Visa 485?

The visa 485 is a fantastic opportunity for international graduates who wish to gain hands-on work experience in Australia. It allows you to:

• Work full-time in Australia.
• Gain professional exposure in your field.
• Increase your chances of securing sponsorship under visas like Subclass 186 or Subclass 482.
• Extend your stay in Australia with the 485 visa extension if eligible.

Final Thoughts

The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 is an excellent stepping stone for international students who want to transition from studying in Australia to working and potentially settling permanently. Understanding the visa 485 requirements, English test obligations, and 485 visa checklist will help you prepare a strong application.

If you are planning to apply for the graduate visa 485 or looking into the 485 visa extension, it is highly recommended to seek professional advice. Consulting the Best Migration Agent Adelaide ensures that your application is accurate, complete, and aligned with the latest immigration updates. With expert guidance, you can maximize your chances of a successful outcome and start building your future in Australia.