Tips To Avoid Your 485 Visa Australia Application From Being Rejected

Many overseas students apply for the 485 visa Australia after graduating from an Australian institute. This visa allows them to stay back in this country and explore further study and work opportunities. The work experience they gain on this visa also helps them in their permanent residency applications. So, it is essential to take great care to make the 485 Graduate Visa application. If you are interested in applying for this Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485, read this blog to know several crucial tips to avoid any chance of rejection. 

Choose the Correct Stream with 485 visa australia

First, you have to be aware that the 485 Visa is classified into two streams: the Graduate Work Stream and the Post-Study Work Stream. Both these streams have specific eligibility requirements, which means you will have to be very careful while making your choice. 

Take a look at the details of each stream.

Graduate Work Stream (GWS)

The GWS allows a holder to stay for 18 months in Australia, during which they can work and study. 

For this stream, you will be required to hold a diploma or trade certificate earned in the past six months of making the application. In addition, you must check if you have the skills in the occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupations list and must arrange for your skills assessment. 

Post-Study Work Stream (PSWS)

The PSWS will let you stay for 2 to 4 years, depending on your academic qualification. You must hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD to apply for this stream. Note that no skills assessment is required here. 

For both the streams, you must have applied or been granted your first Australian student visa after 5 November 2011. 

Be in Australia

The application must be made onshore.

Apply within Deadline

Maintaining the application deadline is a must. You have to apply for your Temporary Graduate Visa 485 within 6 months of your course completion. Note that the course completion date refers to the date of publication of final results. 

You must also make sure that you are currently holding a student visa or have held your Visa 500 in the last 6 months and currently hold a bridging visa.

Meet the Australian Study Requirements

Satisfying the Australian study requirements is one of the most essential 485 Visa eligibility criteria. Make sure you meet the following conditions. 

  • You have studied for at least 2 academic years at an Australian institute. 2 academic years are equivalent to 92 weeks of classes.
  • Physically present in Australia for at least 16 months to earn your degree.
  • Held an Australian student Temporary graduate visa subclass 485 to complete your study.
  • You have met all the course requirements.
  • The teaching language was English.
  • The course was registered on the CRICOS.

Meet Your English Language Requirement

Unless you come from an English-speaking country like New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, the UK, or the US, you must prove your English language proficiency. To prove it, you must show to have achieved at least the minimum required score in one of the following English language tests. 

  • IELTS: A 6 overall band scores with 5 in each band
  • TOEFL iBT: At least 64 overall, with 4 in reading and listening, and 14 for speaking and writing
  • OET: A minimum of B in each part
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 50 with 36 in each component
  • C1: A minimum overall score of 169 with 154 in each component

Make sure you have taken this English test not more than 3 years ago of your 485 Visa Australia application.

Obtain Your AFP Clearance Certificate

Another vital requirement for the 485 Visa is obtaining your Australian Federal Police clearance certificate. Note that the Department of Home Affairs only accepts the AFP certificates. 

Your AFP certificate will stay valid for 12 months, which means you will need to apply for your Subclass 485 Visa Australia before the certificate expires. If you have not obtained it before your application, make sure you have at least applied for it. 

Undergo the Skills Assessment if You Apply for the GWS

As stated earlier, you will need to undergo a skills assessment if you want to apply for the Graduate Work Stream. It will prove that you have the skills required to manage the job responsibilities associated with your nominated occupation. 

Remember that different assessing bodies carry out assessments for different occupations. 

If you have not received your assessment results, you must provide information like a test reference number along with your Graduate Visa 485 application. After receiving the results, send them to the Department of Home Affairs as early as possible.

Obtain a Valid Health Insurance Cover

Throughout the entire period of stay on this visa temporary graduate visa 485 you must hold a valid health insurance cover. It will help you cover necessary medical treatment costs, including transport to public hospitals. 

At the time of application, you can provide your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) details if it is valid. But, remember that you must get an Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) before the Department decides on your Visa Subclass 485 application.

Use the Paper Application Form when There Is a ‘No Further Stay Condition

Your current student visa may have a ‘no further stay’ condition (Condition 8534 or 8535). In that case, you will be required to waive this condition to apply for another temporary graduate visa 485. 

Now, if you want to apply for a 485 Visa to extend your stay, you must go for a paper application. Otherwise, the condition will not be waived.

Ending Note

While making the application is not so difficult, it may be the only option left for you to stay back in Australia and plan to settle down here permanently. In that case, it will be essential to understand the formal eligibility requirements and checklist. You may hire a registered immigration agent Adelaide to make your application smooth. Australian migration agents provide excellent application guidance to their clients, thus ensuring the best application outcome. Because many applications get rejected due to incompleteness, hiring one of these professionals is always recommended.

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