Temporary Graduate Visa

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Bridge Your Education to Your Future in Australia

The Temporary Graduate Visa provides Australian educated graduates with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, enhance their skills, and potentially transition to permanent residency in Australia. Our expert migration consultants offer comprehensive guidance throughout the application process, helping you maximize the benefits of your Australian education and advance your career aspirations.

What is a Temporary Graduate Visa?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have completed eligible Australian qualifications to remain in Australia temporarily to gain work experience related to their field of study. This visa serves as a crucial bridge between education and employment, offering graduates the chance to apply their knowledge in the Australian workplace while exploring pathways to permanent residency.

Types of Temporary Graduate Visas

Graduate Work Stream

For graduates of diploma, advanced diploma, or trade qualifications
18-month validity period for work and travel
Full work rights throughout Australia
Study allowance of up to 90 days
Single application opportunity

Post-Study Work Stream

For bachelor, master, or doctoral degree graduates
2 to 4-year validity based on qualification level
Full work rights with unlimited employment options
Study allowance of up to 90 days
Multiple application opportunities available

Why Choose Our Temporary Graduate Visa Services?

Expert Pathway Guidance

Our registered migration agents understand the complex relationship between Australian education and migration pathways, providing expert advice on optimizing your Temporary Graduate Visa to achieve long-term career and residency goals in Australia.

Comprehensive Application Support

From eligibility assessment to visa grant, we provide complete support including documentation preparation, skills assessment guidance, application completion, and ongoing communication with the Department of Home Affairs throughout your graduate journey.

Personalized Career Planning

We provide tailored advice based on your educational background, career aspirations, industry focus, and personal circumstances to ensure you maximize the opportunities available during your Temporary Graduate Visa period.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Our experienced team helps graduates understand and navigate pathways to permanent residency including skilled migration, employer sponsorship, and state nomination programs, ensuring your Temporary Graduate Visa serves as a strategic step toward long-term Australian residence.

Eligibility Requirements

Educational Requirements

Completion of eligible Australian qualification within the past 6 months
Qualification must be from CRICOS-registered institution
Meet Australian study requirements of minimum 16 months full-time study
Course must be at least Certificate III level or higher
Academic integrity and satisfactory completion requirements

Genuine Temporary Entrant Requirements

Genuine intention to use the visa for work and travel purposes
Clear career development plans aligned with qualification
Intention to depart Australia at visa expiration
No adverse immigration or academic history
Realistic employment and skill development expectations

Character and Health Requirements

Character requirements must be satisfied by all applicants
Health insurance coverage for visa duration
Health examinations may be required for extended stays
Police clearance certificates from countries of residence
No serious criminal history or security concerns

English Language Requirements

Competent English demonstrated through recognized testing
Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall band or equivalent
TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge English test alternatives
English proficiency maintained from student visa period
No additional testing required if met during studies

Our Process

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Comprehensive assessment of educational background and qualifications
Discussion of career goals and industry focus
Explanation of visa streams and eligibility requirements
Personalized action plan development
Timeline and expectation setting

Step 2: Eligibility Assessment

Review of academic transcripts and qualification details
Verification of Australian study requirements compliance
Assessment of English language proficiency status
Evaluation of health and character requirements
Identification of optimal visa stream recommendation

Step 3: Documentation Preparation

Guidance on required documentation
Assistance with skills assessment preparation where applicable
Support for health and character documentation
Health insurance arrangement and coverage verification
Application form completion and review

Step 4: Application Lodgement

Preparation and final review of complete visa application
Lodgement with Department of Home Affairs
Payment of government fees
Confirmation of application receipt and reference numbers

Step 5: Post-Grant Support

Explanation of visa conditions and work rights
Career development and employment guidance
Pathway planning to permanent residency options
Ongoing support during visa validity period

Visa Benefits and Conditions

Work Rights

Full work rights throughout Australia with no hourly restrictions
Access to diverse employment opportunities across industries
Professional development and skill enhancement opportunities
Pathway to employer sponsorship and permanent residency
Income generation to support independent living

Travel Flexibility

Multiple entries during visa validity period
Freedom to travel throughout Australia
International travel opportunities with re-entry rights
Extended stay periods based on qualification level
Exploration of regional and metropolitan opportunities

Study Opportunities

Study allowance of up to 90 days during visa period
Professional development courses and training programs
Language improvement and skill enhancement courses
Research opportunities and academic collaborations
Networking and professional association participation

Visa Duration by Qualification Level

Post-Study Work Stream Duration

Bachelor degree graduates receive 2 years visa validity
Master’s degree graduates by coursework receive 2 years
Master’s degree graduates by research receive 3 years
Doctoral degree graduates receive 4 years visa validity
Multiple qualifications may extend eligibility period

Graduate Work Stream Duration

Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Trade Qualification holders receive 18 months visa validity
Single application opportunity per qualification level
Work experience focused visa conditions
Industry specific employment opportunities
Skills development and career progression support

Making the Most of Your Temporary Graduate Visa

Career Development Strategies

Industry networking through professional associations and events
Skills enhancement through workplace training and development
Mentorship programs and career guidance services
Portfolio development and professional documentation
Leadership opportunities and project management experience

Employment Opportunities

Graduate programs and entry-level professional positions
Internships and work experience placements
Industry-specific roles aligned with educational background
Cross-functional positions for diverse experience
Entrepreneurial ventures and startup opportunities

Professional Networking

Industry associations and professional bodies membership
Alumni networks and university career services
Conference and seminar participation
Volunteer opportunities and community engagement
Mentor and mentee relationship development

Pathways to Permanent Residency

Skilled Migration Pathways

Points tested skilled independent visa options
State nomination programs for regional migration
Employer sponsorship through temporary and permanent visas
Regional migration incentives and benefits
Occupation-specific migration streams and priorities

Skills Assessment Requirements

Relevant assessing authority identification and application
Qualification recognition and credential evaluation
Work experience documentation and verification
Professional membership and accreditation requirements
Continuing professional development documentation

Employer Sponsorship Opportunities

Temporary work visas as pathway to permanent residency
Direct employer nomination for skilled positions
Industry-specific sponsorship programs and initiatives
Regional employer incentives and support programs
Business ownership and investment visa pathways

Important Considerations

Health Insurance Requirements

Maintain OSHC or equivalent health coverage throughout stay
Understand coverage limitations and exclusions
Plan for additional health services and emergency care
Consider family health insurance for dependents
Transition planning to Australian healthcare systems

Tax and Financial Planning

Tax file number application and employment requirements
Understanding tax residency and obligations
Superannuation contributions from employers
Financial planning for permanent residency transition
Investment and savings opportunity planning

Settlement and Integration

Community engagement and cultural integration programs
Language improvement and communication skills development
Housing and accommodation planning and support
Transport and infrastructure navigation assistance
Legal and financial service provider recommendations

Get Started Today

Ready to leverage your Australian education and advance your career in Australia? Contact our expert migration consultants for a comprehensive consultation and discover how we can help you successfully obtain your Temporary Graduate Visa and achieve your long-term Australian residency goals.

A Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have completed eligible Australian qualifications to remain in Australia temporarily to gain work experience related to their field of study. Eligible applicants must have completed a qualification from a CRICOS-registered institution within the past six months, meet Australian study requirements of at least sixteen months full-time study, and satisfy health, character, and English language proficiency requirements.

The visa duration depends on the qualification level with Post-Study Work stream offering two years for bachelor degree graduates, two years for master's by coursework graduates, three years for master's by research graduates, and four years for doctoral degree graduates. The Graduate Work stream provides eighteen months for diploma, advanced diploma, or trade qualification holders, with all visas allowing multiple entries during their validity period.

The current government application charge is AUD $1,680 for the primary applicant, with additional fees of AUD $1,680 for partners or spouses and AUD $840 for dependent children. These fees are subject to annual review and may be accompanied by additional costs including health examinations, police clearance certificates, and ongoing health insurance requirements throughout the visa period.

Yes, Temporary Graduate Visa holders enjoy full unrestricted work rights throughout Australia with no limitations on hours or employers, allowing graduates to pursue diverse employment opportunities, gain valuable Australian work experience, and potentially secure positions that may lead to employer sponsorship or other permanent residency pathways.

Yes, applicants must demonstrate Competent English through recognized testing with minimum requirements typically including IELTS band scores of 6.0 in each component, though TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English tests are also accepted. However, if you met English requirements during your Student Visa period, additional testing may not be necessary for the Temporary Graduate Visa application.

Yes, you can include your spouse or partner and dependent children as secondary applicants in your Temporary Graduate Visa application, with each family member receiving the same visa conditions and duration as the primary applicant. Additional application fees apply for each included family member, and you must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to support your family during the visa period.

Required documentation includes a valid passport, completion letters or transcripts from your Australian educational institution, proof of meeting Australian study requirements, English language test results if required, health insurance coverage details, health examination results if requested, police clearance certificates from countries of residence, and evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself and any included family members.

Processing times typically range from two to four months for approximately 75% of applications, with 90% of applications finalized within six months, though complex cases involving health or character assessments, previous visa history, or additional documentation requirements may take longer. Applications lodged through ImmiAccount generally experience faster processing than paper-based submissions.

Yes, Temporary Graduate Visa holders can study for up to ninety days during their visa period, which provides excellent opportunities for professional development, skill enhancement, language improvement, or pursuing additional qualifications that complement their career goals while maintaining primary focus on gaining relevant work experience in their field of study.

After Temporary Graduate Visa expiration, graduates may explore pathways to permanent residency including the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), or Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) through points-tested migration, employer sponsorship through Subclass 186 or 482 visas, or other applicable visa categories. Many graduates use this period to gain Australian work experience, complete skills assessments, and build competitive profiles for permanent residency applications.