Just like the UK and Canada, the Australian government grants international students a post study visa of two to four years for them to live and work in Australia after their study.
This is commonly known as the “Temporary Graduate Visa 485,” which allows graduates to work for varying durations based on their tertiary education. Below are a few things you need to know about this visa;
- This visa allows you to bring in your family members to Australia.
- Applicants must have had an eligible Visa like the student visa to qualify for the 485 visa.
- Applicants of this visa and their family members need to have health insurance to be eligible.
- Students with “Bridging Visa A” can stay in Australia while they apply for 485 visas.
- International Students must have finished their degree within six months of applying.
- There are two streams through which students can get the 485 visa;
Post-Study Work Stream
International students with a degree from an Australian university or tertiary institution can apply. Application for this visa cost AUD 1,730 or more (depending on if you are bringing in your family).
The duration of the visa issued through this stream depends on your level of education rather than the study discipline;
| Degree Type | Length of Visa |
| Bachelor Degree | 2 Years |
| Graduate Certificate | Not Eligible |
| Graduate Diploma | Not Eligible |
| Master’s Degree | 3 Years |
| Doctorate/PhD | 4 Years |
Only international students with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and a doctorate/PhD are eligible to apply for a postgraduate study visa. Application for this visa can be done here.
Graduate Work Stream
Unlike the 457 temporary work visa available to most people. This one is only available to graduates without an employer’s sponsorship.
Students who have studied from anywhere in the world and have skills Australia’s lack can apply for an 18 months work visa for AUD 1,730 (depending on if they are bringing in a family member). To apply, you must nominate a skilled occupation and then meet the relevant study requirement.
Acceptable example; Nominating “Accounting” as your occupation and holding a bachelor’s of commerce (Accounting).
Unacceptable example; Nominating “Civil engineer” as your occupation and holding a bachelors of laws.
This visa type has a shorter duration, but is opened to more qualifications;
| Degree Type | Eligible for Graduate Work Stream |
| Certificate III or higher | Yes |
| Diploma | Yes |
| Bachelor Degree | Yes |
| Graduate Certificate | Yes |
| Graduate Diploma | Yes |
| Master’s Degree | Yes |
| PhD | Yes |
To check if your occupation is eligible, click here
HOW TO APPLY THROUGH POST-STUDY/GRADUATE WORK STREAM
Before You Apply
You need to start this process as soon as your education provider has confirmed your course. You must apply for this visa within 6 months of the official date of completion.
To apply, ensure you have a valid passport and if you plan on getting a new passport, do so before applying.
Check your visa conditions, because if you have a “No further stay” condition 8534 or 8503 on your current visa, you will need to have the condition waived using Form 1447 No Further Stay Waiver (447KB PDF). You will need to submit an ImmiAccount technical support form.
Also, you might need to get a health examination before applying or you can wait till you are done applying to get it done. Lastly, if you are getting help with your application ensure the person helping you is either a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or an exempt person.
Gather Your Documents
You need to provide documents to support your application. Decisions are made based on information provided during application.
The types of documents to provide includes identity documents, study documents, English language requirement documents, health insurance documents, character documents, partner documents, Dependants under 18 documents, prepare your documents, COVID-19 impacted students.
Check here for full details
Apply For The Visa
To apply for a visa you need to create or login to ImmiAccount, upload your documents, pay the visa application fee (you need to pay for both you and your family member or else your application wouldn’t be valid), and submit your application.
For more details, check here
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of opportunities to cease by studying in countries like Australia. Which is why Mundus Consult is dedicated to helping you get those opportunities.
Cease these opportunities by booking a consultation call with our counselor for guidance, if you are interested in studying in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia and other European countries.
Also, if you are looking to applying for scholarships abroad, feel free to join our “Scholarship Mentorship with Mundus,” where you can get a step-by-step guide to getting a scholarship approved, get your documents reviewed, access document samples, links to scholarship registration, join a community of like minded people and a lot more.
To join the “Scholarship mentorship with Mundus,” contact us through; WhatsApp-07069537752 or send an email to office@mundusconsult.com.
Lastly, gain access to our monthly webinars, updates on scholarships and study abroad tips by joining our community on Telegram.