For students wishing to extend their stay in Australia, applying for a 485 visa is one of the best choices. This visa is also a great start if you’re planning to permanently live in Australia. Although a 485 visa can be your best option, most applicants get visa refusals because of errors upon application. To help you avoid these errors, we list down things you should look at when applying for this visa.
Apply for a suitable stream
Many people may not know but the Temporary Graduate 485 visa has 2 streams that are very different from each other. Upon applying for this visa, you must understand the qualifications of each stream.
Graduate Work Stream
- Stay in Australia for 18 months
- Travel, work, or study in Australia during your stay
- Bring your family members
Primary requirements:
- You must have completed all course requirements
- You held a degree, diploma, or trade qualification with a nominated occupation on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Your skills must be assessed by a relevant assessing authority
Post-Study Work Stream
- Stay in Australia for between 2 to 4 years
- Live, study, and work in Australia temporarily
- Bring your family members
Primary requirements:
- Completed a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Have a CRICOS-registered course
- Your course must have been with an Australian education provider who is registered on CRICOS
Don’t miss out on deadlines
The Department of Immigration is very particular on application or submission dates. You are only eligible to apply for a Temporary Graduate 485 Visa within six months after completing your degree. Most of the time, applicants mistook completion dates and graduation ceremonies. This confusion might lead to a visa refusal. Thus, make sure to apply as soon as you complete your study or degree.
Applying for an Australian visa can be confusing and overwhelming. These complexities can lead to a costly and lengthy application process. We recommend you consult with our certified migration professionals to effectively prioritize and strategize your migration pathway.
Sources: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/graduate-work#Eligibility
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/post-study-work#Eligibility