After graduation, regardless of which path you choose, a visa is crucial; it is the stepping stone to moving forward. Below, we look at your options after graduation: International students in Australia who have completed a course of study of at least two years and obtained a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree may apply for an Australian Temporary Graduate visa (Temporary Residence), known as the 485 visa. The 485 work visa is divided into the 485 Graduate Work stream (traditional TR visa) and the 485 Post-Study Work (PSW) stream.
485 Graduate Work (Traditional TR Visa)
This is the Temporary Graduate visa, also known as the traditional TR visa. It requires that your field of study be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). It is an 18-month temporary work visa for overseas students studying in Australia, allowing those who have just graduated but do not meet the requirements for general skilled migration visas to remain in Australia for 18 months.
Application Requirements
1. Under 50 years of age
2. Hold a valid Australian student visa
3. Meet the Australian study requirement: students must have enrolled in a course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) and completed at least two academic years of study (92 weeks). Furthermore, the course itself must be taught in English and cannot be completed in less than 16 months.
4. Possess a certain level of English proficiency: IELTS score of at least 6 in each of the four components
5. Have health insurance in Australia
6. Meet character and health requirements, including obtaining a police clearance certificate and undergoing a medical examination in Australia
7. The field of study must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and have passed an assessment by the relevant skills assessment authority
8. The applicant must apply for the visa within six months of receiving their degree from the university
A 485 visa applicant can only apply for a 485 visa once, whether it is the TR or PSW stream.
485 Post-Study Work (PSW Visa)
This is the Post-Study Work visa. It requires that the student's first student visa to Australia was granted on or after November 5, 2011, based on the date of entry. This visa is independent of the field of study, meaning that regardless of whether your major is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), as long as you have completed at least two years of study, such as a Bachelor's Degree or Coursework Master's Degree, you can apply for a 2-year PSW visa; completing a Research Master's Degree allows you to apply for a 3-year PSW visa; and completing a Doctoral Degree (PhD) allows you to apply for a 4-year PSW work visa. Therefore, the duration of the PSW visa is 2-4 years, which is significantly longer than the 18 months of the 485 (TR) visa.
Application Requirements
1. Under 50 years of age
2. Hold a valid Australian student visa
3. Meet the Australian study requirement: students must have enrolled in a course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) and completed at least two academic years of study (92 weeks). Furthermore, the course itself must be taught in English and cannot be completed in less than 16 months.
4. Possess a certain level of English proficiency: IELTS score of at least 6 in each of the four components
5. Have health insurance in Australia
6. Meet character and health requirements
7. Must obtain a police clearance certificate and undergo a medical examination in Australia
8. The applicant must apply for the visa within six months of receiving their degree from the university
9. Completed a two-year degree course, such as a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree
10. First entry date on or after November 5, 2011; no skills assessment required
11. A 485 visa applicant can only apply for a 485 visa once, whether it is the TR or PSW stream.