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Post-study work opportunities and continued visa options attract international students to Australia, making it highly desirable. The coveted 485 visa extension is popular among international students. Given the work experience that the graduates get under this visa, the next step could lead them to permanent residency or even more professional development. This guide will cover the update of 485 visa extensions in depth, ranging from eligibility to requirements to costs.
This visa subclass entitles international students who have completed their studies in Australia to live, work, and study temporarily so that they can pursue career prospects or permanent occupancy. It is divided into two streams, each targeting different graduate profiles.
The duration of the visa depends upon the various streams through which the application is being made. Consulting the best migration agent in Adelaide can help students learn more about this particular visa subclass.
Read More: Mistakes To Avoid To Get Your Temporary Visa Subclass 485 Successfully
Just recently, the Australian government has put in place strategies to combat workforce shortages, including changes to the 485 visa. Now with the 485 visa extension update, the eligible applicants should be able to extend their visas, thus giving them additional time to seek work or transition to other visas.
In response to the shortage of labour in Australia and to boost the talent level within the nation, the government has introduced some major amendments to the 485 visa extension. These were made to enable the eligible applicants with particular skills and qualifications to have an extended period in Australia to put their expertise to economic use.
As at the update of the 485 visa extension in 2025, the following newly extended timeframes apply to particular qualifications:
PhD holders: From 4 years to 6 years.
Additionally, rural students may be able to qualify for an extra year, which will definitely put them a step ahead in the job market. Taking the assistance of a good migration agent in Adelaide, could help the applicants make sure their applications qualify as per the latest criteria and are error-free.
To qualify for the 485 visa extension in Australia, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria. These include:
Applicants must have a proper Subclass 485 visa approaching its end date or meet explicit bridging visa necessities.
The degree qualification is required to meet the criteria of the visa extension. Healthcare, IT, engineering, and teaching fields are among the occupations that always have demand and can boost eligibility.
Graduates who studied or worked in regions of Australia may be eligible for additional benefits.
Some applicants may be required to show relevant work experience with the particular field of study, especially when the application is made through the Graduate Work Stream.
Every applicant’s scenario is unique. It can sometimes be difficult to meet the eligibility criteria. Consider consulting a reputed visa consultant Adelaide to cull your options accordingly and stay compliant with defined requirements.
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Meeting the 485 visa extension requirements involves preparing key documents and adhering to specific guidelines. The following are essential components of the application:
Ensure your passport is valid when you want to apply for the visa extension.
You must have valid health insurance coverage for the entirety of your extended stay. International graduates must secure appropriate health insurance during their stay. Moreover, many insurers provide plans dedicated to 485 visa holders.
For subclass 485 visa, a skills assessment may be required that would bring out in a candidate’s favour their judgment on whether the qualifications to embrace the Australian job market are met.
Proof of English language proficiency must be provided. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc., are all accepted as long as their scores satisfy the stream minimums set by immigration.
Submitting a police clearance certificate is mandatory as proof of good character.
It should include academic transcripts, proof of regional study or employment, and other appropriate certificates.
Making a successful application, along with all supporting documents, is imperative, as anything going wrong would lead to a delay or sheer denial of the visa itself. It is also advisable to involve a migration agent in Adelaide for an easier and error-free application process.
Understanding the costs involved in the 485 visa extension in Australia is crucial for effective financial planning. The primary costs include:
Depending on the provider and the kind of coverage, health insurance can vary from AUD 500 to AUD 1,500 yearly.
Tests such as IELTS or PTE typically cost between AUD 300 and AUD 400.
While budgeting for the 485 visa extension cost, ensure you are well aware of each specification in advance. Consulting with a well-versed migration agent based in Adelaide can provide clarity on the total costs involved and help prevent the emergence of unforeseen expenses.
Read More:- Want to Study In Australia? Check Out the Different 485 Visa Streams That You Can Apply For
485 Visa Extension offers multiple opportunities for international graduates to make the best of their time in Australia. Knowledge of the qualifications, requirements, and costs gives you confidence in applying for the visa extension. Consulting with a migration agent in Adelaide can be a worthy investment to avoid mistakes that may be costly for your pocket.
