Temporary Graduate Visa: Eligibility, Essential Documentation, Application Process, and Associated Fees

Overview of Temporary Graduate Visa

An Australian temporary graduate visa Subclass 485 permits international students to stay back in Australia after completing their studies. Under this visa, individuals are allowed to either work or study. There are several streams of this visa, such as the graduate work stream, post-study work stream, and replacement stream. Staying back in an international country after completing your studies is an option provided by many countries. For example, a UK study visa for students gives international students in the UK a similar opportunity. It is known as a Graduate Visa in the UK. In this article, we will be focusing on Australia and how you can secure your temporary graduate visa Subclass 485

Eligibility Criteria for Temporary Graduate Visa

To be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), applicants must meet several criteria:

• Australian Study Requirement: Completion of courses in Australia that meet the Australian study requirement.
• Age Requirement: Applicants must be under 50 years of age.
• English Proficiency: A competent level of English (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) is necessary.
• Visa Status: A valid student visa or a bridging visa A, B, or C if the student visa has expired in the last six months.
• Skill Assessment (For Graduate Work stream): A relevant skill assessment from an authorized body.
• Health and Character: Applicants must meet health and character requirements and possess valid health insurance.
• Financial Obligations: No outstanding debts to the Australian Government.
• Recent Qualification: A qualification from a CRICOS-registered course is required.

How to Apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa

Here’s how international students can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485): 

• Determine Eligibility: First, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria for your desired stream.
• Gather Necessary Documents: Collect all required documentation, including proof of graduation, English proficiency test results, and health insurance coverage.
• Apply Online: Applications must be submitted online via the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
• Pay the Application Fee: Application fees must be paid at the time of submission.
• Await Decision: Processing times vary, so applicants should prepare to wait for a decision.

Document Requirements

Documents you will need to share for a successful application: 

• A valid copy of your passport.
• Applicants need to submit a completion letter stating the start and end date of their education. Australian authorities require you to share your CRSCOS code as well.
• Applicants need to provide evidence of their skills for a work position. Attaching your skill assessment documents or evidence that you’ve applied for the assessment is sufficient. You can share a copy of the assessment as soon as you get the results.
  
• Proof of your English language competency.
  
• Proof of valid health insurance.
  
• Proof of good character, along with Form 80 and Form 1221. 

Note: If you are applying with your spouse/children, you will need to submit some additional documents.

Temporary Graduate Visa Processing Time & Application Cost 

The application cost for a Graduate work stream and a Post-Study Work stream visa is AUD 1,895. The cost for a Replacement stream visa is AUD 1,895 as well. The processing time for any of these applications can take between 4 to 14 months. The time it takes can depend on the information you submit along with some other factors. 

Renewal/Extension

This visa does not typically allow for renewal or extension. However, in some circumstances, visa holders may be eligible to apply for another visa type to extend their stay in Australia.

Differences Between Temporary Graduate Visas and Other Visas

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) stands out among various Australian visas due to its unique purpose and eligibility criteria. Here’s how it differs:

• Specific Target Group: This visa is exclusively for students who’ve recently finished their studies in Australia. It’s tailored for those looking to gain practical work experience in their field of study within Australia.
• Two Streams for Flexibility: It comes in two streams – the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study Work stream. This means it caters to both students with skills in high demand (Graduate Work stream) and those who have completed higher education degrees in any field (Post-Study Work stream).
• Short-term Stay: It allows a temporary stay in Australia, giving graduates a chance to apply their skills in the workforce. The length of stay varies by stream but is generally shorter than permanent visas.
• Work and Study Permissions: Holders can work and study in Australia, providing a blend of professional development and further education opportunities if desired.
• No Pathway to Permanent Residency Directly: Unlike some other visas, the Temporary Graduate Visa doesn’t directly lead to permanent residency. However, it can be a stepping stone, offering valuable work experience that might help in applying for other visas later.

In summary, the Temporary Graduate Visa is specifically designed to benefit recent graduates from Australian institutions by offering them a unique opportunity to gain work experience in Australia, tailored to their study and skills background, but with a temporary stay.

Benefits of a Temporary Graduate Visa

A Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) gives international students a chance to pick up work experience in Australia. This enhances their chances of finding better job opportunities both in Australia and across the world. 

Staying back in Australia after studies allows students to improve their network. Building strong professional networks can help students find long-term career prospects. 

A Temporary Graduate Work stream visa opens the doors to applying for a Permanent Residency visa. International students on a Post-Study Work stream visa have the freedom to work in any industry they wish. There are no restrictions on who a student can work for and in what kind of professional role.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing Application Deadline: Applicants should ensure that they complete the application six less than months after graduating.
• Selecting the Wrong Stream: Understand which stream is best for you to heighten your chances of getting a visa. Applicants cannot change the stream they opt for after applying. 
• Incorrect Document Submission: Failure to submit all the necessary documents will result in a rejected application. Hence, make sure that all documentation you provide is correct and accurate. 
• Not Meeting All Study Requirements: Applicants must have registered under CRICOS, and those who do not meet the standards will be rejected. 

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) serves as a stepping stone for international graduates in Australia, offering them the chance to gain work experience and contribute to the Australian economy. By adhering to the application guidelines and avoiding common pitfalls, applicants can maximize their chances of a successful visa outcome.