Australia is renowned for its excellent living conditions and well-equipped communities, with cities like Sydney and Melbourne consistently ranked among the world's most livable. Coupled with a recent surge in market demand, providing numerous job opportunities and competitive salaries, Australia has become a coveted destination for many aspiring migrants. Thus, many Australian university graduates rely on the "485 visa" to obtain residency rights in Australia. But what exactly is a "485 visa"? What are the requirements for an Australian 485 visa?
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What is a 485 Visa?
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list
- Under 50 years old
- Must be in Australia during the application period
- Possess valid visa documents
- Held a Student Visa (Subclass 500) in the last six months
- Qualifications must correspond to an occupation on the Australian Skilled Occupation List
- Provide related records of applications to occupations listed on the Australian Skilled Occupation List
- Provide records of health insurance
- Provide a criminal record check from the Australian Federal Police (AFP)
- Submit a qualified English proficiency test
The second category is the Post-Study Work stream, primarily aimed at graduates who have completed a Bachelor's degree or higher in Australia, irrespective of their field of study, provided the course duration was at least two years. The application fee for this category is also AUD 1,895. The Post-Study Work stream 485 visa requirements and qualifications include:
- Under 50 years old
- Must be in Australia during the application period
- Possess valid visa documents
- First student visa application must have been on or after November 5, 2011
- Held a Student Visa (Subclass 500) in the last six months
- https://cricos.education.gov.au/
- Provide original and a copy of the health insurance policy
- Provide health insurance records
- Provide a criminal record check from the Australian Federal Police (AFP)
- Submit a qualified English proficiency test
Parents and students might ask: Both visas are suitable for Australian graduates, but what are the differences? The distinction lies in the level of qualifications. The Professional Skills category visa is only applicable to students who have completed designated degrees, diplomas, or certificate courses specified by the Australian government; whereas the Higher Education category visa is suitable for students who have completed a Bachelor's degree or higher.
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Reasons for Visa Rejection for Australian Graduates
Having introduced the requirements and distinctions between the two visas, we will share experiences where Australian graduates were denied the 485 visa, to prevent similar mistakes.
Expired English Proficiency Test
Except for individuals holding passports from the United States, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland who are exempt from the English test, all other applicants must pass an international standardized English proficiency test to prove that their English ability meets the specified level. The Australian government accepts the following international English proficiency tests:
Having completed and passed the Australian government's required English proficiency tests, and meeting the standards, why are there still cases of visa refusals? In fact, these scores have an expiration date; if the applicant's results are older than one year, they must retake and meet the standards of any of the above tests.
Source: Visapath Australia
Insufficient Insurance Coverage
Graduates planning to live in Australia for the next two to three years will face various pressures, among which medical costs can constitute a significant portion. To alleviate financial stress, the Australian government requires applicants to have medical insurance covering the entire duration of their stay; failure to comply may lead to visa refusal.
Furthermore, whereas international students applying for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) were required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), the 485 visa necessitates that applicants have Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). If the wrong type of insurance is secured, the Australian government will refuse the 485 visa application.
Understanding Australian Studies with Cyclopes
After reading the above introduction, students should have a clear understanding of what the Australian Graduate Visa 485 entails and are familiar with its requirements. However, the 485 visa can only be applied for once. Students should seize this opportunity and use the six-month grace period to consider whether to develop their careers in Australia or return to Hong Kong for employment and seek other opportunities. If students wish to learn more about studying in Australia, they are welcome to consult with the Cyclopes study abroad team, who will provide tailored information on overseas education.