The Australian Government provides an opportunity to all international students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you need will depend on your age, the type of study you want to pursue, and how long you want to stay in Australia.
As an international student, you would most commonly require a Student visa (subclass 500), regardless of your field of study.
The Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa allows international students to live, study and work after they have finished their studies in Australia.
This visa has two streams namely, Graduate Work Stream and Post Study Work Stream.
Table of Content
- Introduction
- Checklist for Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485 Visa) – Graduate Work Stream
- Checklist for Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485 Visa) – Post Study Work Stream
- Frequently Asked Questions About 485 Visa
- 485 Visa to PR Pathways
- Recent Announcements about 485 Visa
- Book an appointment to get help with 485 Visa
- How we work with you?
- Our Accreditations
- Conclusion
Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485
Thinking of applying for a 485 Visa? This comprehensive guide is for you.
1
Subclass 485 - Graduate Work Stream
The Graduate Work Stream is for international students who have completed at least a diploma or trade qualification relevant to an occupation on the MLTSSL.
Visa Application Fees (AUD)
From AUD 1,730.
There is also a fee for each family member who applies for the visa with you.
You might also have to pay other costs for health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
Avg. Processing Time (months)
Processing time for graduate work stream
- 75% of applications: 8 Months
- 90% of applications: 9 Months
Travel & Stay (months)
Stay in Australia for a maximum of 18 months from date of grant of visa.
Hong Kong passport holders may stay for 5 years
Apply From
- You must be in Australia to lodge a valid application for this visa. Currently, this requirement has been waived due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Qualifying Visa
- You either hold a valid Student visa (subclass 500) or have held a Student visa in the last 6 months before your application was lodged and now hold a Bridging Visa A, Bridging Visa B or a substantive visa.
Age
- You must be under 50 years of age.
English Proficiency
- Unless you have a passport from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada or New Zealand, you must have IELTS overall Band 6 or equivalent. You must have sat for the test prior to lodging your 485 visa application otherwise your application will be refused. You can use scores from past English exams provided they are less than 3 years old.
Australian Study Requirements
- You must satisfy the Australian study requirements in the 6 months prior to applying for this visa. i.e.
- course was a registered CRICOS course
- you have been physically in Australia for 16 calendar months and
- you have completed 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study. Check CRICOS to make sure that your course meets this requirement
- This 6-month period begins from when the results of last exam are released/notification of completion of course was made available/published.
- Two diploma level courses can be combined to meet this study requirement.
Nominated Occupation
- You must nominate an occupation in the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Check the skilled occupation list on DHA website to see if your nominated occupation is found in MLTSSL
- Your completed Diploma or trade qualification must be closely related to the nominated occupation.
Skills Assessment
- You must provide evidence that you have applied for skills assessment in the nominated occupation.
- You don't need the assessment to be completed to lodge the 485 application.
- You must, however, provide at least a receipt confirming lodgement of your skills assessment when you lodge your 485.
Health Insurance
- You must maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance at each stage of your 485 visa application as follows:
- At lodgement: You must show evidence of health cover. This could be Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- During processing: You will need to show you have maintained health cover which could be either OSHC or Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) once your student visa expires
- On Grant: You will need to have OVHC. OSHC is not sufficient at this stage.
- Whilst on your 485 visa: Your 485 will be subject to a condition which requires you to maintain your health cover. This could either be OVHC or Medicare if you apply for PR. Failure to do so could result in cancellation of your 485 visa.
Refusals and Cancellations
- If your 485 visa is refused or cancelled you will be subject to Section 48 Bar and will not be able to apply for 485 visa again.
Police Clearance
- Lastly, you will need to provide evidence that you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check prior to lodging your 485 visa application.
- Even if your police check is not complete yet, provide at least a receipt for AFP lodgement. Your 485 visa application must be “accompanied by" evidence that you have applied for AFP clearances.
- Apply for the correct type of police clearance. DO NOT apply for a state police check.
- Everyone included in your 485 application who is aged 16 or over must apply for police clearance.
- You must have applied for an AFP in the 12 months before lodging your 485 application.
-
Select Code 33 – immigration / citizenship – for supply to the department of immigration and border protection on the AFP Police check form.
2
Subclass 485 - Post Study Work Stream
The Post Study Work Stream is for international students who have recently graduated with at least a degree from an Australian institution.
Visa Application Fees (AUD)
From AUD 1,730.
There is also a fee for each family member who applies for the visa with you.
You might also have to pay other costs for health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
Avg. Processing Time (months)
Processing time for graduate work stream
- 75% of applications: 8 Months
- 90% of applications: 9 Months
Travel & Stay (years)
Period of stay in Australia varies from 2 to 4 years depending on the qualification.
Hong Kong passport holders may stay for 5 years
- Bachelor: 2 year visa period
- Bachelor with Honours: 2 year visa period
- Master by Coursework: 2 year visa period
- Master (extended): 2 year visa period
- Master by Research: 3 year visa period
- Doctorate: 4 year visa period.
Apply From
- You must be in Australia to lodge a valid application for this visa. Currently, this requirement has been waived due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Application Deadline
- You either hold a valid Student visa (subclass 500) or have held a Student visa in the last 6 months before your application and now hold a Bridging Visa A, Bridging Visa B or a substantive visa.
Age
- You must be under 50 years of age.
English Proficiency
- Unless you have a passport from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada or New Zealand, you must have IELTS overall Band 6 or equivalent. You must have sat for the test prior to lodging your 485 visa application otherwise your application will be refused. You can use scores from past English exams provided they are less than 3 years old.
Study Requirements
- You must satisfy the Australian study requirements in the 6 months prior to applying for this visa. i.e.
- course was a registered CRICOS course
- you have been physically in Australia for 16 calendar months and
- you have completed 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study. Check CRICOS to make sure that your course meets this requirement
- This 6-month period begins from when the results of last exam are released/notification of completion of course was made available/published.
- You must have completed a:
- Bachelor Degree;
- Bachelor (Honours) Degree;
- Masters by Coursework Degree;
- Masters by Research Degree;
- Masters (Extended) Degree and/or
- Doctoral Degree.
Skills Assessment
- No skills assessment required. No need to nominate an occupation.
Health Insurance
- You must maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance at each stage of your 485 visa application as follows:
- At lodgement: You must show evidence of health cover. This could be Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- During processing: You will need to show you have maintained health cover which could be either OSHC or Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) once your student visa expires
- On Grant: You will need to have OVHC. OSHC is not sufficient at this stage.
- Whilst on your 485 visa: Your 485 will be subject to a condition which requires you to maintain your health cover. This could either be OVHC or Medicare if you apply for PR. Failure to do so could result in cancellation of your 485 visa.
Refusals and Cancellations
- If your 485 visa is refused or cancelled you will be subject to Section 48 Bar and will not be able to apply for 485 visa again.
Police Clearance
- Lastly, you will need to provide evidence that you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check prior to lodging your 485 visa application.
- Even if your police check is not complete yet, provide at least a receipt for AFP lodgement. Your 485 visa application must be “accompanied by" evidence that you have applied for AFP clearances.
- Apply for the correct type of police clearance. DO NOT apply for a state police check.
- Everyone included in your 485 application who is aged 16 or over must apply for police clearance.
- You must have applied for an AFP in the 12 months before lodging your 485 application.
-
Select Code 33 – immigration / citizenship – for supply to the department of immigration and border protection on the AFP Police check form.
Frequently Asked Questions About 485 Visa
How many times can I apply for 485 visa?
You can apply for 485 visa only one time after you graduate. This rule applies to only the main applicant of the student visa and not to the secondary applicant of the student visa.
International students normally apply for 485 visa between the date of completion of their course and the expiration of their student visa.
Can I work on a 485 visa?
Yes, 485 visa comes with full work rights which allow you to work, study and live in Australia as long as your 485 visa is valid.
Do I have to provide a skills assessment for 485 visa?
You only need to provide a positive skills assessment if you are applying for the Graduate Work Stream of 485 visa. The Post Study Work stream does not require the applicant to nominate a skilled occupation or provide a skills assessment.
How long can you stay on Subclass 485 - Post Study work Stream?
The Subclass 485 – Post Study Work stream visa is a temporary visa. The length of your stay in Australia will depend on the level of your Australian study qualification.
- bachelor degree (including honours): 2 years
- masters by coursework: 2 years
- masters by research: 3 years
- doctoral degree: 4 years
Can you change the nominated occupation for Subclass 485 - Graduate work Stream after you apply?
You cannot change the occupation you nominate after you apply for the 485 Visa Graduate work stream. So make sure that you pick your occupation carefully.
Can I apply for 485 visa without IELTS?
Recently there was news about a few cases where the Immigration Department approved a few applications for a 485 visa without an IELTS score. However this was an anomaly. The Department has notified that in the future all applicants must have the appropriate English langue scores.
There are a few applications that were submitted without an English language score that are currently on-hold with the Department. The Department is taking an approach of not processing these applications until the applicants have submitted their English language scores so that they don't get refused.
Which health insurance is required for 485 visa?
If you are still on a student visa when you submit or send your application for a subclass 485 visa then Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is acceptable health insurance .
However, OSHC is not adequate if you no longer hold a student visa.
If you are applying for 485 visa while you are covered by OSHC, you will need to have adequate health cover (other than your OSHC) either immediately after your OSHC ends or before Immigration makes a decision, whichever comes first.
If Immigration decides on your application before your OSHC ends, they will contact you to ask you to obtain non-OSHC cover before making a decision.
Can I apply for AFP National police check after lodging 485 visa?
No, in order to lodge a valid application for 485 visa you must've applied for AFP police check before lodging your visa application.
It is okay if you get the results of the Police Check after you have lodged the 485 visa application. The main thing to remember is that you should've applied for the police certificate before submitting your 485 visa application.
Can I move to any state or regional area after receiving my 485 visa?
Yes, the 485 visa does not restrict you in terms of where to stay. You can live, work and study in any part of Australia.
In fact, most students use their stay on the 485 visa to explore different parts of Australia and improve their PR pathway options.
Can I work while waiting for my 485 visa?
Whether you can work while waiting for the 485 visa depends on when you applied for it. For instance:
- If you applied for 485 while your Student visa was still in effect then you are granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) in association with your 485 visa. This BVA comes into effect when your student visa expires and has full work and study rights. Until you are on your student visa you will have to comply with the work conditions on your student visa.
- If you applied for 485 after your Student visa expired then you are granted a Bridging Visa C (BVC). This BVC comes into effect on grant and has a “No work" condition (8101) imposed on it. If your BVC has condition 8101 imposed on it, you will not be able to work. In order to work, you may be able to apply for another BVC without the condition, on ‘compelling need to work’ grounds. Book a free consultation if you need any help with applying for BVC with full work rights.
Is there priority processing for Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List(PMSOL) occupations for 485 visa?
No, there is no priority processing for Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List(PMSOL) occupations for 485 visa.
Priority processing of nomination and visa applications for PMSOL occupations is only available for the following employer sponsored visa subclasses:
Can I apply for 485 visa offshore?
As per the new COVID-19 guidelines announced in September 2020, graduates affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions will be able to apply for and be granted a Temporary Graduate visa outside Australia (where they have met all the requirements).
Does 485 visa lead to a PR?
485 Visa does not directly lead to a PR. However, it allows you to work and stay in Australia for up to 4 years depending on your completed qualification.
This unrestricted work visa helps international students who have recently graduated acquire Australian work experience in their occupation and improves their chances of getting one of the points-tested Permanent Residency Visas.
Can I apply for student visa after 485?
Yes, you can apply for a student visa after a 458 visa. However, keep in mind that you will not be eligible for a 2nd 485 visa once this student visa expires.
Does online study undertaken outside Australia count towards Australian study requirements?
As per the new COVID-19 announcements for 485 visa in September 2020, online study undertaken outside Australia as a result of COVID-19 travel restrictions will count towards the Australian Study Requirement for existing and new student visa holders
Occupations on which Skilled Occupation List qualify for Graduate Work Stream of Subclass 485 visa?
To qualify for the Graduate Work Stream of Subclass 485 visa, your occupation should be on the Medium and long-term strategic skills list (MLTSSL)
Can I apply for a student visa after 485 visa?
To qualify for the Graduate Work Stream of Subclass 485 visa, your occupation should be on the Medium and long-term strategic skills list (MLTSSL)
Which qualifications are accepted for the 485 - Post study stream?
To be eligible for a 485 Visa – Post study work stream, your completed qualification must be an eligible degree. i.e. one of the following:
- bachelor degree
- bachelor (honours) degree
- masters by coursework degree
- masters (extended) degree
- masters by research degree
- doctoral degree
If you have studied a standalone diploma or trade qualification, you are not eligible to be granted a visa in this stream.
Which qualifications are accepted for the 485 - Graduate work stream?
In the past 6 months before you applied for 485 Visa – Graduate work stream, you must have met the Australian study requirement. You will meet this if you are awarded at least one degree, diploma or trade qualification and:
- your course was a CRICOS-registered course
- you successfully completed all course requirements
- your study was in English
- you completed your course as a result of at least two academic years (92 weeks) study
- you were physically in Australia for at least 16 calendar months to complete the study
- you held an Australian study visa that allowed you to study
To meet the 2 academic year component of the Australian study requirement, you may combine courses in some circumstances.
When applying for this stream of subclass 485, the course or courses must have resulted in a degree, diploma or trade qualification.
For example, a student may complete two consecutive Diploma level courses and satisfy the Australian study requirement under the Graduate Work stream, provided the other components of the requirement are satisfied.
Can I use my old IELTS score to apply for 485 visa?
As long as your IELTS, PTE or OET score is less than 3 years old, you can use the old English proficiency test score to apply for 485 visa.
What documents are needed for secondary applicant of 485 visa?
To apply as a secondary applicant, you must submit the following documents:
- AFP Police clearance
- Evidence of health insurance
- Evidence of ongoing relationship such as marriage certificate and any other documents which have the names of both the applicants such as lease agreements, bank account statements, utility bills etc.
- Health exam results
Which code should I choose as a "reason" on the AFP police clearance form?
The AFP National Police Check Application Form is available from the Australian Federal Police website – either an online form or paper form. You should tick Code 33 – immigration / citizenship – for supply to the department of immigration and border protection in Section 8 of the form. Fingerprints are not required.
485 Visa to PR Pathway
The Subclass 485 visa is a great way to extend your stay in Australia once you finish your studies. Since the 485 visa is valid for 18 months – 4 years depending on your circumstances, you can use this opportunity to improve your eligibility for General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visas such as 189, 190 and 491 which lead to permanent residency. For instance:
- Improve your English proficiency score: You can take English language preparation courses and tutoring for IELTS, PTE or OET to maximise your scores for the points tested GSM visas.
- Sit for NAATI CCL: As many of you know, you can get 5 bonus points for passing the NAATI CCL exam.
- Complete A Professional Year (PY): Students from Accounting, IT and Engineering often complete a Professional Year in Australia while on the 485 visa. Professional Year can only be done whilst on the 485 visa and adds another 5 bonus points to your score for General Skilled Migration visas and makes it easier to pass the skills assessment. Since the PY also includes an internship, it makes it improves your chances of finding a job in Australia which in turn gives you more points for Australian work experience.
- Increase Your Work Experience In Australia: Working in Australia for at least 12 months will give you 5 points for GSM visas. Moreover, it can also lead to employer sponsored visa opportunities such as TSS (Subclass 482), ENS (Subclass 186) and SESR (Subclass 494), and improve your chances of getting nominated by a State or Territory Government for a Skilled Nominated subclass 190 or 491 visa.
- Meet Residence Requirements For Regional Visas: Many state or regional visas such as 190 or 491 require you to satisfy minimum residence requirements of 6 – 12 months in the state or regional area before they nominate you. You can use the stay period on your 485 visa to expore different states and regional areas and meet the residence requirements for these visas. Additionally, if you receive a job offer in a regional area, this may also open up permanent residence pathway via 494 visa.
quick links
Gather your documents before you lodge your visa
Recent 485 Visa Announcements
Australia's Bold New Migration Strategy (Dec 2023): A Comprehensive Overview
Australia's Bold New Migration Strategy (Dec 2023): A Comprehensive Overview…
COVID-19 update for 485 Visa (September 2020)
Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa eligibility Immigration has changed the…
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Conclusion
The Subclass 485 visa is a great way to extend your stay in Australia once you finish your studies. You can use this opportunity to improve your eligibility for Australia PR.
Since you can only apply for this visa once in your lifetime, there is little room for error. Too often, students who lodge their own 485 visa miss a critical requirement and lose their opportunity to access the 485 program.
If you need any help with your 485 visa application, contact our Temporary Graduate Visa Specialists who will guide you step by step in preparing and lodging your visa application.
Good luck to you with the Temporary Graduate Visa application.
Thank you for giving all these details. Can I apply for 485 before I finish my graduation?
Hi Anu, You cannot apply for 485 before you graduate. You must have a completion certificate from your course provider. Hope this helps.
Hello,
My Student visa is expiring before the results of my final semester come. Can i apply for 485, as this was my 2nd masters ?!
Hi Mayur, to lodge a valid 485 visa, you must either hold a valid Student visa (subclass 500) or have held a Student visa in the last 6 months before your application and now hold a Bridging Visa A, Bridging Visa B or a substantive visa.
Please get in touch on hello”wisekangaroo.com if you need any assistance with your situation and we can guide you further.
Regards,
Atul.
do my documents have to be certified
No. Certified documents are not needed.
You can provide high quality color scans of all your documents.
Hi i have already completed my study and planning to apply 485. I have my student visa till March 2022. Can i apply 485 with OSHC and change to OVHC after grant?
Dear Narayan,
The Department website explains this issue in detail.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is acceptable health insurance if you are still on a student visa when you submit or send your application for a subclass 485 visa.
However, OSHC will not be acceptable evidence of adequate health cover if you no longer hold a student visa.
If you are applying for 485 while you are covered by OSHC, you will need to have adequate health cover (other than your OSHC) either immediately after your OSHC ends or before the Department makes a decision, whichever comes first.
If your application is decided before your OSHC ends, the Department will contact you to ask you to obtain non-OSHC cover before they decide it.
It is best to obtain the OVHC before you apply for 485 to avoid any dramas.
Regards
Atul.
Hi
If i am covered by Medicare do I still need to get OVHC for my 485 visa? or is Medicare adequate? Medicare lasts until March 22 however course finishes December 21, therefore my student visa will end end of December.
Hi Byriiter,
Please get in touch with our team via email (hello@wisekangaroo.com) to discuss your personal circumstances.
Cheers,
Atul.
Hi Mayur,
I am a bit confused with the different narrations I have heard about work rights with bridging visas and the type of bridging visa that is granted when we are already on bridging visa A.
Actually my student visa is expiring soon while my PhD thesis is under examination. If I don’t finish my studies by the time the visa expires, I have to apply for extension. Then, I get a bridging visa (presumably type A). If I would be conferred the degree shortly afterward and I apply for visa 485, I have heard that I get bridging visa C without work rights. However, I need a bridging visa with work rights to get a postdoctoral position which is already offered to me.
Are what I have heard correct?
Is there any solution to avoid this situation or there is no hope to work afterwards in the worst case scenario?
Given that granting visa 485 takes 8 months (for 75% of applications), it doesn’t make any sense to get a bridging visa and staying in Australia with no work rights.
Thanks in advance for the clarification.
Dear Mohammad,
What you have heard is correct.
Bridging visas can be a confusing topic for most people who are not aware of the Migration Law. Here’s an oversimplified explaination.
Essentially, if you apply for a visa (eg. a new student visa) while you already hold a substantive visa (i.e. any visa other than a bridging visa) you get a bridging visa A (BVA). This will usually have the same work rights and conditions as the student visa that you currently hold. The BVA will come into effect when your current student visa expires and will remain active until the new student visa is granted.
On the other hand, if you apply for another visa (eg 485 visa) while holding a BVA, you will be granted a BVC. This BVC will remain in the background as long as your BVA is active. So you will still be on a BVA and will have full work rights. If you withdraw your new student visa application or if your visa is refused for any reason, your BVC will become active.
BVC usually has no work rights. However, you can apply for the “no work” condition to be removed from your BVC on the basis of financial hardship.
If you need any help with your visa application or work rights, please book a consultation. I’ll be happy to assist you.
Good luck!
Atul.
Hi, I completed the bachelor of IT in December 2020 and did not submit 485 within half a year. I am studying naati (Advand of diploma) at the beginning of this year and will end the course at the beginning of next year for one year which is a one year course. I want to ask if I can apply for a 485 graduate visa, thank you.
Hi Suyoung,
This is an interesting situation. The legislation mentions that you meet the Australian Study Requirements (ASR) if your “eligible qualification” was completed in the last 6 months. So if you use the strict definition of ASR, you don’t seem to meet the ASR requirement and hence cannot apply for 485.
I think the law can also be interpreted differently. I would be interested in finding out if anyone has been able to obtain a 485 in practice by completing a bachelors and dimploma combo like yours.
Will advise you once I have a definite answer.
Regards,
Atul.
Hi, I am completing my BoA soon. However, my student visa is still processing. It has been more than 8 months but my student visa hasn’t been finalized yet. Since I am finishing my course in 4 weeks, I would be eligible to apply for graduate visa. But, since I haven’t been granted student visa yet for more than 8 months, can I still apply for graduate visa? Thank You.
Dear Flolentine,
The eligibility criteria for 485 mentions the following:
If your student visa is still not granted after completing your course, you will not meet this criteria. You will need to wait until your new student visa is granted to apply for the 485.
Regards,
Atul.
Hi Atul
I have applied for my TR exactly 6 months from the date my course completed. Since it isn’t after the 6 months, is this fine.
I have completed my course the 3rd of may and applied my TR on the 3rd November.
Regards
John
Dear John,
Thanks for your question.
The eligibility criteria for the 485 visa says the following:
“Applicant satisfied Australian study requirements in the period of 6 months immediately before the day the application was made”
Unfortunately, the case officer might consider the above eligibility criteria to be not met. Usually, I suggest my clients to apply at least 1 day before the 6 month deadline to avoid any issues. If there was a genuine reason why you could not submit the application 1 day ago, eg. a technical issue with the immi website etc. then it might be worth uploading a statement detailing it.
Good luck!
Atul.
Hi Atul,
I have completed my course and I have already apply for 485 visa, but I don’t have my ielts score yet. What should I do please.
Dear Chioma,
The legislation for eligibility requirements for 485 visa clearly states that the “Applicant has undertaken a language test specified by the Minister.” This means that you should have evidence that you have already taken the IELTS test. Results may be provided after the lodgement. However if you fail to achieve overall band 6 with at least 5 in each module then you will not meet the 485 criteria and will be refused.
Good Luck!
Atul.
Thank you for this very comprehensive guide.
I had a query about health insurance. I’m lodging a post-study stream 485 visa after completing my PhD. I completed 30th Nov 2021 and my OSHC and student visa don’t expire until 13th Oct 2022 so I’ll add that information to the application. I have also set up a monthly plan with Iman to start OVHC on 12th Oct 2022. The visa application asks for an end date for the cover, but according to the policy it’s a monthly basis so would only be until 12th Nov 2022. Is that problematic, or okay as they just need evidence I’ve set something up for when the student cover ends?
Also, do I need to get a signed letter for the OSHC (current plan), or is that needed for the (future) OVHC?
Dear Hannah,
The Department website explains this issue in detail.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is acceptable health insurance if you are still on a student visa when you submit or send your application for a subclass 485 visa.
However, OSHC will not be acceptable evidence of adequate health cover if you no longer hold a student visa.
If you are applying for 485 while you are covered by OSHC, you will need to have adequate health cover (other than your OSHC) either immediately after your OSHC ends or before the Department makes a decision, whichever comes first.
If your application is decided before your OSHC ends, the Department will contact you to ask you to obtain non-OSHC cover before they decide it.
It is okay to have an OSHC policy on a monthly basis. You can mention the end date of your student visa as the end date of the policy since you plan to continue paying it till then.
Also submit the evidence regarding the OVHC such as a letter showing the start date of the policy.
Regards
Atul.
Thank you for the comprehensive guide.
I have a question regarding the IELTS test. I am going to take the test exactly before I submit the documents for my visa. What happens if I do not achieve the needed score? Am I allowed to provide another test or my visa application will be automatically rejected?
Dear Aleksandra,
The legislation for eligibility requirements for 485 visa clearly states that the “Applicant has undertaken a language test specified by the Minister.” This means that you should have evidence that you have already taken the IELTS test before you submit your 485 application. Results may be provided after the lodgement. However if you fail to achieve overall band 6 with at least 5 in each module then you will not meet the 485 criteria and will be refused.
If you need specific advice regarding your 485 visa application, please book a consultation.
Regards,
Atul.
Dear Atul,
Thank you for your reply. I checked my online application at ImmiAccount, and I still need to provide Language ability and English test scores. How am I supposed to do that if I have taken the exam before I submit my application but still do not have the results? It does not give the option to leave them blank.
Regards,
Aleksandra
Hi Atul,
I’m currently on a student visa extension BVA, but my course has ended while I still haven’t received the student visa. Currently on BVA, I’ve applied for 485 visa 3 days ago, but I haven’t received my BVC yet. So a few things –
1. What’s the ETA to get the BVC from BVA?
2. Will my BVC have full work rights as it is for 485 visa?
3. Even though my current BVA is for student visa, as a graduate now, do I have full work rights on this BVA?
Thankyou,
Nash
Dear Nash,
1. Bridging visas are usually granted within a week or so. Keep checking your IMMI account to see if you have received a notification. After the BVC grant, if the BVA is still active, you will remain on the BVA and the BVC will not be in effect. If for any reason your student visa gets refused, the BVC will come into effect.
2. BVC for 485 will not have any work rights. You can apply for work rights if you are facing financial hardship.
3. The BVA for student visa should have full work rights.
If you need any further assistance, feel free to book a consultation.
Cheers,
Atul.
Hi, Atul. I am in a similar situation. Did you ever find out whether this is allowed? On immi it mentions “You can use more than one course to meet the 2 academic year component of the Australian study requirement, but each course used must be closely related to your nominated occupation.”, and “You may wish to complete an extra eligible qualification that can be used together to meet the Australian study requirement. Your extra qualification must be of sufficient CRICOS-registered duration to make up for the credited units from your course (or courses), bringing the total to at least 92 weeks”, which sounds like a ‘yes’ to me.
Hi, Atul. I am in a similar situation to Suyoung Yang. I received a bachelor’s from an Australian university several years ago and did not apply for a graduate visa, but am now looking at completing an eligible 6-month graduate certificate, and hoping to fulfill the ‘apply within 6 months’ requirement with that. Did you ever find out whether this is allowed? On immi it mentions “You can use more than one course to meet the 2 academic year component of the Australian study requirement, but each course used must be closely related to your nominated occupation.”, and “You may wish to complete an extra eligible qualification that can be used together to meet the Australian study requirement. Your extra qualification must be of sufficient CRICOS-registered duration to make up for the credited units from your course (or courses), bringing the total to at least 92 weeks”, which sounds like a ‘yes’ to me.
(Sorry for the double comment, I thought I was replying directly to Suyoung Yang’s thread but apparently not)
Hi Amanda,
A graduate certificate will not qualify for a 485 visa. Only a degree, diploma or a trade qualification can lead to a 485 visa. Since you did not apply for the 485 based on your previous degree you will need to complete a further qualification to be able to apply for the 485 visa.
Thank you, Atul. Would a one-year graduate diploma qualify?
I completed my PhD in Australia then traveled overseas for holiday. I have submitted my PhD thesis and currently awaiting examination. But my student visa is due to expire within one week, before my thesis results come out. I was due to return to Australia then apply for my 485 visa (I have all the documents) but I now cannot get a flight until after 3 weeks. So my student visa will expire while I am offshore.
My question is: if I submit my 485 visa application offshore, will I immediately get a bridging visa that allows me to return to Australia? Or will I be prevented from entering Australia until after my 485 visa is granted?
Many thanks!
Maryam
Dear Maryam,
A 485 visa cannot be applied until you have completed your course. Visa applications made oversesas do not get a bridging visa.
Your best bet might be to somehow find a way to come to Australia before your current visa expires and then apply for another student visa until your PhD is granted.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Atul.
Hello, I’m about to apply for 485 graduate visa. I have just filled in the application for the AFP police check. Do I also have to provide proof of police check from India as well? (As some websites state that police check of all the places we have been for over 12 months for the last 10 years needs to be provided.)
If needed how can it be obtained?
Dear Prashanth,
Usually if you haven’t travelled overseas since the time you arrived in Australia you may not be asked to submit an overseas police check.
If the case officer needs the Indian PCC, they’ll send a request for further information.
Hope this helps.
Hello Atul,
I have just completed my Bcom degree and planning to apply 485 visa. My current student visa expires on 30th January 2023.
If I apply 485 visa now I will get bridging visa A and I cannot travel until the visa is granted. Since my student visa is valid until 30 January 2023, is it possible for me to apply 485 visa now and travel overseas and came back to Australia before my student visa expire. Even though the bridging visa automatically granted when I applied the 485 visa.
Really appreciate if you clarify this issue.
Thanks – Priya
Dear Priya,
Bridging visas often confuse a lot of applicants. If you apply for the 485 visa now, you will be granted a BVA but it will come into effect when your current student visa expires. If you travel overseas and return before that date you will still be on the student visa so won’t need any other visa. However if you return after your student visa has expired, you will not be able to enter on your BVA.
If you intend to return after the date of yoru student visa expiry, you will need to apply for a BVB before you leave. Hope this helps.
If you have more questions, feel free to book a consultation where I can give you more specific advice.
Regards,
Atul.
Hi, I was wondering is date of course completed and date qualification achieved both the same date base on our completion letter?
Dear Chastity,
Great question. The completion date often confuses many 485 visa applicants.
The date of completion of the eligible qualification is the date on which you were notified that all academic course requirements were met. The completion date, therefore, is the date on which the results of your final exams or notice of completion of the course were available or published. This is the date which triggers the 6 month (or 12 month) period during which you may apply for the Subclass 485 visa.
Evidence of this completion date could be notification of final exam results:
-in a letter to the applicant;
-on the internet;
-in a newspaper; or
-on the education institution’s bulletin board.
Although degree certificates generally show the date of award or conferral, that information is irrelevant. You have to provide evidence of the date of completion of your course, not the date of conferral of your degree.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Atul.
Can I move to any state or regional area before applying 485 visa?
Subclass 485 does not depend on which State you apply from in Australia. You can move anywhere in Australia before or after applying for 485.
Hi Sir,
My student visa refused and I fininsh my studies(Masters). I,m Bridging visa A for more than 6 months and now I have applied for review. Can I lodge 485 offshore after getting Bridging visa B while having a student visa refusal
Dear Shuja,
Your visa situation is complex and would require a more detailed discussion. Please email me on atul@wisekangaroo.com if you would like to book a consultation where I can advise you.
Regards,
Atul.
Hi Atul,
Would a three-year bachelor degree followed by an one-year graduate diploma qualify for 485 graduate work stream? Is a graduate diploma consided to be a type of diploma degree? Thank you!
Dear Kat,
It would be best to schedule a consutation to discuss your specific circumstances.
Regards,
Atul.
Hi Atul,
I’m about to apply for my 485 Visa but my OSHC is valid till 15/Mar/2023. Can I apply for the Overseas Workers health insurance now and start with my 485 visa process?
Can I start the Overseas Workers health insurance from 16/Mar/2023 so that the OSHC (taken for student visa) is not wasted or do I have to start it from the day I am applying for the health insurance.
I’m asking this because the application page of the 485 states that the OSHC is not valid for this type of VISA.
Thank you
Prashanth
Dear Prashanth,
The Department website explains this issue in detail.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is acceptable health insurance if you are still on a student visa when you submit or send your application for a subclass 485 visa.
However, OSHC will not be acceptable evidence of adequate health cover if you no longer hold a student visa.
If you are applying for 485 while you are covered by OSHC, you will need to have adequate health cover (other than your OSHC) either immediately after your OSHC ends or before the Department makes a decision, whichever comes first.
If your application is decided before your OSHC ends, the Department will contact you to ask you to obtain non-OSHC cover before they decide it.
It is best to obtain the OVHC with a start date of 16th March before you apply for 485 to avoid any dramas.
We provide OVHC health insurance for our clients. Please get in touch if you need a quote.
Regards
Atul.
Hi Atul,
Was just wondering if certified copy of all of the pages of my current passport showing entry and exit stamps from other countries is required to apply for the 485 visa?
Hi Uvini,
It is best to provide a high quality scan of all pages of your passport showing entry and exit stamps.
Certified copies are not required.
Regards,
Atul.
Hi Atul, I have finished my course and I am on the verge of applying for 465 visa. I have a 20 year old son already studying Cert IV with me here in Perth. Can I include him in my 485 visa as dependent? Your advice please.
Dear Dago Tshering,
To add your son as a dependent on your 485 visa, your son must be under 23 at the time of visa application. They should not be married or in a de facto relationship. Additionally, they must be financially dependent on you. i.e. do not have a job and depend on you to meet their basic needs for food, clothing and shelter. If they meet the above requirements then you can add them as a dependent with evidence to prove the above.
These matters require a more detailed analysis of your specific circumstances to establish what evidence might be available to prove dependency. Hence I suggest that we discuss it in a scheduled consultation.
Regards,
Atul.
I finished my course (bachelor) on 13/12/2022. My student visa will expire on 15/3/2023. And I will have a PTE test on this Thursday. What should I do if I fail my English test.
Dear Yoshi,
If you do not get the required score for yoru English test, you will not be eligible for the 485 visa. Try your best and if you are not confident, take a few more dates before your student visa expires to avoid any complications with your visa.
If you need any assistance with your visa matter, feel free to book a consultation to explore your options.
Cheers,
Atul.
Hi Atul, I am in the same situation. How do I apply for a BVB before I leave?
I am referring to this comment here
“Dear Priya,
Bridging visas often confuse a lot of applicants. If you apply for the 485 visa now, you will be granted a BVA but it will come into effect when your current student visa expires. If you travel overseas and return before that date you will still be on the student visa so won’t need any other visa. However if you return after your student visa has expired, you will not be able to enter on your BVA.
If you intend to return after the date of yoru student visa expiry, you will need to apply for a BVB before you leave. Hope this helps.
If you have more questions, feel free to book a consultation where I can give you more specific advice.
Regards,
Atul.”
Hi Mia,
You can apply for the BVB from your Immi account by going into the visa application that you have most recently applied for. Look under the
Update Details tab. It should have an option to apply for a BVB.
If you need any help with applying for your BVB, feel free to reach out.
Regards,
Atul.
Hi Atul,
I recived the completion letter and transcript for my Australian Phd on 5th of May 2023. But my graduation is scheduled for December 2023, so i don’t have the degree certificate, so the degree isn’t conferred. My current student visa expires on 26th July 2023. I have all the other documents. In this situation am I eligible to apply for the 485 visa before 26th July 2023?
Also if i am eligible, which date should i enter as the date of award in the visa application?
Thank you
Dear Nilesh,
You are eligible to apply for the 485 visa if you meet all other requirements. Regarding the date of completion, I’m pasting my reply that I wrote for another commenter as it relates to your question too.
—–
Great question. The completion date often confuses many 485 visa applicants.
The date of completion of the eligible qualification is the date on which you were notified that all academic course requirements were met. The completion date, therefore, is the date on which the results of your final exams or notice of completion of the course were available or published. This is the date which triggers the 6 month (or 12 month) period during which you may apply for the Subclass 485 visa.
Evidence of this completion date could be notification of final exam results:
-in a letter to the applicant;
-on the internet;
-in a newspaper; or
-on the education institution’s bulletin board.
Although degree certificates generally show the date of award or conferral, that information is irrelevant. You have to provide evidence of the date of completion of your course, not the date of conferral of your degree.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Atul.