Subclass 485 ( Temporary Graduate) visa: It is a temporary visa that applies to those who have completed a qualification in Australia and want to gain work experience after finishing their studies. This visa also allows you to work without any work restrictions, and plan for your future goals. There are two ways to apply for this visa, and these are the Graduate Work Stream and Post-study Work Stream. Please note that not everybody who studies in Australia is eligible for this visa as the study undertaken in Australia must meet specific criteria which varies depending on the stream you choose.

The first stream is known as the Graduate Work stream, and its primary requirements include as follows:

1. The applicant needs to have a skilled occupation listed in the Medium and Long-term Strategic list
2. The course/s completed in Australia must meet the Australian study requirements mentioned below
3. The course/s must be closely related to the nominated skilled occupation
4. The applicant must have achieved the required English test score. The required score is an IELTS of overall six and at least 5 in each band or the equivalent in the other approved English language tests( e.g. PTE Academic, Cambridge English, Advanced (CAE))
5. The applicant needs to have his/her skills assessed by the relevant authority

Australian Study Requirement: These requirements apply to both streams and consist of the following main points:

1. The applicant has completed one or more degree, diplomas or trade qualification in Australia
2. The course/s needs to be CRICOS registered courses which mean that they are designed and approved courses for international students. CRICOS stands for Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
3. The applicant completed the course/s while the applicant was physically present in Australia for a total of at least 16 calendar months or more
4. The course/s were completed in a total of at least two academic years. Two academic years is equal to 92 weeks
5. The course/s were taught in English
6. The applicant took the course/s as the holder of visa that permitted the applicant to study ( e.g. subclass 500 (student) temporary visa)

The second stream is the Post-Study Work Stream. The major highlights of this stream are:

1. The applicant has undertaken a qualification under at the Australian Qualification Framework level seven or higher. The types of qualifications that can be used are Bachelors, Masters or Doctoral degree
2. The applicant must meet the Australian Study Requirement
3. The applicant must have achieved the required score of IELTS overall six and at least 5 in each band or the equivalent in the other approved English language examinations ( e.g. PTE Academic, Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE))
4. The study can be in any field
5. The applicant does not need a skills assessment
6. The applicant does not need to select a skilled occupation from the Medium and Long-term Strategic list or any other occupation list

*This visa is not based on a point system, and you are not required to wait to apply as long as you satisfy the required criteria. Moreover, you must apply for this visa within six months after completing your studies.