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Available Australian Visa Option After Graduate In Australia

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Is There a Visa Option After Graduating In Australia?

I am an International Student in Australia and I would like to stay in Australia after I graduate. Is there any visa option after I graduate?

Okay, you have graduated from Australian University or College and not sure what options are available for you now.

Let us give you some visa options after holding a Student Visa in Australia that may make your decision a bit easier:

  • You can return to your home country and apply the knowledge you obtained from Australian college or university.

  • You can extend your time in Australia with a Temporary Australian visa option.

  • You may apply for Permanent Residency if you meet the criteria.

  • If you are in a relationship with an Australian Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident or eligible New Zealand Citizen you may want to apply for a Partner visa.

And our visa experts have provided all available visa options after graduate. These options are explained tailored to specific situations:

TEMPORARY VISA OPTION AFTER GRADUATE

1. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Visa

The 485 Visa is the most common visa option after holding a Student Visa in Australia. And the 485 Visa can be your visa option after graduate if you find that you don’t have enough work experience yet to move to an Australian Skilled Visa.

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows you to live and work in Australia temporarily after you have completed your studies, whilst on a qualifying Student visa.

There are two streams of a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485):

  • Graduate Work Stream: 
    • If you apply for a visa in this stream the visa is granted for 18 months. You must have completed a study in a Higher Education Institution or Vocational Education and Training (VET) study program.
    • Before you apply for this stream, you will need to ensure that your skills and qualifications must relate to an occupation on the Skilled Occupations List.
  • Post Study Work Stream: 
    • This stream is available if you have completed a higher degree in Australia (Bachelor/Master/Doctoral degree). And you must have lodged your Student Visa application on or after 5 November 2011.
    • The stream can be granted up to 4 years depending on your qualifications.

However, starting from 1 July 2024, the following changes will apply to Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485):

  • The Graduate Work stream will be renamed to Post-Vocational Education Work stream;
  • The Post Study Work stream will be renamed to Post-Higher Education Work stream;
  • The maximum age requirement for all streams is 35 years old;
  • You must have an occupation listed on MLTSSL to apply for Post-Vocational Education Work stream;
  • The validity period for Post-Higher Education Work will be up to 2 years (for Bachelor degree & Master degree coursework and extended) and 3 years (for Master degree by research & Doctoral degree)

And here are some benefits that 485 Visa offer to you:

  • There are no work restrictions applied to this visa.
  • You can either work or study in any field.
  • You can remain in Australia for up to 18 months or 4 years (depending on your visa stream) to complete a professional year to gain Australian work experience and to increase your English language skills.
  • You can apply for a Permanent General Skilled Migration visa or Employer-Sponsored visa at any time.

Read more: 485 Visa Update: Age Requirement is Now 35 Years Old! 

2. Temporary Skills Shortage (subclass 482) Visa

The Temporary Skills Shortage (subclass 482) allows you to live in Australia and work in your nominated occupation for your approved sponsor for up to 4 years.

The Temporary Skills Shortage (subclass 482) has 4 different streams, which are:

  1. Short Term stream: this is for skilled workers whose occupation is listed on Short-Term Skilled Occupation List. The stream is valid for up to 2 years.
  2. Medium Term stream: this is for skilled workers whose occupation is listed on Medium and Long Term Strategic Skill List or Regional Occupation List. The stream is valid for up to 4 years.
  3. Labour Agreement stream: this is for skilled workers who are sponsored under Labour Agreement. Labour Agreement is negotiated between the employers and the Australian Government (represented by the Department of Home Affairs).
  4. Subsequent Entrant stream: this is for the family members of 482 visa holders who wish to join the visa holders in Australia.

The general requirements for Temporary Skills Shortage (subclass 482) are:

  • You must be sponsored and nominated by an approved business;
  • Have the required skills for your nominated position by an approved business;
  • Have worked in your nominated occupation for at least 2 years;
  • Have a positive Skills Assessment for your nominated occupation;
  • Meet the minimum English requirement;
  • Meet the health and character requirements.

And the benefits of holding a Temporary Skills Shortage (subclass 482) are: 

  • The 482 Visa does not have age requirement;
  • Allows you to work legally in Australia;
  • Bring family members to work or study in Australia;
  • Travel in or out of Australia as often as you like during the visa validity period;
  • Get a chance to obtain Australian Permanent Residency if you’re under 45 years of age.

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa or Visa 491 is a temporary visa based on point test. The visa is valid for 5 years and you are allowed to live and work legally in Australia during that visa period.

Since the visa is based on point-test, the requirements are quite different to other temporary work visas mentioned above.

The 491 eligibility criteria are:

  • Be under 45 years of age;
  • Score at least 65 points on your Expression of Interest (EOI);
  • Be invited and nominated by an Australian state or territory government to apply for the visa;
  • Have a positive Skills Assessment;
  • Have at least Competent English proficiency;
  • Meet the health and character requirements.

And the benefits that you will get as a 491 Visa holder are:

  • Live and work in Australia legally for 5 years.
  • Travel from and to Australia as many times as you want during the validity of your 491 Visa.
  • Obtain an Australian Permanent Residency through the 191 Visa.
  • Bring your family to Australia on a 491 Visa.

Read more: 491 Family Sponsored visa: Complete Guidance 2024

Options for graduated student

PERMANENT VISA OPTION AFTER GRADUATE

Permanent Skilled Visas Based on Point Test

The visa option under this category can be your option after graduate and it requires you to score at least 65 points in your Expression of Interest application. The different types of Permanent Skilled visas based on point test consist of:

1. Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa:

190 Visa is a permanent skilled visa based on a point test where you must be nominated and invited by a State or Territory Government Agency. Since you’re invited and nominated by a specific State or Territory Government, you must continue working in that specific State or Territory.

The requirements for 190 Visa are: 

  • Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation;
  • You must be invited to apply;
  • Be nominated for an occupation on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL);
  • Have a positive Skills Assessment for nominated occupation required;
  • Have at least Competent English proficiency;
  • Score at least 65 points on your Expression of Interest;
  • Meet the health and character requirements.

And the benefits you will get by holding a 190 Visa are:

  • You can stay in Australia indefinitely.
  • Enrol in Medicare (Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses).
  • If eligible you can apply for Australian Citizenship.
  • Sponsor eligible family members for Permanent Residence.
  • Travel to and from Australia for 5 years from the date the visa is granted.

2. Skilled Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 189) Visa

189 Visa is another permanent skilled visa based on a point test. But, as the applicant, you’re not required to be invited or nominated by an Australian State or Territory Government, so you can work and live in any place in Australia.

There are 2 pathways under the 189 Visa program:

  1. Point tested stream – for skilled workers around the world who are able to score at least 65 points.
  2. Hong Kong stream – specifically for Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders.

The requirements and benefits for each stream on 189 Visa are:

189 Visa – Point tested stream requirements:

  • Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation;
  • Be invited to apply for the visa;
  • Have your occupation listed on Skilled Occupations List (SOL);
  • Have a positive Skill Assessment for your nominated occupation;
  • Obtain at least 65 points in the Expression of Interest;
  • Achieve at least Competent English proficiency;
  • Meet the health and character requirements.

189 Visa – Hong Kong stream requirements:

  • Hold a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport;
  • Have lived in Australia for 4 years continuously before the date of your application;
  • Have at least Functional English proficiency;
  • Meet the health and character requirements.

189 Visa – Point tested and Hong Kong stream benefits:

  • You can stay in Australia indefinitely.
  • You can live, work, study legally in Australia without limitation.
  • Enroll in Australia’s health scheme, Medicare.
  • Sponsor your family members to Australia.
  • Apply for Australian Citizenship, if you’re eligible.
  • Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want for 5 years.

Read more: Visa 189 and Visa 190: Instant Australian Permanent Resident

Permanent Skilled Visas Based on Employer Sponsorship

The visa option under this category can be your option after graduate and it requires you to have a potential sponsorship before lodging the visa application. The different types of Permanent Skilled visas based on employer sponsorship consist of:

  1. Direct Entry pathway: this pathway suits you if you can directly meet the requirements for 186 Visa.
  2. Temporary Resident Transition pathway: this pathway suits you if you currently hold a 482 or 457 Visa.

1. Employer Nominated Scheme Visa (ENS) (subclass 186)

The Employer Nominated Scheme (subclass 186) is a permanent skilled visa that requires you to have a potential sponsor. You can apply for 186 Visa under one of the following pathways:

The 186 visa also has two stages, which include:

  • Stage 1 – Nomination: submitted by your sponsoring employer.
  • Stage 2 – Visa Application: submitted once your nomination is approved.

186 Visa Requirements are:

  • Be under 45 years old;
  • Hold a valid 482 Visa or 457 Visa (specifically for Temporary Resident Transition pathway);
  • Have your occupation listed on the Skilled Occupations List;
  • Have at least 3 years work experience in your nominated occupation;
  • Have a positive skills assessment;
  • Be nominated and sponsored by your sponsoring employer;
  • Have at least Competent English proficiency;
  • Meet the health and character requirement.

Benefits of holding a 186 Visa are:

  • Live in Australia indefinitely.
  • Work and study in Australia with no limitation.
  • Enroll in Australia’s health scheme, Medicare.
  • Sponsor your family members to come to Australia.
  • Apply for Australian Citizenship, if you’re eligible. 
  • Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want for 5 years.

2. Regional Sponsored Migration Visa (RSMS) (subclass 187)

The RSMS visa has two streams, which are Direct Entry stream and Temporary Residence Transition stream. But, currently the Australian Government only accepts new applications for the Temporary Residence Transition stream.

187 Visa – Temporary Residence Transition stream requirements:

  • Be under 45 years of age;
  • Hold a valid 482 or 457 visa at the time of application;
  • Be nominated and sponsored by the same employer for your 482 or 457 Visa;
  • Have at least Competent English proficiency;
  • Meet the health and character requirements.

187 Visa – Temporary Residence Transition stream benefits:

  • Live in Australia permanently.
  • Work and study as you please in Australia.
  • Join Medicare, the national health programme in Australia.
  • Sponsor your family members to come to Australia.
  • If you’re eligible, apply for Australian citizenship.
  • Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want for 5 years.

Partner Visa Option After Graduate

PARTNER VISA OPTION AFTER GRADUATE

The Partner visa can be your visa option after you graduate if you are in a relationship with an Australian Citizen, Australian Permanent Residence or Eligible New Zealand Citizen. The relationship requirement for Partner Visa require you to be either:

  1. Married to an Australian Citizen or Australian Permanent Resident or Eligible New Zealand Citizen; or
  2. In a de facto relationship and have been living together for at least 12 months prior to submitting a Partner Visa application.

The Australian Government provides two types of Partner Visa which differentiate from the place where you should be when lodging the application. Those Partner Visas are the onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) and the offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100).

Both onshore and offshore Partner Visa have the same requirements, only that you must be onshore to lodge the onshore Partner Visa, and vice versa.

1. Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) Onshore visa

This visa allows a spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen or Australian Permanent Resident or Eligible New Zealand Citizen to live in Australia.

You must be in Australia when you apply for the visa. And there are two application stages that you should pass:

  • Stage 1: Partner Visa 820, which is the temporary Partner Visa. When it’s granted, you can stay in Australia until the decision for your Partner Visa 801 is made.
  • Stage 2: Partner Visa 801, which is the permanent Partner Visa. Generally, you can submit the Partner Visa 801 application 2 years after the submission of your Partner Visa 820. Once it’s granted, you can stay indefinitely in Australia.

So, you’ve understood that you’re required to be married or in a de facto relationship with your Australian Partner. But other than that, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old to be married or in a de facto relationship;
  • Ensure you hold a valid substantive visa, but not the regional visa;
  • Ensure your substantive visa does not have the 8503 – No Further Stay condition;
  • Be sponsored by your partner;
  • Meet the health and character requirements.

By holding the Partner Visa, you can:

  • Live, work, and study in Australia with no limitation, even indefinitely once you got your Partner Visa 801.
  • Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for health care.
  • Apply for Australian Citizenship, if you’re eligible.
  • Travel from and to Australia as many times as you want for 5 years.

Read more: Convert Visitor Visa to Partner Visa in 2024 with 7 Easy Steps

Which one is best for me out of all these options?

You can find the best visa option after graduate in Australia through a private consultation with our Registered Migration Agent. The following actions will be taken by our Registered Migration Agent to make sure you apply for your best and suitable visa option:

  • thorough evaluation of your background, including your age, education, employment history, skill level, relationship background, etc;
  • expert guidance on complex circumstances that could cause delays in the process;
  • provide all of the visa options based on your background and circumstances;
  • give a written account of your meeting with our Registered Migration Agent, outlining all of your options for obtaining a visa as well as the associated costs.

Our consultation session is backed with a 100% refund guarantee if you’re not satisfied with our service. We have a 98% success rate and experts in complex cases. Call us or click below:

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How ONEderland Consulting can Help You

ONE derland Consulting has extensive experience dealing with different types of visas and complex cases, so we have the experience and knowledge in assisting you to find the best visa option after graduate in Australia.

Our team of highly qualified and experienced migration specialists is dedicated to putting in a lot of effort and planning ahead of time on your behalf. We pay close attention to every detail and apply our extensive knowledge to handle even the most complex cases.

Our team of professionals will help you by:

  1. Developing a customised document checklist: Ensure you’ve gathered and presented all required documentation in compliance with DHA regulations.
  2. Writing a customised letter of statement: highlighting the sincerity and strength of your visa application and addressing any concerns relating to any complex situations that may hinder the process.
  3. Creating empathetic and compelling narratives: Helping you create a story that speaks to the DHA, clearly explains that you’ve met the visa requirements.

We are committed to being open and honest with you, keeping you updated and involved at every stage. We will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your future in Australia, and you can rely on us to be your dependable partner and advocate.

We are complex visa specialists. As a registered Australian migration agent with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are professional and honest and speak various languages, such as Mandarin/Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, and Thai. Contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee Program.

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