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Australia is a prosperous country known for offering world-class education and giving a chance to work in diverse sectors. It is also an appropriate place for international students from around the globe to migrate. If you are planning to stay after graduation, then you should apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa, which is also known as the 485 visa. For this, an understanding of the 485 visa requirements is a must. This includes English language skills, health, age eligibility, and character certificates. After that, you’re all set to be eligible to live, work, or study further in Australia.
In this article, let’s dive deeper to learn all the requirements of the Visa 485 and guidance on how to apply for this visa.
Also Read: Complete Guide for 485 Visa Extension: New Update
A 485 visa is a temporary visa provided by the Department of Home Affairs that allows you to stay in the country for at least 2 years. To get this visa, you first need to understand its requirements to open a pathway for further study or to gain work experience in Australia. Let’s review the 485 visa requirements below that you need to consider.
The 485 Visa English requirements are an essential part of the application process that the Department of Home Affairs has set. You can prove your English language skills through IELTS, TOEFL iBT, OET, CAE, or PTE. The required scores vary depending on the stream of the 485 visa you are applying for.
You must achieve a score of 6.0 in each section if you choose to illustrate your English language skills through IELTS (International English Language Testing System). This excludes any individual component score below 5.5 (English, Writing, Speaking, Reading). Here, the validity period for IELTS test results is one year before the date of your visa application.
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) or 485 PTE requirement score is 50 and at least 36 for each section (speaking, writing, reading, and listening) as of March 2024. But, after this period, the overall score for the 485 requirement is 57, with at least 48 in reading, 43 in listening, 42 in speaking, and 51 in the writing section.
If you are applying for a postgraduate visa in Australia with your partner, you will need to meet the same English language proficiency requirements as the primary applicant. However, if your spouse is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may be exempt from the English language requirement.
Also Read: 6 Shocking Reasons Why Your Australia Student Visa Could Get Rejected!
Getting a 485 visa in Australia not only allows you to stay here after your graduation, but also offers several other benefits that you must know. Look below, what are the hidden benefits of a Temporary Graduate Visa Australia?
Opportunities for post-study work experience: The graduate visa for Australia allows international students to gain practical work experience in their field of study.
Best networking options: 485 visas allow graduates to build professional networks and connections in Australia.
Flexibility to travel: Having a 485 visa allows graduates of Australia to travel in and around the world without any hassle.
Gives pathway to permanent residency: A 485 visa can serve as a clear door to permanent residency through other visa options. This includes Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), to live, work, or study.
Better work options: A 485 Graduate Visa holder is eligible to either work full-time or part-time in Australia. Also, it helps in gaining relevant work experience and earning a better income.
Better future career opportunities: 485 graduate visas can lead to future career opportunities and advancement in Australia or around the world.
Also Read: How International Students Can Find the Best Part-Time Jobs in Australia
To apply for the temporary graduate visa 485, you have to go through the process. The first step is to gather documents like proof of course completion and English skills.
Next, you have to apply for the skills assessment when required. Further, you need to take an English language test and also make sure that you have adequate health insurance.
Submit an online application through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website after the process is done. You must meet eligibility criteria like age (35), academic qualification, health & character checks, and Australian study requirements.
Then, pay the required application fee for the temporary Graduate Visa and wait for your application to be processed and a decision to be made.
Also Read: 485 Visa Processing Time in 2025: Latest Updates
A temporary visa subclass 485 is the best way for an excellent opportunity for international students to stay in Australia post-graduation. But it is a delicate matter applying for the 485 Visa, and getting expert advice from the best migration agent in Adelaide is important. A migration agent will assist you in going through the process and meeting the requirements so that a 485 visa can be translated into reality.
