If you’re planning to build a career in Australia after completing your studies, securing a post-study work visa is essential. Officially known as the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), this visa allows international students to stay in Australia and gain valuable work experience after graduation.
Planning early is key to ensuring a smooth transition from student life to professional life in Australia. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key aspects of the post-study work visa, including eligibility, duration, application process, and more, so you can make well-informed decisions for your future.
Overview of Australia’s Post-Study Work Visa
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia. It allows you to live, work, and gain experience in the country for a specified duration. Depending on your qualification, this visa could also serve as a stepping stone towards permanent residency.
Different Streams of Post-Study Work Visas
Australia offers several visa streams under the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) based on the level of your qualification and where you studied:
1. Graduate Work Stream
This stream is for students who have completed a diploma, certificate, or trade qualification in Australia. To qualify, the course must be closely related to an occupation listed on Australia’s Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and a positive skills assessment is required. The visa typically allows for a stay of up to 18 months.
2. Post-Study Work Stream
For students who have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, this stream provides work rights based on your qualification:
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Bachelor’s Degree: Stay for 2 years
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Master’s Degree: Stay for 3 years
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Doctoral Degree: Stay for up to 4 years
This visa is a popular option as it allows time for job exploration and career growth.
3. Second Post-Study Work Stream
Graduates from eligible regional campuses can apply for this stream after their initial post-study visa expires. It extends your stay by 1 to 2 years, depending on your location of study. This stream supports career growth in regional areas and helps contribute to the development of these regions.
Eligibility Criteria for Post-Study Work Visa
To apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
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Qualification: You must have completed a degree, diploma, or trade qualification in Australia.
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Course Duration: The course should be at least 2 academic years long and registered under CRICOS.
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Visa Status: You must hold a valid Australian Student Visa during your studies and apply for the post-study visa within six months of completing your course.
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English Proficiency: You need to provide evidence of English language skills through tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
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Health and Character: A health examination and police clearance may be required to prove good character.
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Application Timing: You must apply within 6 months of completing your studies while still in Australia.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Post-Study Work Permit
Applying for a post-study work visa involves a few important steps:
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Check Your Eligibility: Ensure that you meet all the requirements, such as completing a valid course, holding a student visa, and proving your English proficiency.
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Gather Documents: Prepare the following documents:
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Passport and recent photos
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Academic transcripts and completion letter
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Proof of English proficiency
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Health insurance (Overseas Visitor Health Cover - OVHC)
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Police clearance certificate
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Apply Online Through ImmiAccount: Log in to your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website, fill out the application form, and upload the required documents.
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Pay the Application Fee: The application fee varies by stream but typically starts around AUD 2,300 for most streams.
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Biometrics and Health Checks: You may be asked to provide biometrics or undergo health checks. Complete these requirements promptly if requested.
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Wait for the Decision: The Department of Home Affairs will process your application, and processing times can vary, so it’s important to apply early.
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Receive Your Visa Grant: If your application is successful, you will receive a visa grant notification detailing the conditions and validity of your visa.
Duration of Post-Study Work Visa
The duration of the post-study work visa depends on your qualification and where you studied:
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Bachelor’s Graduates: 2 years in major cities, up to 3 years in regional areas.
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Master’s Graduates: 3 years in cities, up to 4 years in regional areas.
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Doctoral Graduates: Up to 6 years.
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Indian Graduates with First-Class Bachelors: Extended work rights under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA).
Costs for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The application cost for the Temporary Graduate Visa varies depending on the stream:
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Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: From AUD 2,300
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Post-Higher Education Work Stream: From AUD 2,300
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Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: From AUD 905
The fees are subject to change, so it’s a good idea to check the official website or consult an expert for the most up-to-date information.
Recent Updates on Post-Study Work Visa
Australia’s post-study work visa policies are continuously evolving. Some notable updates include:
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From December 2024: New eligibility criteria focus on aligning graduate qualifications with Australia’s skilled occupation lists.
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Skills in Demand Visa: The subclass 482 visa replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage visa, providing employer-sponsored opportunities for Temporary Graduate visa holders.
For the latest information, stay updated via the Department of Home Affairs website.
Wrapping Up
Australia’s post-study work visa options offer excellent opportunities for international students to gain valuable work experience after graduation. With the right preparation and understanding of the application process, you can maximize your chances of success and take the next step toward a fulfilling career in Australia.
At Career Brick, we help students not only find the right university but also navigate the visa process, stay updated on policy changes, and plan their career paths effectively. Contact us for expert guidance on your study abroad journey.
FAQs
Q1. Do I need a job offer to apply for the Post-Study Work Visa?
No, a job offer is not required to apply for the post-study work visa. You can live, work, and explore job opportunities after completing your studies.
Q2. Can I extend my Post-Study Work Visa?
In most cases, the post-study work visa cannot be extended. However, you may explore other visa pathways, such as skilled migration or employer-sponsored visas.
Q3. Do I need health insurance for the Post-Study Work Visa?
Yes, maintaining valid health insurance is mandatory while you’re on the Temporary Graduate Visa.
Q4. Can I apply for permanent residency after the Post-Study Work Visa?
Yes, many graduates use this visa as a pathway to permanent residency, especially through skilled migration or employer sponsorship, depending on the occupation demand.
Q5. When should I apply for the Post-Study Work Visa?
You must apply within six months of completing your course. Applying early ensures no disruptions in your stay and employment opportunities in Australia.
