Subclass 485 — Temporary Graduate visa
Statutory definition
Subclass 485 has two streams under Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations 1994: the Graduate Work stream (for graduates in an occupation on a skilled occupation list); and the Post-Study Work stream (for bachelor degree or higher graduates). Post-Study Work stream visa periods range from 2 to 4 years depending on the level of qualification and whether the study was undertaken in a regional area.
Explanation
The Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate visa) is the bridge between study and permanent skilled migration for many international students. Completing study in a regional area attracts an additional year on the visa. Graduates who hold a Subclass 485 may use that time to gain Australian work experience to improve their points score or meet the Canadian Experience Class equivalent under the skilled migration framework.
The visa must be applied for while the applicant is in Australia and within 6 months of their course completion date (in the Post-Study Work stream).