TEMPORARY GRADUATE (SUBCLASS 485) VISA

TEMPORARY GRADUATE (SUBCLASS 485) VISA

The Subclass 485 visa is for those whom have studied in Australia and wish to remain for work experience or transition to permanent residence through the General Skilled Migration Scheme.

This subclass is divided into two streams, being the Graduate Work and the Post-Study Work stream.

Here are some of the key differences between the two:

Graduate Work:

• Need to undergo relevant skills assessment
• Valid for 18 months
• Occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)

Post-Study Work Stream:

• Must have completed an Australian Bachelor, Masters or Doctoral degree
• Valid for 2-4 years
• Must have held/hold one Student Visa since 2011

In order to be eligible for either of these streams you must have held an eligible Student visa within 6 months from the date you apply.

With this visa, there is an extremely high rate of refusal due to complexity of time application legislation. Some essential criteria to meet prior to submitting your application is providing evidence of an English language test or holding adequate health insurance. If sufficient evidence is not submitted with your application, then it will be refused.

What is often misunderstood with this visa subclass, is that if the application is refused, the only opportunity to apply for the Subclass 485 disappears. Due to this, it is imperative to have your application 100% accurate the first time around.

As a practical example, Lulu Jemimah was refused her Subclass 485 visa and lost her opportunity to apply for this visa on the basis of not providing her language test results at the time she submitted her application. Follow this link for the full articule http://www.theage.com.au/national/investigations/is-lulus-english-good-enough-the-immigration-department-is-not-convinced-20161208-gt6vn2.html

Due to time restrictions on applying for a Subclass 485, it is important to begin thinking of your future in Australia prior to graduation.

For an assessment of your eligibility and advice regarding the criteria you are required to meet, do not hesitate to contact