The Australian post-study work permit, also known as the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), allows international students who have completed their studies in Australia to remain in the country temporarily to gain practical work experience, build a career, and apply for permanent residence in Australia.
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows you to:
- Stay in Australia if you are an eligible international student who has graduated from an Australian CRICOS registered course
- Include family in your application including your partner, child or partner’s child. They must meet health and character visa
- Work unrestricted hours in any sector
Learn more about eligibility, requirements, and why you should consider the post-study work permit in Australia below. To begin your study in Australia application, arrange a free consultation today.
Why Work in Australia after Graduation?
1. Wider Scope of Opportunities
Australia is one of the top economic hubs of the world; hence, the growth opportunities are massive. It has many career opportunities in fields such as business, healthcare, finance, engineering, and education that will help you elevate your career goals.
2. Hub of Multinational Companies
With an employment rate of 64.5%, Australia is home to the world’s leading companies and organisations with lucrative packages—companies like Google, Westpac, Microsoft, Telstra, etc., have been listed on the Forbes list.
3. Gateway to Permanent Residency in Australia
The post-study work permit in Australia serves as a pathway to permanent residency in Australia. Gaining work experience in the country can contribute to eligibility for various skilled migration programs.
4. Gain Work-Experience
Postgraduate Work Permit Australia allows international students to gain valuable work experience in Australia. This experience can help students gain skills and knowledge, making them more competitive in the global market.
5. Employability
Including Australian work experience on your resume can enhance your chances of employment globally. Employers often value international work experience, and they enjoy living life in Australia.
Types of Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) Visa in Australia
In July 2024, the Australian Government announced changes to the Temporary Graduate visa types in its Migration Strategy. The three main streams are now:
The Post-Higher Education Work Stream
- New Focus: Centres on higher education qualifications aligned with national skills shortages.
- Age Requirement: 18 to 35 years; exemptions for Master's (research) and PhD graduates, and Hong Kong/BNO passport holders (up to 50 years).
- Qualification: Must hold a Bachelor, Bachelor (Honours), Master's, or Doctoral degree.
- Study Requirements: Australian CRICOS-registered course completed within the last six months, lasting at least 16 months and 2 academic years.
- Cost: From AUD1945.00
- Stay Periods:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s (coursework/extended): Up to 2 years
- Master's (research) and PhD: Up to 3 years
- Up to 5 years for Hong Kong/BNO passport holders
- Indian nationals under ECTA: Extended stays, with up to 4 years for PhDs.
The Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
- New Focus: Now tailored to vocational skills in alignment with Australia’s strategic skills needs.
- Age Requirement: 18 to 35 years; exemptions for Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders (up to 50 years).
- Qualification: Must hold an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification closely related to an occupation on the MLTSSL.
- Study Requirements: Must have completed an Australian CRICOS-registered course in at least 16 months and 2 academic years of study within the last six months.
- Cost: From AUD1945.00
- Stay Period: Up to 18 months; up to 5 years for Hong Kong and BNO passport holders.
The Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Formerly the Second Post-Study Work Stream, holders who graduated with a degree from an Australian institution located in a regional area will be granted an additional stay period of 1 or 2 Years depending on the regional location of your institute and the area that you lived in as the holder of your first post study temporary graduate stream visa.
Eligibility for Post-Study Work Permit in Australia
The Australian work permit after study has specific eligibility criteria to fulfil, which are broadly as follows:
- Be under 35 years of age or under at the time of application. Exceptions apply.
- Have held a Student (subclass 500) visa in the last six months.
- Provide evidence you have applied for an AFP check when you apply.
- Provide evidence of the required level of English language with the application.
Australian Work Permit Visa Fees
The base application fee charge for Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 is $1,945.
Apply for a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) Visa
Are you interested in studying in Australia or applying for a post-study work permit? Contact SI-Australia today for a free consultation.
