Graduation in Australia is exciting, but what comes next? If you want to stay and work, choosing the right visa is essential.
Australia offers several post-study visa options, each with different benefits. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows you to work temporarily, while skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas can lead to Permanent Residency (PR).
This guide breaks down the best visa options, eligibility requirements, and how to plan your next steps after graduation.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Who Can Apply and What Are the Benefits?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students to stay and work in Australia after completing their studies. It provides full work rights, making it a crucial step for those looking to gain experience or transition to Permanent Residency (PR).
There are two Streams of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
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Post-Study Work Stream: For students who completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Australia. It is valid for 2 to 4 years, depending on the qualification level, and does not require employment in a specific field.
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Graduate Work Stream: For students with a Diploma, Certificate IV, or trade qualification in an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This visa is valid for up to 2 years and is meant for those pursuing careers in high-demand industries.
Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
You will have full-time work right in any industry, build local work experience to achieve your career pathway as well as explore the employer sponsorship opportunities to get closer to the PR pathway. And the most exciting part, you can travel in and out of Australia unlimited times during the visa period.
Sponsorship pathways to stay longer in Australia
For international students completing their Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), securing an Employer-sponsored visa or Skilled Migration Visa can be a strong pathway to staying in Australia long-term. These visas require a job offer from an Australian employer willing to sponsor you.
Employer-Sponsored Visa Options
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Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): It requires a job offer in an eligible occupation. This permanent residency (PR) visa can be obtained through the Subclass 186 visa after working for the same employer for at least 2-3 years.
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Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): A direct PR visa for skilled workers sponsored by their employer. It Requires at least 3 years of work experience and a skills assessment.
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Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494): This visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia with employer sponsorship. It grants a 5-year work permit and can lead to permanent residency (PR) if the visa holder lives and works in a regional area for at least 3 years, becoming eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 PR visa.
Skilled Migration Visa Options
On the other hand, Skilled Migration Visas can help you stay longer in Australia and can lead to the PR Pathway. These visas are points-based, requiring applicants to meet criteria such as work experience, education, and English proficiency.
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Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): No employer or state sponsorship required, but it is highly competitive. Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and you need to have enough points to compete with other competitors.
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Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Requires state nomination from a state or territory, which boosts your points and enhances your chances of obtaining Permanent Residency (PR).
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Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): Requires either state nomination or family sponsorship in a regional area. It can lead to PR after 3 years of living and working regionally.
How to Choose the Right Visa: Key Factors
When planning your next steps in Australia, it's important to understand your options based on whether you want to continue studying or start working.
Do you want to study further?
Apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500), which allows you to pursue a diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in Australia. Studying a higher qualification can improve your career prospects and open up future opportunities.
Do you want to start working?
- You may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows international graduates to gain work experience in Australia after completing their studies.
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This visa is a great way to build industry experience and explore job opportunities
Thinking about staying longer in Australia?
If you’re considering long-term options after studying or working, it’s best to consult with a migration expert to understand visa pathways beyond the student or post-study work visas.
Choosing the right post-study visa is a crucial step in securing your future in Australia. Whether you're planning to gain work experience, secure employer sponsorship, or apply for Permanent Residency (PR), understanding your options early can make a huge difference.
If you're unsure which visa is right for you, you don’t have to navigate this alone. For over 8 years, we’ve been helping international students like you choose the best visa pathway and plan their future in Australia.
If you have questions or need support, feel free to reach out, we're here to help.
