Understanding the Australian Graduate Visa

By Ian Singer, Director & Principal Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0001947)

With over 25 years of experience in Australian migration law, Ian is one of the most trusted and respected Registered Migration Agents in the country. Since becoming a registered agent in 2000, Ian has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses — from start-ups to multinationals — achieve successful visa outcomes and long-term migration goals.

International students who graduate from Australian universities have the opportunity to continue gaining work experience in the country. The Australian Graduate Visa provides a bridge between academic achievement and professional exploration. The post-study visa offers an enormous incentive for many to consider studying in Australia.

Key Takeaways:

• Two Visa Streams Available: The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) offers the Graduate Work Stream (18 months for in-demand occupations) and Post-Study Work Stream (2-4 years based on qualification level).
• Core Eligibility Requirements: Must complete 2-year Australian study requirement (92 weeks minimum), be under 50 years old, demonstrate competent English (IELTS 6+ in each band), and meet health and character requirements.
• Work Experience Opportunity: Graduates can gain practical work experience in their field of study in Australia, enhancing professional skills and making them more attractive candidates for future employment opportunities.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: The Graduate Visa serves as a crucial stepping stone toward permanent residency through various skilled migration programs, with work experience increasing eligibility.
• Stream-Specific Requirements: Graduate Work Stream requires nominated occupation on Skilled Occupation List with skills assessment. Post-Study Work Stream requires Bachelor degree or higher from CRICOS-registered Australian institution.

What is a Graduate Visa?

The Australian Graduate Visa is also known as the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). It is a golden ticket for international students who have successfully completed their studies in Australia. This visa allows eligible graduates to remain in Australia temporarily to gain valuable work experience and kickstart their careers.

What Are The Types of Graduate Visas?

There are two streams within the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), the Graduate Work Stream and the Post-Study Work Stream.

Graduate Work Stream

This stream is designed for international students who have completed qualifications in occupations that are in demand in Australia. It allows you to work and gain experience for up to 18 months. The Graduate Work Stream is an excellent option if you wish to extend your stay and potentially explore permanent residency options.

Post-Study Work Stream

The Post-Study Work Stream is perhaps the most sought-after pathway for international graduates. It grants you the opportunity to remain in Australia for a period ranging from two to four years, depending on the highest qualification you’ve obtained. This stream is available to students who have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification from an Australian educational institution.

Benefits of the Australian Graduate Visa

The Australian Graduate Visa offers a wide range of benefits for international graduates:

• Work Experience– Securing a job in your field of study is a key stepping stone to building a successful career. The Graduate Visa allows you to gain practical work experience in Australia, enhancing your professional skills and making them more attractive candidates for future employment opportunities.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency– For many international graduates, the dream is to call Australia their permanent home. The Graduate Visa can serve as a crucial pathway toward this goal. Gaining work experience in Australia can increase your eligibility for permanent residency through various skilled migration programs.
• Cultural Enrichment– Remaining in Australia after graduation allows you to further immerse yourself in the country’s culture, lifestyle, and society. This enriching experience can lead to lifelong connections and a deeper understanding of Australia.
• Networking Opportunities– Staying in Australia gives you the chance to build a robust professional network, connecting with local professionals and potential employers. These connections can prove invaluable in the long run, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
• Skill Enhancement– The Graduate Visa enables you to refine your skills and adapt to the Australian work environment. This exposure contributes to personal growth and a more comprehensive skill set.

Eligibility Criteria of a Graduate Visa

While the Australian Graduate Visa presents a promising pathway, it’s important to meet certain eligibility criteria:

• Study Requirements– You must have completed the two-year Australian study requirement in the past six months; this is two academic years with at least a total of 92 weeks being the duration of one or more courses.
• Eligible Visa– You must hold an eligible visa at the time of application.
• English Language Proficiency– You must provide evidence of competent English, as in an IELTS or other recognised test with a grade of at least six in each band.
• Health and Character Requirements– You must meet health and character requirements. This typically involves undergoing medical examinations and providing police clearance certificates.
• Age Requirement– You must be under 50 years of age at the time of application.
• Skilled Occupation List [Graduate Work Stream]– You must provide evidence that your nominated occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List and that your skills have been properly assessed.
• Related Study [Graduate Work Stream]– Each qualification used to meet the study requirement must be related to your nominated occupation.
• Australian Qualifications [Post-Study Work Stream]– You must have studied one of the following in Australia: Bachelor degree, Bachelor with Honours, Masters by coursework, Masters by research, or Doctorate.
• Eligible Qualifications [Post-Study Work Stream]– Your qualification must be conferred or awarded by an Australian university or non-university education provider that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Courses and Institutions for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Australian Graduate Visa?

The Australian Graduate Visa, officially known as Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485, allows international students who completed studies in Australia to stay temporarily and gain work experience. It offers two streams: Graduate Work Stream (18 months) and Post-Study Work Stream (2-4 years based on qualification level).

How long can I stay on a Graduate Visa?

Stay duration depends on your stream and qualification. Graduate Work Stream grants 18 months for in-demand occupations. Post-Study Work Stream offers 2 years for Bachelor degrees, 3 years for Masters degrees, and 4 years for Doctoral degrees from Australian institutions.

What are the English requirements?

You must demonstrate competent English proficiency with minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each band (listening, reading, writing, speaking). Alternative tests like PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge English are also accepted with equivalent scores meeting Australian immigration standards.

Can I apply after turning 50?

No, you must be under 50 years old when submitting your Graduate Visa application. This age requirement applies to both Graduate Work Stream and Post-Study Work Stream. There are no exceptions to this age limit for Subclass 485 visas.

What is the 2-year study requirement?

You must complete at least 92 weeks of study (two academic years) at Australian CRICOS-registered institutions within the past six months. All study must be completed in Australia while holding a student visa. Online or offshore study typically doesn’t count toward this requirement.

Does Graduate Visa lead to permanent residency?

The Graduate Visa serves as a pathway toward permanent residency but doesn’t guarantee it. Work experience gained during this period increases eligibility for skilled migration programs like Employer Nomination Scheme or Skilled Independent Visa, making permanent residency applications stronger.

What is the Skilled Occupation List requirement?

For Graduate Work Stream only, your nominated occupation must appear on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List. You need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority, and your completed qualifications must relate directly to your nominated occupation.

The Australian Graduate Visa offers a pathway for individuals to turn educational achievements into real opportunities. Graduate Visas are known to be complex and detailed applications. If you are interested in seeing if you are eligible, or in starting an application, contact Australia Migrate today for premium advice and assistance from our registered migration agents.