What You Need to Know About Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV)

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), often referred to as the Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV), allows recent international graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. It provides an excellent opportunity for students who have completed their studies in Australia to gain valuable work experience, improve their skills, and potentially transition to permanent residency. This guide will cover everything you need to know about the TGV, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, types of streams, and tips for a successful application.

Overview of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. It offers temporary residency in Australia, allowing visa holders to work full-time, study, or travel within the visa’s duration.

• Visa Duration: Depending on the applicant’s qualifications and the stream under which they apply, the TGV can be valid for 18 months to up to 5 years.
• Work Rights: The visa grants full work rights, allowing holders to gain experience in the Australian job market.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: The TGV can be a stepping stone to permanent residency, especially if combined with relevant work experience and qualifications in occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Types of Streams under the Temporary Graduate Visa

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is divided into two main streams:

1. Graduate Work Stream

The Graduate Work Stream is for international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

• Visa Duration: This stream is typically valid for 18 months. However, temporary measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic extended the validity to 24 months for visas granted from December 2021.
• Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate that their qualifications align with an occupation on the MLTSSL. Skills assessments for the relevant occupation are generally required.
• Purpose: It is intended for graduates who can potentially fill skill shortages in Australia’s labor market.

2. Post-Study Work Stream

The Post-Study Work Stream is for international students who have completed a higher education degree in Australia. It provides a longer visa duration compared to the Graduate Work Stream.

• Visa Duration: Depending on the highest qualification obtained, the visa can last from 2 to 5 years:
  • Bachelor’s Degree (including Honours) or Master’s by Coursework: Up to 2 years.
  • Master’s by Research: Up to 3 years.
  • Doctoral Degree (PhD): Up to 4 years.
  • Regional Study Incentive: Graduates from institutions in designated regional areas may receive an additional 1 to 2 years on top of the standard duration.
• Eligibility Requirements: Unlike the Graduate Work Stream, there is no requirement for the qualification to be linked to an occupation on the MLTSSL.
• Purpose: It is intended for graduates who wish to gain work experience in Australia after completing their studies.

Eligibility Criteria for the Temporary Graduate Visa

To qualify for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), applicants must meet the following general requirements:

1. Age Requirement

• Applicants must be under 50 years of age at the time of application.

2. Recent Graduate

• You must have completed your studies in Australia within the last 6 months before applying for the visa.

3. Australian Study Requirement

• The applicant must have studied in Australia for at least 16 calendar months, completing a course or courses that took a minimum of 2 academic years. The study must be full-time and undertaken in English.

4. Health Insurance

• Applicants must have adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia. It is important to arrange health insurance before submitting the visa application.

5. English Language Proficiency

• Demonstrating a sufficient level of English proficiency is mandatory. Accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and OET, with specific minimum scores required.

6. No Previous Subclass 485 or 476 Visa

• If you have previously held a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) or a Recognised Graduate Visa (subclass 476), you are ineligible to apply for another TGV.

7. Meeting the Specific Stream Requirements

• Applicants must satisfy the criteria for either the Graduate Work Stream or the Post-Study Work Stream, depending on which they choose.

How to Apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa

Applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa involves several steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the application process:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility and Gather Documents

Before applying, ensure you meet all eligibility requirements for the specific stream you are applying under. Begin by gathering the necessary documents, including:

• Passport: A copy of the personal details page and any visa stamps.
• Academic Qualifications: Certificates, transcripts, and letters from your educational institution proving you have completed the required course(s).
• Evidence of English Proficiency: Results from an accepted English language test.
• Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage for the entire visa period.
• Skills Assessment (if applying under the Graduate Work Stream): A positive skills assessment for the occupation on the MLTSSL.

Step 2: Apply Online via ImmiAccount

The application for the Temporary Graduate Visa must be submitted online using ImmiAccount, the Department of Home Affairs’ online platform.

Create or Log into ImmiAccount

• If you don’t already have an ImmiAccount, create one to start the application process.
• Once logged in, select the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) application and complete the form with accurate information.

Upload Supporting Documents 

• Ensure that all required documents are uploaded in the appropriate sections.
• Double-check that documents are clear, legible, and certified where necessary.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Application Fee

The visa application fee varies depending on the stream:

• Primary Applicant: Around AUD $1,680.
• Additional Applicants (e.g., spouse, children): An extra fee applies for each dependent.

Payments can be made securely online through the ImmiAccount platform.

Step 4: Complete Health Examinations

As part of the visa application process, you may be required to undergo health examinations to ensure that you meet Australia’s health requirements. These tests are usually conducted by approved medical providers.

Step 5: Await Visa Decision

After submitting the application, monitor your ImmiAccount for updates. The processing time for the Temporary Graduate Visa can vary based on individual circumstances, completeness of the application, and the volume of applications at the time.

• Graduate Work Stream: Processing times range from 4 to 6 months.
• Post-Study Work Stream: Processing times are usually 2 to 4 months.

Working and Studying on a Temporary Graduate Visa

The TGV offers full work rights, enabling visa holders to work in any industry or occupation. Here are some key considerations:

1. Gain Relevant Work Experience

• The TGV is an excellent opportunity to gain work experience in your field of study, which can be crucial if you are aiming to transition to a more permanent visa, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

2. Pursue Further Education

• Some TGV holders choose to pursue additional studies, such as professional certifications or postgraduate courses, to enhance their career prospects and meet criteria for other visa categories.

3. Regional Work Opportunities

• Working in regional areas may offer extra incentives, such as longer visa durations or additional points for permanent residency applications.

Transitioning to Permanent Residency from a TGV

The Temporary Graduate Visa can be a pathway to permanent residency. Here are some common routes:

1. Skilled Migration Visas

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): Points-tested visa for skilled workers who do not need employer sponsorship.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): Requires nomination by a state or territory government and offers additional points for state nomination.
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491): Available for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.

2. Employer-Sponsored Visas

• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): For skilled workers who are sponsored by an Australian employer.
• Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482): Allows you to work in Australia for up to 4 years and may lead to permanent residency.

Common Pitfalls and Tips for a Successful TGV Application

• Apply Early: Submit your application as soon as you are eligible, ideally within three months of completing your studies, to avoid any visa expiration issues.
• Ensure All Documents are Accurate: Incomplete or incorrect documents can delay processing times or result in visa refusal.
• Stay Informed About Processing Times: Regularly check updates on processing times via the Department of Home Affairs website.
• Maintain Health Insurance: Keep your health insurance policy valid throughout the visa duration.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Temporary Graduate Visa

Q: Can I include family members in my Temporary Graduate Visa application?

A: Yes, you can include eligible family members, such as your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children, in your application. Each family member included will incur an additional visa fee, and they must also meet health and character requirements.

Q: Can I apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa if I am outside Australia?

A: No, you must be in Australia when applying for the visa and when the visa is granted. The application must be submitted within six months of completing your studies.

Q: Can I extend my Temporary Graduate Visa?

A: The TGV itself cannot be extended. However, you may be eligible for another type of visa, such as the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) or an Employer-Sponsored Visa, to continue your stay in Australia. Graduates who studied in designated regional areas may also be eligible for an additional Post-Study Work Stream visa extension.

Q: What are the English language requirements for the TGV?

A: Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted test, such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or OET, with minimum scores varying by test type. Exemptions may apply if you are a passport holder from certain English-speaking countries.

Q: Is a skills assessment required for all streams?

A: A skills assessment is required only for the Graduate Work Stream, where your qualification must be linked to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). It is not required for the Post-Study Work Stream.

Future Opportunities after the Temporary Graduate Visa

For graduates seeking long-term opportunities in Australia, the TGV serves as a stepping stone toward permanent residency. Here are some future pathways to consider:

1. Continue Building Professional Experience: Working in your field while holding a TGV can help you meet the requirements for skilled migration pathways, including state or territory nominations.
2. Pursue Further Studies or Professional Year Programs: Completing additional qualifications, such as a Professional Year Program (PYP), may help improve your skills, enhance employability, and earn extra points for skilled migration.
3. Explore Regional Opportunities: Living and working in regional Australia may provide additional visa options, such as the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491), which can eventually lead to permanent residency.

Conclusion

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is an excellent option for international graduates who wish to stay in Australia after completing their studies. It provides the freedom to work, gain professional experience, and explore further educational opportunities. As a pathway to permanent residency, the TGV allows graduates to establish themselves in the Australian job market while taking steps towards a more permanent future.

By carefully preparing your application, meeting all eligibility requirements, and considering the long-term opportunities available, you can make the most of your Temporary Graduate Visa and achieve your career and residency goals in Australia.