One app for all your study abroad needs
The 485 visa is also called an Australian Temporary Graduate visa. This visa is valid for a time period of 2 to 4 years. If your 485 visa is about to expire, you should consult with your migration agent or the Home Affairs Department of Australia. They can find you alternative options based on your circumstances. They will also provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information on what to do after your 485 Australian visa expires. In this article, we will discuss the alternative options available after your 485 visa expires.
| Visa Name | 485 visa (Temporary Graduate visa) |
| Country | Australia |
| Duration | 2 to 4 years |
| Purpose | Live and Work in Australia temporarily |
| Application Fee | +18 years of age – AUD 865 (INR 46.4K) Below 18 years of age – AUD 435 (INR 23.3K) |
| Official Website | https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/ |
This Blog Includes:
What is a 485 Visa?
The Temporary Graduate visa is popularly known as the 485 Visa. This visa offers recently graduated international students from Australian universities the opportunity to work and live in Australia temporarily. Two streams divide the visa: the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study Work stream (Post Graduate Work Visa).
The Graduate Work stream is for international students who have completed their education required for the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). International students who have completed UG, PG or PhD Programs at Aussie universities are eligible for a PSWV.
Level of Education and Duration of Australia 485 Visa
Your level of education affects the duration of your Australian 485 visa. If this duration has passed, you need to know what to do after 485 Visa expires.
| Level of Education | Validity of 485 Visa |
| BA degree (Hons) | 2 years |
| MA (research/coursework) | 3 years |
| Extended masters | 3 years |
| Doctoral degree | 4 years |
If you are a Hong Kong national or a British National Overseas, you can get the visa for 5 years.
What to do When a 485 Visa is Expiring?
If your 485 visa is about to expire, it’s recommended you decide what you need to do. First of all, visit the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. You can also consult with a registered migration agent for the most up-to-date and accurate information on the 485 visas. Also, here’s a list of some relevant options which you can pick when your 485 visa is about to expire.
Also Read: Post Study Work Permit in Australia
Explore Other Visa Options
Your eligibility criteria, circumstances and qualifications will determine whether you have the option of exploring other visas in Australia. Your migration agent or the Australian Department of Home Affairs will suggest you go after employer-sponsored visas or other visas. These include the Temporary Skill visa, Subclass 482, etc.
You will receive these options only if you are working in Australia under an employer.. You might also have the option of skilled independent visas if you qualify in the test conducted. These include the Subclass 189 and the Skilled Independent visa. Here are some visa options you can explore:
Bridging Visas
You can apply for a Bridging Visa A, Bridging Visa B, or a Bridging Visa C. These visas allow you to stay in the country while you are waiting for a decision on your next visa application.
Skilled Migration Visas
What to do after 485 Visa expires? There are different types of skilled migration visas that you can apply for. Some of them are provided below;
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)– This permanent residence visa is available to those not sponsored by an employer, family member or state. To be eligible, you need to clear a points test and meet the required minimum score of 65 points. Moreover, the occupation must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)- This refers to nomination by an Australian territory government or state. This visa is suitable for skilled professionals whose job aligns with state-specific employment requirements.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)– This visa is issued to skilled workers wanting to live and work for 5 years in regional Australia. You need to be nominated by the state or territory or receive sponsorship from an eligible family member staying in a regional area.
Employer-Sponsored Visas
What to do after 485 Visa expires? You can also choose to apply for an employer-sponsored visa. For example,
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482 – TSS Visa)– Australian employers wanting to sponsor skilled foregin workers to fill labour shortages can apply. You need two years of work experience and must be sponsored by an approved employer.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186 – ENS Visa)– Skilled workers nominated by their employers can apply for this permanent residency visa. However, to apply, you need prior work experience, like a TSS Visa holder.
Training Visa (Subclass 407)
This visa is suitable for you if you want to access workplace-based training. You can enhance skills in a current occupation or an area of expertise. This visa can help you later apply for a skilled migration pathway after gaining work experience and relevant qualifications.
Permanent Residency Pathway
Those who are eligible can apply for PR in Australia. You can apply for a PR through the employer-sponsored routes or the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. The PR process is handled by Australia’s SkillSelect system. Your age, qualification, work experience, and English language proficiency is taken into account.
Also Read: Temporary Graduate Visas (TR 485) Australia
Study Further
Another notable option that you may have is to continue with your studies in Australia by pursuing a new program or course. By doing so, you will be eligible to apply for the Subclass 500, which is a student visa, and it can extend your stay in Australia.
Return to Your Home Country
The last remaining option left for those who do not want to explore other visa options or don’t want to pursue studies further will be to return back to their native country when their 485 visa expires. You must plan your departure beforehand and ensure that you fulfil all the applicable visa requirements.
These visas are points-tested and require meeting specific skill and eligibility criteria. Alternatively, if you have an eligible Australian partner, you can explore partner visa options. Seek advice from a migration expert to understand the best pathway to achieve permanent residency based on your qualifications and circumstances.
5 Tips for a Smooth Transition Back Home After Your 485 Visa Expires
If you are not eligible for any of the Australian visas and your 485 visa has expired, you have to return home. Staying in the country would no longer be legal or permitted. In such cases, ensure you are making a smooth transition back home.
Financial preparation
First of all, you need to settle any outstanding debits or bills. Make sure your loans and rental agreements are settled. This can prevent any complications in the future. Furthermore, you must close any Australian bank account if you do not plan to return to Australia. As a temporary visa holder, you can claim Superannuation (retirement savings) under the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) scheme. This will ensure you have sufficient funds.
Work and Career Planning
Secondly, you must plan for employment. You can collect reference letters or experience letters from your Australian employer. Ensure that you have updated your LinkedIn profile and your resume. Highlight the international work experience you have had and the unique skills you have learnt while you were in Australia. Lastly, stay connected with your Australian employers or international companies with branches in India.
Emotional and Social Adjustment
You can experience reverse culture shock. It can feel different returning to your home country after spending time abroad. Therefore, you need to take time to socially and culturally adjust back in India. Ensure that you are reconnecting with your friends and family. This can help you deal with the emotional impact.
Check Out Alternative Visa or Relocation Options
Since you have already studied in Australia, it is easy for you to seek out alternative visa options. If you are interested in returning to Australia, you can seek jobs with employment sponsorship. You can also check out the permanent residency options provided by the country. You can also look for work opportunities in other countries.
To learn more about what you can do after 485 visa expires, watch this video:
5 Tips and Tricks for a PR Pathway
These are a few tips to get an Australian PR after obtaining a 485 visa.
- Get to know the different visa options available and which one is best for you
- Check if you are eligible for the selected visa. This includes checking the background of your nominated work and ensuring that you meet the qualifications and working conditions.
- Plan and check out the visa options available to you at least 6 months before the expiry date of your current visa. This will ensure that you have sufficient time to prepare for your new visa application.
- Stay up to date with immigration changes to the 485 visa and any other visa options.
- Seek professional advice and visa assistance if needed.
FAQs
A 485 visa, also known as the Temporary Graduate visa, is designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. When your 485 visa expires, you have several options. You can apply for a new visa, seek permanent residency, or plan your departure from Australia. The specific steps will depend on your circumstances.
Yes, you can apply for a new visa after your 485 visa expires if you meet the eligibility criteria for another visa category. Explore the various visa options available, such as employer-sponsored visas, skilled migration visas, or partner visas, depending on your qualifications and personal situation. Consult with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent for guidance on selecting the right visa for your future plans.
If your goal is to obtain permanent residency in Australia, you can consider applying for a skilled migration visa, such as a subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) or subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visa.
Yes, you can apply for a subclass 485 visa again. The visa is given for 1-2 years depending on the location of the university that resulted in the grant of the 1st first Temporary Graduate visa.
Transiting from a 485 visa to a student 500 visa requires submitting a student visa application. This process might be confusing so if you do not feel confident about this always choose the best consultant to start your process.
Yes. You can enter Australia if your visa is about to expire. You can enter the country before the expiry date provided on your visa. However, you can only enter after the ‘must not arrive after’ date provided on your visa.
To avoid any last-minute delays and get guidance on how to proceed with the student visa application process, speak to Leverage Edu’s experts today. Our visa experts will not only help you to understand the country-specific visa requirements but also prepare you for the Visa interview.
Relevant Reads:
45,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!
