Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485: A Bridge to Permanent Residency

Australia is a popular destination for international students and skilled workers seeking new opportunities. For many, the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is an essential step in their journey. This visa offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable work experience in Australia, which can lead to permanent residency. This blog post will explore the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), its benefits, and how it can be a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

Understanding the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. This visa allows graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. There are two streams under this visa:

1. Graduate Work Stream:

   This is for international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications that relate to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This visa is typically granted for 18 months.

2. Post-Study Work Stream:

   This is for international students who have recently graduated with a higher education degree from an Australian institution, regardless of their field of study. Depending on the qualification, this visa can be granted for up to four years.

Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) offers numerous benefits that make it an attractive option for recent graduates:

• Work Experience:

  It provides an opportunity to gain relevant work experience in Australia, enhancing your skills and employability.

• Pathway to Permanent Residency:

  The experience and skills gained during your stay on this visa can significantly improve your chances of qualifying for other visas that lead to permanent residency, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

• Flexibility:

  You can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia without restrictions.

• Dependents:

  You can include your family members in your application, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia as well.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

One of the key advantages of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is that it serves as a stepping stone to permanent residency. Here’s how you can leverage this visa for your PR journey:

Gain Relevant Work Experience

While on the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), gaining relevant work experience is crucial. Employers in Australia highly value local experience, which can make you a more competitive candidate for other visas. Moreover, this experience can help you meet the criteria for skilled visas.

Skill Assessment and Points Test

To apply for a permanent residency visa like the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), you need to undergo a skill assessment. The work experience gained during your stay on the Temporary Graduate Visa can be counted towards this assessment. Additionally, you will need to pass the points test, where points are awarded for various factors such as age, education, work experience, and English language proficiency.

Employer Sponsorship

Another pathway to permanent residency is through employer sponsorship. The Temporary Graduate Visa allows you to work full-time, providing an opportunity to prove your skills to potential employers. If you secure a job with an employer willing to sponsor you, you may be eligible for the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482). This visa can lead to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) after working for the same employer for a certain period.

State and Territory Nomination

Certain Australian states and territories offer nomination programs for skilled workers. These programs often have their own criteria and occupation lists. Gaining experience in a state or territory can improve your chances of being nominated for a visa like the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491), which can eventually lead to permanent residency.

Transitioning from a Temporary Graduate Visa to a Permanent Residency

The journey from a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) to permanent residency involves several steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process:

• Step 1: Research and Plan

  Before your Temporary Graduate Visa expires, research the various permanent residency options available. Understand the requirements for each visa, including the points test, skill assessment, and English language proficiency.

• Step 2: Gain Relevant Experience

  Work in your field of study to gain relevant experience. This will not only help you meet the requirements for a skill assessment but also make you a more attractive candidate for employer sponsorship or state nomination.

• Step 3: Improve Your English Proficiency

  Good English language skills are essential for most permanent residency visas. Consider taking an English language test such as IELTS or PTE to improve your score.

• Step 4: Seek Employer Sponsorship

  If you find an employer willing to sponsor you, apply for the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482). This can be a stepping stone to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), which offers a direct pathway to permanent residency.

• Step 5: Apply for State Nomination

  Look into the state and territory nomination programs. If you meet the criteria, apply for nomination. This can enhance your chances of securing a Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) or a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491).

• Step 6: Lodge Your PR Application

  Once you meet the criteria for a permanent residency visa, lodge your application. Ensure all your documents are in order and meet the visa requirements.

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is more than just a work visa in Australia; it’s a gateway to a promising future. By gaining valuable work experience, improving your skills, and exploring various pathways, you can transition from a temporary visa to permanent residency. At Amec – Ace Migration and Education Consultants, we are dedicated to helping you navigate this journey. Our experienced consultants can provide personalized advice and support to ensure your smooth and successful migration process.