New Post Study Arrangements for Student Graduates - subclass 485 TR visa

The subclass 485 visa now provides recent graduates with the opportunity to spend more time in Australia following their studies to gain practical experience to accompany their Australian qualification(s).

Significant changes were made to the subclass 485 visa on 23 March 2013. Subclass 485 visa applicants must now apply in either the Graduate Work stream or the Post Study Work stream. Each stream of the new subclass 485 visa has its own specific requirements that applicants must satisfy for their application to be successful.

1.    The Graduate Work stream is for international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications that relate to an occupation in demand in the Australian labour market, as determined by the Skilled Occupation List (SOL);

2.    The Post-Study Work stream is for international students who have recently graduated with a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from an Australian educational institution, regardless of their field of study. This stream of the subclass 485 is only available to international student who applied for an were granted their first Australian student visa on or after 5 November 2011, which is the day the genuine temporary entrant requirement was introduced in the student visa program.

Please contact Ryan Curtis-Griffiths, Director, Nevett Ford Lawyers Melbourne by email: rcurtisgriffiths@nevettford.com.auor by telephone: +61 3 9614 7111 if you require any advice or assistance.