Understanding the Australian Graduate Visa

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.

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).

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 AustraliaMigrate today for premium advice and assistance from our registered migration agents.