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Email: info@sbsconsultant.com.au
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GSM – Subclass 485
Introduction
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a special visa for international students who have just finished studying in Australia. This visa lets you stay in Australia after graduation to work, study, and live here temporarily. It’s perfect for students who want to gain work experience in Australia and explore pathways to permanent residency. This visa is your bridge between student life and starting your career in Australia, making it one of the most popular choices for recent graduates.
Eligibility Requirements
Basic Criteria
- Age: You must be under 35 years old when you apply
- Location: You must be in Australia when you apply for the visa
- Previous visa: You must have held a student visa or bridging visa A/B in the past 6 months
- Health and character: You need to pass health checks and police clearances
- No previous 485 visa: You cannot have been granted a 485 or 476 visa before
Specific Requirements
- Education: You must have completed at least 2 years of study (92 weeks) at a CRICOS-registered Australian institution with a bachelor's degree or higher qualification
- Timing: You must apply within 6 months of finishing your course
- English language: You need to prove your English skills through IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, OET, or Cambridge C1 Advanced tests, and results must be provided at the time of application submission
- Health insurance: You must have adequate health insurance for yourself and your family
- Course completion: Your Australian qualification must have been completed within the last 6 months
- Visa streams: Choose from the Post-Higher Education Work stream, the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, or the replacement stream
Application Process
Step-by-Step Overview
1
Preparation
Gather all required documents and check your eligibility for the appropriate stream
2
English Test
Complete your English language test before applying (results must be available at application time)
3
Online Application
Submit your application through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website
4
Biometrics
Book and attend your biometrics appointment if required
5
Health Checks
Complete medical examinations if requested
6
Assessment
Wait for the Department to process your application
7
Decision
Receive your visa outcome via email
Key Tips:
- Best time to apply:
Apply as soon as possible after graduation, but within 6 months - Common mistakes:
Missing documents, incorrect health insurance, applying too late after course completion, and submitting applications without English test results ready
Required Documents
Essential Documentation
- Current passport and identity documents
- Educational certificates and transcripts from your Australian course (bachelor's degree or higher)
- Completion letter from your educational institution
- English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, OET, or Cambridge) - must be available at application time
- Health insurance policy documents (Overseas Visitor Health Cover)
- Health examination results (if requested)
- Police clearance certificates from all countries you've lived in for 12+ months
Additional Documents (Visa-Specific)
- Evidence of Australian study completion
- CRICOS course confirmation documents
- Proof of relationship for family members included in the application
- Form 80 (Personal particulars for assessment, including character assessment)
- Documents specific to your chosen visa stream
Processing Time & Costs
Application Fee
AUD 2,235 for main applicant (as of February 2025)
Secondary Applicants
AUD 960 (over 18), AUD 485 (under 18)
Processing Time
3-5 months for most applications, though processing times can vary
Additional Costs
Health exams ($400), police checks ($56), health insurance ($70-130 per month), document translations
Tips for Faster Processing
Submit complete applications with all documents, including English test results, and respond quickly to any requests from the Department
Rights and Restrictions
What You Can Do
- Work full-time in any job in Australia with no hour restrictions
- Study further courses if you wish
- Travel in and out of Australia multiple times during your visa period
- Include your partner and children in your application
Limitations
- This is a temporary visa - you cannot stay permanently on this visa alone
- You must maintain adequate health insurance throughout your stay
- You cannot apply for this visa more than once (with some specific exceptions for certain streams)
Pathway to Permanent Residence
Yes, this visa can lead to permanent residency. Many holders use this time to gain work experience, improve their skills, and apply for skilled migration visas like the Skilled Independent (189) or Skilled Nominated (190) visas. You can also explore employer sponsorship options during this period.
Common Challenges & Solutions
Challenge 1: English test scores not meeting requirements
Solution: Take additional English classes and retake the test before applying, ensuring results are ready at application time
Challenge 2: Missing course completion deadlines
Solution: Apply within 6 months of course completion and keep track of all important dates
Pro Tip:
Start preparing your documents early, even before you graduate, and complete your English test well in advance to avoid last-minute stress and ensure you meet all deadlines.
Conclusion
The 485 visa is your ticket to gaining valuable Australian work experience and exploring permanent residency options. Don’t wait – start gathering your documents now, complete your English language test, and apply within 6 months of graduation. Remember that only graduates with bachelor’s degrees or higher qualifications are eligible. If the process seems complex, consider getting help from a registered migration agent who can guide you through each step. Take action today and start building your future in Australia!
Note: Visa requirements and fees can change. Always verify current information with the Department of Home Affairs before applying.