Graduate (Temporary) visas (subclass 485)

This visa allows overseas students who do not meet the criteria for a permanent General Skilled Migration visa to remain in Australia for 18 months in order to gain skilled work experience or to improve their English language skills.

This visa allows you to:

• Travel
• Work
• Study to improve English skills
• Complete a professional year

Applicants who are granted this visa will then be eligible to apply for permanent residence if they satisfy the points based test for the General Skilled Migration Visa.

Eligibility

Applicants must be under 45 years of age and hold a student visa before applying.

Applicants must also meet the English language requirements and have competent English or vocational English if the applicant's nominated occupation is a trade.

Other requirements are as follows:

• Applicants must nominate a 50 point or 60 point occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and must have applied for a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for the applicant's chosen occupation.
• The applicant must have met the two year requirement in the last 6 months with Australian qualifications that are directly connected to their chosen occupation.