Deciding to study in Sydney was a smart move, but what about post-graduation? For most international students, their next most important step is the Temporary Graduate Visa Sydney. Known as the Subclass 485, this visa permits you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia temporarily after your course.
Our expertise lies in enabling students to not only complete their studies but also enjoy student life and transition seamlessly into professional lives the way they desire in Australia. In this post we cover all you need to know to get your 485 visa in the Harbour City.
Understanding the Temporary Graduate Visa Sydney Streams
The Australian Department of Home Affairs is making some changes to the name and requirements of the Subclass 485 visa: What has changed? Make sure you select which stream is compatible with your educational background to apply successfully.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is available to those from overseas who have studied and/or applied for a qualification, with the exception of higher degree by research students. This stream provides a lengthy stay period, generally from 2 to 3 years, if you have graduated with your degree in Sydney, depending on the level of your qualification.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
For those of you who already have trade qualifications, diplomas, or associate degrees in in-demand occupations in Australia, your preferred pathway is the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. This visa enables you to stay for up to 18 months, which is usually sufficient for you to obtain local work experience in your occupation.
Eligibility Criteria for Temporary Graduate Visa Sydney Applicants
Eligibility: To apply, you must be in Australia and meet all other requirements of the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
If you are in Sydney and looking to apply for a Subclass 485 visa, there are a number of hurdles that the Department of Home Affairs has put in place for you to meet. A refusal may result from the absence of any one of these.
Age and Visa Status Requirements
Emory University also requires that applicants be 35 years of age or under at the time they apply (subject to limited exceptions for certain passport holders and exchange students). You will also need to be the holder of an eligible visa—typically a Student Visa (Subclass 500)—that you either currently hold or have held in the previous six months.
The Australian Study Requirement
The Australian Study Requirement is 1 of 3 important components that come under the Temporary Graduate Visa Sydney. To meet this, you must have:
- Have completed a CRICOS-registered course
- Have studied for at least two academic years (92 weeks)
- Have physically resided in Australia for a minimum of 16 months while studying
English Language Proficiency Standards
Unless you have a passport from an exempt country (e.g., UK, USA, Canada, NZ or Ireland), then you need to demonstrate your English language skills. Lately, the specifications are even stricter. The vast majority of our applicants are required to have an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, with a minimum score in each component of IELTS 5.5 or an equivalent PTE Academic score.
Essential Documents for Your Temporary Graduate Visa Sydney Application
When applying for your 485 visa, preparation is the all-important factor. Being prepared will help the processing of your applications go faster and be less stressful.
Academic Transcripts and Completion Letter
You are not able to apply for the date of your graduation ceremony. You have to make your application within 6 months of the date your Completion Letter was sent to you. I can confirm that you have met all of the necessary requirements for your course.
Health Insurance Compliance (OVHC)
Unlike your OSHC as a student, this visa requires that you have Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). Have health insurance from the day your 485 visa is granted.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check
All applicants 16 years of age and over will be required to obtain an AFP National Police Check. You must arrange for this before you apply for your visa, so they can see that at least you have applied for the check.
Benefits of Holding a Temporary Graduate Visa Sydney
Sydney is Australia’s economic powerhouse. Carrying a 485 visa in this city gives access that is denied elsewhere.
Full Work Rights in a Global City
The work hours are extremely limited on the Student Visa, but the Temporary Graduate Visa Sydney will give you full work rights. You can work for any employer in any sector. Now is the best time to land an internship or full-time job in one of Sydney’s booming industries, such as finance, IT, engineering, and healthcare.
A Bridge to Permanent Residency
For some, the 485 is a bridge actually. While on this visa, you can earn the “one year of Australian work experience,” often necessary to take extra points on the Points Test for General Skilled Migration (Subclass 189, 190, or 491).
Why Choose Asia Pacific Group for Your Visa Application?
Looking at the legalities and deadlines of moving from a student visa to a graduate visa. We hear you when no one else does at Asia Pacific Group!
Expert Advice on Migration Pathways
We are well aware of the recent legislative amendments, and our panel of registered migration agents are current with all the new information. Our assistance doesn’t end with the 485 visa; we analyze your long-term goals and work with you to map out a pathway to gain permanent residency in Australia.
Stress-Free Document Verification
Improper documentation is the most frequent cause of visa delays. We scrutinize your English test scores, health insurance, and AFP checks to make sure your application is “decision ready.”
Local Knowledge of the Sydney Market
We are based in Sydney and know the local education scene. If you’re a UNSW, USYD, UTS or trade school graduate—we know what your university expects!.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with the Temporary Graduate Visa Sydney
- Applying Too Late: You must lodge your Temporary Graduate visa application within six months of your course completion date.
- Using the Wrong English Test: Ensure your English test results are no more than one year old at the time of application.
- Inadequate Health Insurance: Switching from OSHC to OVHC is mandatory. Failure to do so may result in a visa condition breach.
- Incorrect Stream Selection: Applying under the Post-Vocational stream instead of the Post-Higher Education stream can lead to an immediate refusal.
Final Steps to Secure Your Future in Australia
The Temporary Graduate Visa Sydney is really a golden chance to make use of your Australian education. Work and live in Sydney—the hub of professional Australia.
If you are close to graduating or have recently graduated, don’t play with your life. The eligibility criteria for the 485 visa change often, and it is better to be guided by an expert.
Contact Asia Pacific Group today for a consultation. Let us help you secure your Temporary Graduate Visa Sydney and take the first step toward a successful professional career in Australia.
