What Is Temporary Graduate Visa In Australia

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Australia is a popular destination for international students. After spending time studying at Australian institutions, many students hope to stay in the country for a while to gain work experience. This is where the Temporary Graduate Visa comes in. It offers international students an opportunity to live and work in Australia for a certain period after they finish their studies.

The main aim of the Temporary Graduate Visa is to allow international students who have completed an eligible course in Australia to stay in the country and apply their newly – acquired skills in the Australian workforce. It’s a way for Australia to retain talented individuals and for students to enhance their career prospects. For example, a student who has completed a degree in engineering can use this visa to work for an Australian engineering firm, getting practical experience that can boost their resume globally.

There are two main types of Temporary Graduate Visas in Australia: the Subclass 485 – Graduate Work stream and the Subclass 485 – Post – Study Work stream.

To be eligible for the Graduate Work stream, you must have completed an Australian qualification from a registered training organization (RTO). This qualification should be at least an Advanced Diploma or higher. For instance, if you’ve completed a Bachelor’s degree in business or a Diploma of Nursing from an approved Australian institution, you may meet this requirement. The course must also be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) relevant to your field of study. So, if you studied accounting, your accounting degree should be related to an occupation on the SOL for accountants.

You need to prove that you have a good level of English. Usually, this means achieving a certain score in an approved English language test. Tests like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE), or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are accepted. For the Graduate Work stream, you generally need an overall score of at least 6.0 in IELTS, with no band less than 5.0. This ensures that you can communicate effectively in the Australian workplace.

There is an age limit for this visa. You must be under 50 years old at the time of applying. This is to ensure that the visa is mainly targeted at young graduates who are starting their careers and can contribute to the Australian workforce for a significant period.

The length of the Subclass 485 – Graduate Work stream visa depends on the level of your qualification. If you completed an Advanced Diploma or Diploma, you may be eligible for a visa for 18 months. For a Bachelor’s degree, the visa duration is usually 2 years. A Master’s degree by coursework can get you a 2 – year visa, and a Master’s degree by research or a Doctorate can result in a 3 – year visa. This gives you enough time to find suitable work in your field and gain valuable experience.

With the Subclass 485 – Graduate Work stream visa, you can work full – time in any occupation related to your field of study. For example, if you graduated with a degree in information technology, you can work as a software developer, IT support specialist, or in any other IT – related role. You can also work for multiple employers during the visa period. This flexibility allows you to explore different job opportunities and build a diverse work portfolio.

For the Post – Study Work stream, you need to have completed an Australian qualification at the Bachelor’s degree level or higher from an Australian university. This is a broader requirement compared to the Graduate Work stream as it’s not restricted to courses on the SOL. Whether you studied a creative arts degree, a social sciences degree, or a professional degree like law or medicine from an Australian university, you may be eligible.

Similar to the Graduate Work stream, you need to meet the English language requirements. The acceptable tests and score requirements are generally the same. You need to show that you can communicate well in English to function in the Australian work and social environment.

You must have studied in Australia for at least two academic years (92 weeks). This doesn’t have to be consecutive, but it must be a total of 92 weeks of study. For example, if you took a semester break during your degree program, as long as the total study time adds up to 92 weeks, you meet this requirement. This ensures that you have a sufficient understanding of the Australian education system and culture.

The duration of the Subclass 485 – Post – Study Work stream visa also depends on your qualification level. For a Bachelor’s degree, you can get a 2 – year visa. A Master’s degree by coursework gives you a 3 – year visa, and a Master’s degree by research or a Doctorate offers a 4 – year visa. This longer visa duration is beneficial for students who have invested more time in their higher – level studies.

With this visa, you have unrestricted work rights. You can work in any occupation, not just those related to your field of study. This means that even if you studied a humanities degree, you can choose to work in the hospitality industry, start – up sector, or any other field that interests you. It gives you the freedom to explore different career paths and industries in Australia.

You need to provide your valid passport. This is the primary identification document. Additionally, you may need to provide other identity – related documents, such as a national identity card or a birth certificate, depending on your country of origin. These documents prove who you are and your nationality.

Submit your official academic transcripts and a letter of completion from your Australian institution. The transcripts show all the courses you took, the grades you received, and the overall completion of your degree. The letter of completion confirms that you have successfully finished your studies. If your degree is from a non – English – speaking country, you may need to provide certified translations of these documents.

Include the original or certified copies of your English language test results. Make sure the test was taken within the valid period as specified by the Australian immigration authorities. If you took the IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL, send the official score reports.

You may need to undergo a medical examination. This can include a general health check – up, a chest x – ray, and other tests depending on your circumstances. You also need to prove that you are of good character. This may involve providing a police clearance certificate from your home country and any other countries where you have lived for a certain period.

You can lodge your Temporary Graduate Visa application online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount. Create an account if you don’t already have one. Then, carefully fill in all the required information, upload the documents, and pay the application fee. The application fee can vary, so it’s important to check the current fee on the official website. Once you’ve submitted the application, you’ll receive a confirmation.

The processing time for the Temporary Graduate Visa can vary. It depends on various factors, such as the completeness of your application, the volume of applications being processed at the time, and any additional checks that may be required. On average, it can take several months. Sometimes, it may take up to 6 months or more. It’s important to be patient during this time and to keep an eye on the status of your application through your ImmiAccount.

The most obvious benefit is the opportunity to gain work experience in Australia. Working in a foreign country, especially one with a developed economy like Australia, can enhance your skills and make you more competitive in the global job market. For example, if you work in an Australian marketing agency, you can learn about different marketing strategies, client handling, and industry trends that may not be as prevalent in your home country.

While working in Australia, you can build a professional network. You’ll meet colleagues, clients, and industry experts. These connections can be valuable for future job opportunities, whether in Australia or back in your home country. You may attend industry events, conferences, or team – building activities where you can expand your network.

Living and working in Australia allows you to experience a new culture. You can learn about Australian traditions, customs, and social norms. This cultural exposure can broaden your perspective and make you more adaptable. You can try new foods, participate in local festivals, and interact with people from different backgrounds, which enriches your life in many ways.

Finding a job in Australia can be competitive, even with the Temporary Graduate Visa. The local job market has its own dynamics, and there may be a lot of competition from Australian citizens and permanent residents. You need to make sure your resume is tailored to the Australian market, highlighting your relevant skills and experiences. You may also need to use various job – search platforms, such as Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn, and network actively to increase your chances of getting a job.

Australia has a relatively high cost of living. You need to budget carefully, especially when it comes to accommodation, food, and transportation. Rent in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne can be expensive. You may need to consider sharing accommodation with other people to cut costs. Additionally, food prices, especially for imported items, can be high. You need to plan your finances well to ensure that you can afford to live in Australia during the visa period.

It’s important to comply with the visa conditions. For example, if you have a condition related to your work, such as working only in a certain field or for a certain number of hours, you must follow it. Failure to comply with the visa conditions can result in your visa being cancelled. Make sure you understand all the conditions attached to your Temporary Graduate Visa and adhere to them.

The Temporary Graduate Visa in Australia is a valuable opportunity for international students who have completed their studies in the country. It offers a chance to gain work experience, build a network, and experience a new culture. However, it also comes with challenges, such as job hunting and managing the cost of living. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and the benefits and challenges associated with the visa, international students can make the most of this opportunity. Whether you choose the Graduate Work stream or the Post – Study Work stream, the Temporary Graduate Visa can be a stepping – stone to a successful career, either in Australia or globally. It allows you to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom in a real – world work environment and to grow both professionally and personally. So, if you’re an international student in Australia, carefully consider applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa to enhance your future prospects.