The Graduate Temporary 485 Visa to PR pathway begins with the subclass 485 visa, a temporary graduate visa that allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after their studies have ended.
There are two main streams within the subclass 485 visa (in addition to a subsequent / 2nd 485):
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream: This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with qualifications that are relevant to specific occupations Australia needs. It lets you live, study and work in Australia temporarily. The length of stay on this visa is up to 18 months.
- Post-Study Work stream: This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution. It lets you live, work and study in Australia temporarily. The length of stay on this visa is usually between 2 and 3 years, depending on your qualification. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years.
Permanent Visa Options for Holders of a Graduate Temporary 485 Visa to PR
There are a number of permanent visa options after 485 available to holders of a subclass 485 visa, including:
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): This visa is for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member. To be eligible for this visa, you must have a skilled occupation that is in demand in Australia and meet certain points requirements.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government. To be eligible for this visa, you must have a skilled occupation that is in demand in the nominating state or territory and meet certain points requirements.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)
Purpose: To attract skilled workers to designated regional areas of Australia.
Eligibility:
- Nomination: You need to be nominated by a state or territory government agency, OR sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.
- Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Skill Assessment: You need a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Age: Be under 45 years old when you apply.
- English: Have ‘Competent’ English (equivalent to IELTS 6 in each band).
- Points Test: Meet the minimum points requirement, which can vary.
Visa Duration: 5 years.
Pathway to PR: After 3 years living and working in a designated regional area on this visa, and meeting income and other requirements, you may be eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191).
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494)
Purpose: Allows regional employers to address labor shortages by sponsoring skilled workers they can’t source locally.
Eligibility:
- Employer Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by an approved employer in a designated regional area.
- Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list OR the Regional Occupation List.
- Skill Assessment: You need a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- English: Have ‘Competent’ English (equivalent to IELTS 6 in each band).
- Age: Generally, be under 45 years old.
- Genuine Position: The position offered must be genuine and ongoing.
Visa Duration: 5 years.
Pathway to PR: After 3 years working for your sponsoring employer in a designated regional area on this visa, and meeting income and other requirements, you may be eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191).
Key Differences:
491: Focuses on attracting skilled workers to regional areas through state/territory nomination or family sponsorship.
494: Focuses on filling specific skills gaps in regional areas through employer sponsorship.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): This visa is for skilled workers who have been nominated by an employer to fill a skilled position. To be eligible for this visa, you must have a skilled occupation that is in demand in Australia and have been offered a position by an approved Australian employer. There are two main streams, and most people transition via a subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS, subclass 482) visa after a 2-year qualifying period.
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187): This visa is for skilled workers who have been nominated by an employer to fill a skilled position in a designated regional area of Australia. To be eligible for this visa, you must have a skilled occupation that is in demand in the nominating region and have been offered a position by an approved Australian employer. The main criteria are analogous to the subclass 186 visa.
Other Options
In addition to the above permanent visa options, holders of a subclass 485 visa may also be eligible for other permanent visas, such as:
- Partner visa: If you are in a de facto relationship or married to an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a partner visa.
- Parent visa: If you have a child who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a parent visa.
How to Apply for 485 Visa
To apply for the 485 visa, follow these key steps:
- Meet the Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet all requirements, including having completed your studies in Australia in the last six months and having an eligible qualification.
- English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate Competent English (equivalent to IELTS 6 in each band) if required.
- Health and Character Requirements: Meet Australia’s health and character requirements by undergoing relevant checks and obtaining a police certificate.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare essential documents, including proof of identity, qualification details, health insurance, and English language test results if necessary.
- Submit an Online Application: Lodge your visa application through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. Ensure all information is accurate and fees are paid.
- Await a Decision: Processing times can vary, so monitor your application status and respond promptly if additional information is requested.
Graduate Temporary 485 Visa to PR: Your Pathway to Permanent Residency
The Australian graduate visa offers a valuable opportunity for international graduates to gain Australian work experience and ultimately pursue permanent residency.
By exploring pathways such as the Skilled Independent, Skilled Nominated, and Regional Sponsored Migration schemes, you can increase your chances of achieving your dream of becoming an Australian permanent resident.
Take the next step towards your Graduate Temporary 485 Visa to PR journey with Longton Migration. Our expert team is here to guide you through visa options tailored to your goals. Contact us today for personalised assistance!
*This is intended as general information only and not to be construed as legal advice. The above information is subject to changes over time. You should always seek professional advice before taking any course of action.*