Temporary Graduate Visa General Information
485 Graduate Visa Overview
Major changes are coming in 2024
Certain requirements and rules of the visa will be modified, as is expected before July 2024.
More clarity will be coming from the Department of Home Affairs in coming months, but the most important changes, as per news updates, are as follows:
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the age of application is dropping to 35 years old (from 50 years old)
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some visa lengths are changing (see below in red)
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English requirement is increasing this has started
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English test results will only be valid for 1 year this has started
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485 visa holders will no longer be allowed to re-apply for a 500 visa
Indian graduates are getting lucky - as per the terms of the free trade agreement between India & Australia in 2022, the original (current) post-study work policies will still apply.
This info was updated March 25, 2024
The Temporary Graduate 485 visa, also known as the TR Visa, offers new graduates the opportunity to gain work experience in their field of study. It can give new graduates time to organise themselves prior to skilled migration applications should they be eligible, and is also a good way to improve English skills in the workplace.
It provides full work rights, and the ability to do additional full-time study.
To be eligible for the Professional Year, you must hold this visa. No other visa categories are eligible. Be aware you are required to have 1 year left on your Graduate visa to apply for the program.
Unlike a 482 sponsor visa, you do not need a job offer from a company, there is no minimum salary requirement, nor is this work visa points tested.
From 1 July 2023, Post-Study Work stream applicants who graduate with a specific degree could be eligible for the extended visa, adding 2 extra years. See more on this here:
https://www.education.gov.au/extended-poststudy-work-rights-international-graduates
Graduate Visa Requirements - All Applicants
For both streams of the visa, all applicants must:
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be in Australia at the time of applying
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hold an eligible visa
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be under the age of 50 on the date you apply for the visa (expected to change to 35 years old in 2024)
As per the Document Checklist:
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provide evidence of competent English skills, or be exempt from the requirement based on your passport - from March 23, 2024, the new requirement is the equivalent of IELTS 6.5 with no band less that 5.5. The test score you submit must have been taken less than 1 year before the visa application is being submitted.
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meet the 92-week study requirement
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have specific health insurance in Australia
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meet the health & character requirements
485 Visa Length
The visa is valid for between 18 months to 6 years, depending on your visa stream, and the qualification(s) you completed. (some changes are coming in 2024)
Cost of 485 Graduate visa application
Main Applicant (the graduate)
Online application = $AU 1,895
Additional applicants
Over 18 years old = $AU 950 each
Under 18 years old = $AU 475 each
These prices are valid to June 30, 2024
Including dependents on the TR Visa
The visa can include dependents who were on the principle applicant's Student visa.
Family members outside Australia at the time of application may be included at a later date, but their information must added be at the time of your application to be considered after the fact.
