Australia to soon offer exemptions to Subclass 485 Visa holders

Surya Rathee
[Published 20 Apr, 2022 | 11:27 AM]
About Author - 8 min read
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Overseas students who possess the Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Australia Visa have some reasons to cheer now. The Immigration Minister of Australia Alex Hawke announced that these Visa holders will be offered certain exemptions shortly.

Australia Subclass 485 Visa is a provisional Visa that permits overseas students to reside, study and work in Australia after completion of their studies. They can reside in Australia from 18 months to 4 years based on their stream and obtain valuable work experience.

As of now, overseas students who are offshore out of Australia are unable to freeze, extend or apply again for the Visa. However, they can file an application for a Subclass 485 Visa even if they are impacted by the travel curbs.

Gaining work experience is crucial for obtaining Australia PR Visa in the future for overseas students. Many of them have requested the Government of Australia to either extend or freeze their Subclass 485 Visas. They are anxious regarding the loss of valuable opportunities to obtain work experience in Australia even as the clock ticks ahead for their Visa validity.

Alex Hawke has given indications that certain exemptions would be soon announced for the holders of Subclass 485 Visas who are stuck overseas. He also said that the Government of Australia is quite aware of the issue affecting these students.

Exemptions are being outlined by the Government

The Minister said that from the outbreak of the pandemic, each Visa declaration made has attempted to offer flexibility to Australia immigration candidates. We have offered them chances to neutralize the consequences of the exceptional conditions. Thus, in some cases, individuals stuck overseas can seek a refund. Others could seek a Visa extension, added Hawke. A few can later their plans as well. We are trying to work on ensuring to accommodate all that has impacted the people without any fault on their part, explained the Minister.

The Immigration Minister of Australia said that he is closely working with the Minister of Education on developing a suitable strategy. We are well aware that Australia Subclass 485 Visa holders positively impact the nation. The only caution that we need to exercise is about the arrangements for quarantine, said Hawke.

Scott Morrison the Prime Minister of Australia has said that resuming skilled immigration is a crucial feature of the economic strategy of the nation. We are highly motivated to achieve these results, added Scott.

The recent announcement by the Immigration Minister offers hope to thousands of overseas graduates of Australia.

What is the Australia Subclass 485 Visa?

The Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Australia Visa is for overseas students less than 50 years of age who have completed a registered course under CRICOS. It has 2 Visa streams in it:

Graduate Work Category

You must have graduated recently from a course that relates to an occupation having a shortage of skills in Australia. This Visa permits overseas students to stay, study, and work in Australia.

• You can reside and work for up to 18 months in Australia
• Have a qualification applicable for an occupation on the SOL - Skilled Occupation List
• You are allowed to be accompanied by your family
• The Visa application is processed in around 4 months

Post-Study Work Category

You must have graduated recently with a degree from an institution in Australia to apply and obtain this Australia Visa.

• Reside and work in Australia for 2 to 4 years depending on your qualifications
• Have a degree obtained recently from a course registered under CRICOS
• You are allowed to be accompanied by your family
• The Visa application is processed in around 4 months

Eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Australia Visa

The requirements for the Subclass 485 Australia Visa as per the Department of Home Affairs are as follows:

• Be less than 50 years of age
• Have a qualified Australia Visa
• Must have possessed the Student Visa in the past 6 months
• Have a qualification applicable for an occupation on the SOL - Skilled Occupation List
• Must have filed an application for a skills assessment under your nominated occupation on SOL
• Offer evidence of sufficient health insurance covering all applicants in the Visa application
• Offer evidence of having filed for an AFP - Australian Federal Police when submitting the Visa application
• Offer evidence of having the necessary level of proficiency in English when submitting the Visa application

Study Requirements for the Subclass 485 Australia Visa

You have to fulfill the Australian study requirement for your course which must be:

• Enrolled in CRICOS - Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
• Taught in the English language
• Having a duration of at least 92 weeks or 16 months
• Undertaken through a valid Australian Student Visa
• Not related to an English language enabling or proficiency programs

Family

You are allowed to include family members in the Subclass 485 Visa application. Your kids can be added till the time the decision for your application is announced. Other family members cannot be added in this duration. The following family members can be included in the Visa application:

• Your partner
• Your partner’s or your child
• Your partner’s or your dependent relative

How to file an application for a Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Visa?

The application for the Subclass 485 Visa has to be submitted online to the Department of Home Affairs in Australia. You must keep ready all the specified documents for filing a complete application along with the fee for ensuring the validity of your application.

How to confirm your eligibility for the Subclass 485 Visa?

You must:

• Have completed a course in an institution in Australia
• Fulfill the English language proficiency requirements through Pearson Tests, IELTS, or Occupational English Test
• Fulfill health conditions specified by Australia

Does Subclass 485 also need a police check?

Yes, all the dependents above 16 years of age included in the Visa must provide a police check.

Can Subclass 485 Visa holders work full-time?

The individuals who possess the Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Work Visa are allowed to work full-time as long as their visa is valid. You will have to apply for another Subclass Visa if you wish to remain in Australia after the expiry of the Subclass 485 Visa.

Is Overseas Student Health Cover/OSHC required for supporting application for the Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Work Visa?

If you possess an Australia Student Visa while applying for the Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Visa, you will already have been covered through OSHC as it is a requirement for the Student Visa. You must include proof of your current OSHC along with the Subclass 485 Visa application.

Nevertheless, you will still require health insurance at some point during the processing of your 485 Visa application to obtain the Visa approval. The DHA will contact you for proof of your health insurance in compliance with 485 Visa criteria before approval of this Visa.

For instance, your Student Visa validity gets over during the processing of your Subclass 485 Visa application. You will then be offered a Bridging Visa and your OSHC validity also gets expired with the expiry of the Student Visa.

You must obtain fresh health insurance coverage in compliance with the criteria for Subclass 485 Visa prior to the expiry of your Student Visa and the OSHC policy. You have to possess and keep up suitable health insurance for your full stay in Australia once the Subclass 485 Visa application is approved.

When you must apply for the Subclass 485 Visa?

You must apply for the Subclass 485 Visa within six months of completion of your course.

Is Subclass 485 Visa an immigration Visa?

No, the Subclass 485 Visa is a provisional graduate work visa that offers you the right to work in Australia for gaining work experience. It also authorizes you to reside or study in Australia. You are required to fulfill distinct requirements for each type of Australia Subclass Visa to qualify for filing the application.

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