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Student and Temporary Graduate Visas
Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students due to its world-class universities, diverse cultural experiences, and strong post-graduate opportunities. The Student Visa (Subclass 500) and Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) offer pathways for students to study and later work in Australia, with options to stay temporarily after graduation.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to live and study in Australia for the duration of their course. This visa is designed for students at various levels, including higher education or vocational education.
Key Features of the Subclass 500 Visa
Study Full-Time
- The Subclass 500 visa enables you to enrol in an approved full-time course in Australia, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational education.
Work Rights
- International students are generally allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic semester and full-time during holidays, helping cover living expenses and gain work experience.
Include Family Members
- You can include your partner and dependent children in your application, allowing them to join you in Australia.
Flexible Visa Duration
- The visa is generally granted for the duration of your course, plus an additional period to allow you to prepare for departure or apply for further visas.
Pathway to Post-Study Work
- Upon graduation, you may become eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), offering extended work rights.
Eligibility Criteria for the Student Visa
To be eligible for the Student Visa (Subclass 500), applicants must meet the following requirements:
Enrollment in an Approved Course:
You must be accepted into a full-time course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) and have a Confirmation of enrolment (COE).
Genuine Student (GS) requirement:
You must have lived and worked in a designated regional area for at least three years under the Regional Provisional Stream. For the Hong Kong Stream, specific residency requirements must be met.
Financial Capacity:
You must have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs
English Proficiency:
You may need to provide evidence of English, typically proven by an English test (such as IELTS or PTE) unless exempt.
Health and Character Requirements:
You must meet Australian health and character standards, including having appropriate health insurance i.e. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. This visa allows you to live and work in Australia temporarily after completing your studies, providing a pathway to gain work experience in your field of study.
Streams of the Temporary Graduate Visa
Post-Higher Education Work Stream:
Available to international students who have completed a higher education degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) in Australia. This stream offers work rights for up to 2 to 3 years generally, depending on the qualification level.
Post Vocational Education Work Stream:
This stream is for students who have completed studies in an occupation on Australia's Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). It typically allows you to stay for up to 18 months.
Key Features of the Temporary Graduate Visa
(Subclass 485)
Work Full-Time
- You can live and work full-time in Australia while on this visa, gaining practical experience in your field.
Open Pathway to PR
- An opportunity to gain relevant work experience, which can later assist in securing a permanent residency.
No Sponsorship Required
- This visa does not require employer sponsorship, giving you flexibility in your job search.
Eligibility Criteria for the Temporary Graduate Visa
Recent Graduate:
You must apply for the visa within 6 months of completing your studies in Australia.
Eligible Qualification::
You must have completed a course(s) registered on CRICOS that lasted at least 2 years.
English Language Requirement
Proof of English proficiency is required unless you hold a passport from an English-speaking country.
Skills Assessment (Vocational Education Work Stream):
For the Vocational Education Work Stream, you must nominate an occupation from the MLTSSL and complete a skills assessment.
Why Choose Migration Pathfinders for Your Student or Graduate Visa Application?
At Migration Pathfinders, we specialise in guiding international students and graduates through the visa application process. Our experienced team will:
Assist with choosing the right course and visa stream.
Help with gathering and submitting the required documentation.
Provide ongoing support throughout your visa journey.
How Can We Help?
Contact us today to start your journey towards studying and working in Australia with confidence!
Consult Us