Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa — Post-Study Work stream

Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa permits post-graduation work in Australia for 2-8 years depending on qualification + location. Critical for PR pathway through Subclass 189/190/491.

Two streams:
  (1) Post-Study Work (PSW) stream — for Bachelor's, Master's, PhD graduates from CRICOS-registered HE provider
  (2) Skilled Recognised Graduate stream — for engineering graduates from recognised institution (less common for Indian applicants who completed Australian programs)

Important 2024 changes:
  • Master's graduates from regional study: 3-year PSW extension to 5-year (was 2)
  • PhD graduates from regional study: 4-year PSW extension to 6-year (was 4)
  • Master's from metro: 2-year PSW (unchanged)
  • PhD from metro: 3-year PSW (unchanged)
  • Bachelor's: 2-year PSW (some 2024 changes; verify current)

Draft a 600-750 word Subclass 485 PSW application strategy for [CLIENT_NAME], completed [COMPLETED_PROGRAM] at [INSTITUTION] on [COMPLETION_DATE].

§1 — ELIGIBILITY (180-220 words)

Reg 485.221-485.235 + DHA policy:

(a) Held a Subclass 500 (Student) visa at least once in the last 6 months
(b) Completed a qualification of at least 2 years (92 calendar weeks) at CRICOS-registered provider
(c) Application within 6 months of course completion
(d) Met "Australian Study Requirement":
    • At least 2 academic years (92 weeks CRICOS duration)
    • OR — for Master's: ALL of course done in Australia
    • OR — for accelerated programs: actually attained the qualification
(e) English language ability:
    • IELTS overall 6.0 (no band lower than 5.0)
    • OR PTE Academic overall 50 (no band below 36)
    • OR TOEFL iBT overall 64 (specific component requirements)
    • OR Cambridge C1 overall 169
(f) Health requirement (PIC 4007)
(g) Character requirement (PIC 4001)
(h) No prior refusals or cancellations under PIC 4020 / 4001
(i) Genuine intent (PIC 4020 — incorrect information class)

For [CLIENT_NAME]: verify each.

§2 — VISA DURATION (130-160 words)

Visa duration depends on qualification + location of study + [STUDY_LOCATION]:

Bachelor's (any duration ≥2 years CRICOS):
  • Metro location: 2 years
  • Regional location: 4 years (extended from 3 in 2024)

Master's by coursework (≥2 years):
  • Metro: 2 years (unchanged from 2024 reduction)
  • Designated regional (cities 1-3): 3 years
  • Designated regional (cities 4-6 — small regional): 4 years

Master's by research (≥2 years):
  • Metro: 3 years
  • Regional: 4-5 years

PhD:
  • Metro: 3 years
  • Regional: 4-6 years

For [COMPLETED_PROGRAM] at [INSTITUTION] in [STUDY_LOCATION]: calculate the PSW duration entitlement.

Regional classifications:
  • Category 1: Major cities (Sydney metropolitan, Melbourne metropolitan, Brisbane metropolitan, Perth metropolitan)
  • Category 2: Cities of major regional centres (Newcastle/Wollongong, Geelong, Hobart, Canberra)
  • Category 3: Regional centres / cities (Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
  • Category 4-6: Designated regional areas with smaller populations

§3 — APPLICATION DOCUMENTS (180-220 words)

Online application via ImmiAccount:
  □ Form: Subclass 485 application (lodged online)
  □ Application fee: AUD 1,895 (revised; verify current)
  □ Completion letter / final transcript from [INSTITUTION]:
    - Confirming course completion
    - Confirming all academic requirements met
    - Date course requirements completed (the "completion date")
  □ Academic transcripts (final)
  □ English language test ([PTE_IELTS]) within validity (3 years from test date)
  □ Passport
  □ Photos (2 recent)
  □ Australian Federal Police (AFP) clearance:
    - Required for [CLIENT_NAME] aged 17+
    - Apply online via afp.gov.au
    - Issued within 6 months of application
  □ Police clearances from any country lived in 12+ months in last 10 years
    - India: PCC from local SP / RPO (4-12 weeks processing)
    - Other countries: per country authority
  □ Health checks (BUPA-approved panel doctor):
    - Medical examination if from designated country
    - 12-month validity from exam date
  □ Skills assessment NOT REQUIRED for 485 (different from 189/190 PR)

§4 — POST-PSW PATHWAYS (130-160 words)

During the PSW visa period, [CLIENT_NAME] should focus on:

(1) Skilled employment (TEER 0/1/2 ANZSCO occupation):
  • At least 1 year of work in nominated occupation
  • Qualifying employment counts toward Subclass 189/190 work experience
  • Salary at or above market median for ANZSCO occupation

(2) Skills assessment by relevant assessing authority (during PSW):
  • Indian engineering qualifications → Engineers Australia (full membership stream)
  • Indian healthcare → ANMAC / AHPRA
  • Indian accounting → CPA Australia / IPA / CA ANZ
  • Indian IT → ACS (Australian Computer Society)
  • Indian teaching → AITSL
  • Indian trades → TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)
  • Indian other → VETASSESS

(3) English language test improvement:
  • Aim for PTE Superior (79+) for max EOI points
  • Or IELTS 8.0+ for points-test advantage

(4) State / territory nomination eligibility:
  • Live and work in state of preferred nomination
  • Match nominated occupation to state skilled migration list

§5 — IMMEDIATE POST-COMPLETION CHECKLIST (60-80 words)

  □ Confirm completion date with [INSTITUTION]
  □ Apply for AFP police clearance (4-6 weeks)
  □ Order India PCC if needed (4-12 weeks — start NOW)
  □ Ensure PTE / IELTS within validity at application time
  □ Submit application within 6 months of completion (deadline = STRICT)
  □ Maintain Subclass 500 status until 485 grant or bridging visa

§6 — KEY RISKS (40-60 words)

  • Late application (>6 months from completion) = visa application invalid
  • Insufficient English at time of 485 application = refusal
  • Police checks expired at decision time = refusal
  • Visa condition 8101 (no work) — DOES NOT apply to 485 PSW (485 visas allow full work rights)

End with: "DRAFT SUBCLASS 485 PSW APPLICATION — for MARN-registered agent review. 6-month application window is STRICT and non-extendable. Begin AFP + India PCC process immediately upon course completion. Verify regional classification of [STUDY_LOCATION] against the DHA designated regional area list — affects visa duration by 1-2 years."