Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students, offering world-class education and excellent career prospects. One of the major advantages of studying in Australia is the opportunity to apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485), which allows graduates to stay and work in the country after completing their studies. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the eligibility requirements, benefits, and key details about the post-study work visa in Australia.

What is the Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students to live, work, and gain professional experience in Australia after graduating from an Australian institution. This visa is designed to help skilled graduates enhance their career prospects and potentially transition to permanent residency.

Types of Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

The Subclass 485 visa is divided into two main streams:

1. Graduate Work Stream
   • For graduates with skills and qualifications relevant to Australia’s skilled occupation list.
   • Valid for up to 18 months (extended to 24 months from July 2023).
   • Requires a skills assessment in a relevant occupation.
2. Post-Study Work Stream
   • Available to graduates who have completed higher education degrees (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) from an Australian institution.
   • Valid for 2 to 4 years depending on the level of qualification:
     • Bachelor’s degree: 2 years
     • Master’s by coursework: 3 years
     • Master’s by research: 3 years
     • PhD: 4 years
   • No occupation requirements.

Eligibility Criteria for the Post-Study Work Visa

To qualify for the Subclass 485 Post-Study Work Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Age Limit: Must be under 50 years old.
2. Education: Must have completed an eligible degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) from an Australian institution.
3. Duration of Study: Must have studied for at least two academic years (92 weeks) in Australia.
4. English Proficiency: Must meet the English language requirements, such as IELTS (6.0 overall with no band less than 5.0) or equivalent.
5. Health Insurance: Must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or another acceptable health insurance plan.
6. Character & Health Requirements: Must meet the standard health and character requirements set by the Australian government.
7. Application Timeline: Must apply within 6 months of completing the course.

Benefits of the Post-Study Work Visa

Applying for a post-study work visa comes with numerous advantages, including:

1. Gain Valuable Work Experience

The Subclass 485 visa allows international graduates to gain real-world work experience in Australia, boosting their career prospects both locally and internationally.

2. Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

Many graduates use the post-study work visa as a stepping stone to permanent residency (PR) through employer sponsorship or the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.

3. Extended Stay in Australia

Depending on the qualification, graduates can stay and work in Australia for up to four years. This provides ample time to secure full-time employment or explore PR opportunities.

4. No Job Offer Required

Unlike employer-sponsored visas, the Post-Study Work Visa does not require applicants to have a job offer at the time of application.

5. Work and Study Flexibility

Visa holders can work full-time in any occupation and pursue further studies, making it a flexible option for graduates.

6. Bring Family Members

Applicants can include family members (spouse and children) in their visa application, allowing them to work and study in Australia as well.

How to Apply for the Post-Study Work Visa?

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for the Subclass 485 visa:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications and English language proficiency.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Australian degree certificate or completion letter
• English language test results
• Health insurance (OSHC)
• Police clearance for character requirements
• Proof of relationship (if applying with dependents)

Step 3: Apply Online through ImmiAccount

Submit your application via the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal and pay the required visa fee.

Step 4: Complete Health and Character Checks

Undergo a medical examination and provide police clearance certificates.

Step 5: Await Visa Decision

The processing time for the Subclass 485 visa varies but typically takes 2 to 4 months.

FAQs About the Post-Study Work Visa in Australia

1. Can I Apply for PR After a Post-Study Work Visa?

Yes! Many graduates apply for permanent residency through programs such as:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Employer-Sponsored Visas

2. Can I Work Full-Time on a Post-Study Work Visa?

Yes, visa holders can work without any restrictions.

3. Can I Apply If I Studied a Diploma or Certificate Course?

No, only graduates with bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees are eligible for the Post-Study Work Stream.

4. Can I Extend My Post-Study Work Visa?

No, the Subclass 485 visa cannot be extended, but graduates can apply for another visa (such as PR or employer-sponsored visas).

5. Can I Apply for a Second Post-Study Work Visa?

In some cases, graduates from regional universities may be eligible for a second post-study work visa.

Final Thoughts

The Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) is a great opportunity for international graduates to kickstart their careers in Australia. With the ability to work full-time, gain industry experience, and even transition to permanent residency, this visa provides a pathway to a successful future in Australia.

If you need assistance with your visa application, Mahi Visa Services is here to help! Contact us today to explore your visa options and ensure a smooth application process.

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