The 485 visa extension is very popular among students who graduate from Australia. It offers an opportunity for candidates to stay longer than allowed with permission to gain more work experience. The eligibility criteria are usually met by pupils who have graduated from Australian universities and wish to seek valuable work experience in the country.

If you are one of those and are looking to extend your stay, this piece delves deeper into the Australia 485 visa requirements. So keep reading the blog to get important information on how to apply, the necessary criteria, and who can help you with the process.

Australia 485 Visa Requirements

A popular choice for international students finishing their studies in Australia is the Graduate Visa (subclass 485). It provides candidates with an opportunity to gain experience in their field of preference which can eventually lead to permanent residency.

However, the 485 visa requirements in Australia are quite stringent, and you are eligible only if you meet several key requirements as elaborated below:

The applicant must be under 35 years of age at the time of application. However, exceptions may apply.
Additionally, they must have recently completed your CRICOS-registered course in Australia.
You must have held a valid Student (subclass 500) visa within six months of your application date.
Furthermore, you must fulfil any specific requirements of the relevant visa stream in which you will be placed – either the Post-Study Work Stream or the Graduate Work Stream.
The 485 visa English requirements state that the applicant must provide evidence of adequate health insurance documents to the authorities before applying for this VISA.
One must also provide evidence that you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check before applying for the VISA. Check out the character requirements here.
Finally, one must submit documents stating the evidence of the required level of English with the application.

Once you know the 485 visa requirements checklist, let us check the IELTS requirements.

485 Visa Requirements IELTS

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) enables overseas students who have recently graduated from Australian universities and colleges to stay, work, or study further in Australia. To apply for this visa, you must meet the English requirement issued by the Department of Home Affairs.

The authorities recommend that all applicants have an IELTS 6.0 overall, with no band score under 5.0 (or equivalent), by 21 March 2024 to be eligible for a 485 visa. The Australian Government announced on 11 December 2023 (485 Visa Updates) as part of its migration strategy. However, on 21 March 2024, the Australian Government released a new set of requirements for the English language for 485 and 476 visas, effective from 23 March 2024.

Updated English Requirements For 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

The minimum English score required for 485 visa requirements IELTS increases from 6.0 to 6.5, and the score for skills like reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It can not be under 5.5.
The IELTS test validity window has been reduced from 3 years to 1 year. This means that the candidate must achieve the required test scores within a year of applying for a visa.
This revision does not apply to British National Overseas and Hong Kong passport holders.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs accepts only the following tests:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Cambridge English: Advanced test (CAE)
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)
Occupational English Test (OET)
Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)

Here are the minimum scores you need for each part of the English test.

English tests	Overall	Listening	Reading	Speaking	Writing
IELTS	6.5	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5
PTE	57	43	48	42	51
CAE	176	162	162	162	162
OET	B	B	B	B	B
TOEFL iBT	83	7	8	16	18

485 Visa Extension

To be eligible for the extension, you must hold a valid 485 visa under the Graduate Work stream or the Post-Study Work stream. Besides, you need to meet the health and character requirements, and you have maintained continuous work or study throughout your current visa.

The 485 visa allows you to stay in the country between 2 and 3 years, depending on your skill set. However, British National Overseas and Hong Kong passport holders may extend their stay for 5 years.

Must Read:- 485 Visa: an Essential Guide for International Students!

How Do You Apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa in Subclass 485?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) has specific eligibility criteria that must be met, which include age limits, recent completion of study, health, and character requirements. You will apply to the Internet through the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Account, providing extensive information regarding your studies, work experience, and personal circumstances.

The best migration agent in Perth could help you understand the requirements of a visa, what paperwork is needed, and prepare a strong application that would appeal to the authority and possibly result in issuing a visa. They could also help you with work opportunities and permanent residency pathways.

Do I Need to Complete an English Test for a Temporary Graduate Visa 485?

Generally, one has to complete an English test for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). To meet the English language proficiency criteria, one needs to achieve a minimum score in IELTS or an equivalent test.

Who Is Eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485?

If you have completed your education in Australia, are under 35 (with some limitations), have a valid student visa, and possess the necessary English language proficiency, you may apply for a TR 485 visa. The qualification must be from a CRICOS-registered course, and the stream applied for would depend on the degree and if you’ve studied in a regional area.

In Conclusion

The 485 visa lets international students stay in Australia and gain work experience. However, one needs to understand the eligibility criteria and, in turn, meet specific requirements. By carefully considering these and aspects of the English language or other essentials, the chances of receiving this visa can be enhanced. For detailed consultancy and professional help, reach out to a immigration agent in Perth and get on a stepping stone to a successful career journey in Australia.

Ultimate Guide to 485 Visa Requirements: Secure Your Future in Australia