Subclass 485 Graduate Work visa — one of the hottest topics in Australian migration right now.A major talking point. Not only does it give graduates a legal pathway to live, work, and study in Australia after finishing their degree, it is also a vital stepping stone for many students who want to obtain permanent residency. Following several significant policy changes, the 485 visa duration has become progressively longer, and the eligibility threshold has become progressively lower, which reflects the Australian Government’s determination to retain talent and grow the skilled migration programme.

If you are planning to apply for a Subclass 485 and hope to use your time on a 485 to prepare for migration, make sure you read this comprehensive breakdown of everything 485-related!

First, a table to help you quickly understandthe four types of Subclass 485 visa currently available（*The 485 Extension stream will be added after 1 July 2023 — legislation and detailed eligibility rules have not yet been published, so that stream is not discussed here), and their eligibility requirements and visa durations↓

We sometimes joke that the 485 is the trickiest visa because, in practice, many people did not simply complete a standard three-year undergraduate or two-year postgraduate degree — there are situations involving a mix of qualifications or study durations. Below are some of the most common scenarios we get asked about.“cobbled together” situations. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions.

Two-Year Diploma?

Case

Case 1: I completed a two-year Diploma programme — can I apply for a 485?

Yes.A two-year Diploma programme satisfies the Graduate Work Stream 485 requirements, eliminates the need for a skills assessment, and the visa duration has been extended from the previous 18 months to 24 months。

Diploma + Higher Education?

Case

Case 2: Diploma + Bachelor / Master / Doctorate — how long a 485 can I apply for?

If you completed a Diploma first and then a Bachelor’s degree or higher, you can apply for a 485 PSW visa；

If you completed a Bachelor/Master/Doctorate degree first and then a Diploma, you can obtain a 485 Graduate Stream 2-year visa. However, you cannot obtain a 485 PSW visa, because the 485 PSW requires that the last qualification completed at the time of application is a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Studied for Less Than 2 Years?

Case

Case 3: I studied for less than two years — how can I continue to stay and work?

– If the shortfall is due to credit exemptions reducing your study hours, you could consider waiving the credit exemptions to meet the requirement;

– Complete another programme to meet the two-year study requirement;

Accumulate additional credits to satisfy the requirement — for example, by taking additional subjects, provided they are at the same level, such as a double major.

Please note: non-award supplementary coursework does not count towards the two-year study requirement because non-award courses only produce a transcript — no qualification certificate is awarded.

485 Expiring Soon

PR Still Not Granted?

Case

Case 4: My 485 is about to expire and I have not yet received PR — can I renew?

Yes, but it depends on your circumstances.

If you held a valid Subclass 485 at any time between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 and were outside Australia for at least one day, you can apply for a 485 Replacement before 1 January 2027. Depending on the qualification level held when the first 485 was granted, you may receive a visa of between 2 and 4 years;

If you are in Australia and currently working, you could first apply for a 1-year Subclass 408, which also permits full-time work.

Based on a new policy outline released just last week, if you have been in Australia throughout your 485 holding period and do not satisfy the conditions for a 485 Replacement, you may be able to apply for a 2-year Subclass 408 (many of the detailed rules are still to be confirmed). It carries the same work rights as a Subclass 485, but applicants will need to provide supporting evidence of employment at the time of lodgement — for example, an employer letter and payslips.

If you have any further questions about your Subclass 485 visa,

feel free to contact us directly.

Now let’s talk about

what to do while waiting for your 485 to be granted

or during the time you hold a 485 to prepare for migration.

Subclass 189 Skilled Independent

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa has its own points test, taking into account factors from age and qualifications to work experience and partner status. The minimum requirements are:

· At least 65 points on the EOI points test

· A positive skills assessment

· English: 6 in each IELTS band

· Under 45 years of age

For those planning to pursue the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent pathway, make good use of your time on a 485 — you can even start preparing before you graduate. Work on your language scores and PY bonus points to build as high a score as possible, as quickly as possible. For popular fields such as accounting and IT, the 189 is effectively a competition on points and submission timing.

Subclass 190 / 491 State-Nominated

Subclasses 190 and 491 each have their own requirements. You will generally need to have lived in the nominating state for between 3 and 12 months, or to already be studying, working full-time, or holding a job offer in that state.

Please note: many state-nomination programmes — including New South Wales and Victoria — have now reduced their lodgement requirements so that you no longer need current employment or work experience to apply. That said, having a job in the relevant state that is related to your nominated occupation generally gives you a significant advantage and may translate to a faster invitation.

For specific requirements by state and occupation, please get in touch with us.

Subclass 482 / 186 Employer-Sponsored

The duration of a Subclass 485 is sufficient for graduates to find suitable employment and accumulate the work experience needed to satisfy employer-sponsored migration requirements. Employer-sponsored migration does not involve a points test and has relatively lower English requirements — it is particularly well-suited to the following two types of applicants:

· Accounting graduates — given that accounting requirements remain relatively high, finding a role in your field and then securing employer sponsorship may be the most stable pathway.

· IT, engineering, and other skilled and trade occupations.

Contact us today

to plan your migration pathway.

Recommended reading — click the image to read the article.

Australian diploma-to-master’s pathway programmes — get ahead of the curve!

‍

NSW Subclass 491, ACT Subclass 190 — state nomination is full of opportunities right now.

‍

Competitive pay + comprehensive training + a great platform — we’re looking for you!

Migration News & Updates Group

2023

Step 1: Press and hold to add our customer service contact.

Step 2: Once added, please

Study, Migration & Visas — We Are the Professionals.

Attention！please verify you are dealing with a genuineofficialNewstars consultant!

Study Abroad & Migration Enquiries — Regional Offices

Sydney

Melbourne

Canberra

Brisbane

Adelaide

Hobart

Beijing

Guangzhou

Follow the NewStars WeChat Official Account

Reply in the Official Accountwith any of the following numbers or keywords (not in the article comments section below) to get the most timely and professional migration updates!Reply [A] to view the full index (all topics)!

Reply:0000 → Updates from the 11.16 policy announcement (Subclass 491 + skilled migration points)

Longer Subclass 485 Visas Are Coming — From Graduate to PR: Here Is Your Complete Pathway Guide

Australian diploma-to-master’s pathway programmes — get ahead of the curve!

NSW Subclass 491, ACT Subclass 190 — state nomination is full of opportunities right now.

Competitive pay + comprehensive training + a great platform — we’re looking for you!

Competitive pay + comprehensive training + a great platform — we’re looking for you!

Competitive pay + comprehensive training + a great platform — we’re looking for you!

Competitive pay + comprehensive training + a great platform — we’re looking for you!

Quick Links

Popular Services

Our Branding Offices

Follow Us