What is post study work visa in Australia?
Before we dive into this topic, let me ask you a question. If you are considering studying abroad, have your parents ever discussed with you the possibility of completing your studies there and settling down permanently (e.g., obtaining a work visa or permanent residency)? If you’ve encountered this situation before, then this article might be beneficial for you.
In Australia, international students, including both you and me, are allowed to stay and work in the country after graduating, as long as we obtain a valid visa for that purpose. However, the challenge lies in choosing the right visa among the various options available. With a few types of visas, determining the most suitable one can be confusing. So, let’s explore the options further to gain a better understanding!
Among the various visa options available for international students, one of the most popular and sought-after visas is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Post-Study Work Stream. This visa allows international students to not only live and study in Australia but also gain valuable work experience. Moreover, they have the option to bring their immediate family members to stay with them during this period.
The Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) specifically caters for international students who have successfully completed a Diploma, Bachelor and Postgraduate programme at an Australian institution. Graduates can live and work in Australia for an extended period, ranging from 18 months to 4 years depending on 2 things, what qualification they have obtained and the location where they completed their course. More on that later.
In short, the Subclass 485 visa presents a wonderful opportunity for international graduates to enhance their skills and gain practical work experience while living in Australia. It opens doors to numerous possibilities and a promising future for those who wish to explore and establish their careers.
Post study work visa Australia 485 extension
Effective 1st July 2023, the Australian government has introduced an extended Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485), offering work rights and opportunities to eligible international graduates, allowing them to legally work and stay in Australia based on their education qualifications, only for bachelor’s degree or master’s degree. The extension provides different years of additional stay beyond the original visa duration, depending on the type of qualification attained and the location where you have completed the programme:
- Bachelor’s degree: Extension from 2 to 4 years
- Master’s degree: Extension from 3 to 6 years
- PhDs: Extension from 4 to 6 years
However, the actual number of extension years is subject to the List of Occupations and Qualifications Eligible for Post-Study Work Rights Extension. This comprehensive list outlines the various courses provided by specific institutions that will influence the approved extension years under this visa. The above list will be updated on a yearly basis, and as a rule of thumb, if you cannot find your institution in the aforementioned list, you will not be eligible for the extended work visa.
Do take note that these extensions are in addition to the existing additional 1 to 2 years of work rights for eligible students who study, live, and work in regional areas in Australia. To navigate the list to find an ideal programme suited for your background and interest, contact us to find out more!
Course of study eligible for extended work visa
To give you a better understanding of different courses that are eligible for this visa, we put together a list to help you on that. It will still be a great idea to check-in with us if your current background can meet the entry requirement to apply for these programmes.
For certain postgraduate courses, entry requirements may include prerequisite knowledge. For example, to enrol in the Master of Public Health programme, a Medical Related Degree is required. However, there are programme that do not have specific prerequisites, such as the Master of Information Technology, which accepts students from diverse backgrounds. If you’re looking to enhance your skills or re-skill, this presents a great opportunity.
Course Area | Eligible Courses |
Engineering |
and many more! |
ICT |
and many more! |
Medical and Nursing |
and many more! |
Allied Health |
and many more! |
Agriculture |
and many more! |
Teaching |
and many more! |
Professional Health |
and many more! |
Diagnostic |
and many more! |
Others |
and many more! |
The above is just a tip of an iceberg for the eligible courses under this visa. For more information on the details provided above, do not hesitate to contact us now!
What is 485 visa requirement?
Now that you have a clear understanding of how this visa works, the next step is to familiarise yourself with the application requirements to ensure you are well-prepared for the process. Below are the key requirements you need to fulfil:
- Your age must be under 50 years old.
- You must have a valid student visa to Australia on or after 5 November 2011.
- You must hold an eligible qualification of Bachelor’s degree and above.
- In the past 6 months before application, you must meet the Australia study requirement and the course must be accredited by the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), together with completing it in English and within 2 academic years.
- You need to meet the English language requirements, which can be demonstrated through various accepted English language tests.
- You must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government and are required to have adequate health insurance during your stay in Australia.
If you need more information about the requirements, click here or reach out to us!
How to apply 485 visa?
To apply for the 485 visa, there are several steps that you need to follow. To help you with better visualisation, I’ve separated it into 5 main steps. Read on to discover how you can obtain the 485 visa!
Pre-Application:
- Ensure you have a valid passport. If you are planning to get a new passport or your passport is expiring, do it before applying for this visa.
- Check your visa conditions to be eligible for this visa application.
- Perform a health exam to ensure you’re physically fit for this visa. Find out the examination you need to do!
- Optional: If you are getting someone to help you with this visa application, make sure that you appoint the authorised parties, such as a registered migration agent, legal practitioner, or an exempt person.
Document Preparation:
- Ensure that all information and documents you prepared are accurate!
- Prepare identity documents such as a national identity card, passport that can prove your personal details.
- Provide a completion letter from your education provider, which includes the date the course started, your completion date, a certified true copy of your transcripts, and the education provider CRICOS code.
- Undertake an English test in the 3 years before applying for this visa to prove your English proficiency. Refer here to the detailed qualification.
- Health and insurance documents to demonstrate that you are physically and mentally fit.
Application:
- Create or login to ImmiAccount and attach the needed documents as per the application flow.
- Pay the visa application charge and submit your application.
- Note: If you are applying for your immediate family members as well, you need to pay the visa application charge for them or else, your application will be voided.
Application in Process:
- Check the application status via the ImmiAccount.
- If there’s a need, the department may request additional information or documents during the processing period, so make sure to check your ImmiAccount regularly for updates.
- Stay lawful at all times.
- If you are planning to travel out of Australia when the visa is processing, make sure you have a valid visa to return as you need to be in Australia when the authority makes the decision.
Decision:
- After the processing is complete, you will receive a decision regarding your visa application. If approved, you will receive the 485 visa and can begin planning your stay and work in Australia.
To learn more about the process, click here to find out!
For more information regarding the university, programs offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
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About The Author
Eric Chooi
A passionate and inquisitive writer, always looking for new ways to write. If you don’t see him writing, maybe he is hunting for some good food!