How to get PR after 485 Visa
The Temporary Graduate Visa, or Subclass 485, serves as a bridge for international students, enabling them to live, work, and further their studies in Australia upon completing their academic programs.
This visa comes in two distinct streams: the Graduate Work Stream and the Post-Study Work Stream, each offering different durations of stay and catering to varied applicant needs.
Recent Amendments to the Post-Study Work Visa
In light of the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Australian Government has introduced several relaxations and changes to the post-study work visa.
Students who faced impediments, such as being unable to attend classes due to travel restrictions, are now afforded certain leniencies.
These include extended timelines for health check-ups, biometric submissions, and English language proficiency test results.
Subclass 485 Visa Requirements
To qualify for the 485 Visa, applicants must be under 35 years of age, hold an eligible visa, and have completed a CRICOS-registered course.
While student visa holders are initially covered by the Overseas Student Health Cover, obtaining 485 Visa health insurance becomes pivotal at subsequent stages, especially as the visa application nears finalization.
- Graduate Work Stream: Tailored for international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications pertinent to specific occupations Australia needs. It allows a stay of 18 months and generally takes about 3 months for processing.
- Post-Study Work Stream: Applicable for recent graduates from Australian institutions, permitting a stay of 2-4 years, contingent on the qualification obtained. The processing time is approximately 9 months
Pathways from Subclass 485 to Permanent Residency (PR)
Navigating from a 485 Visa to PR involves exploring various pathways, each with its own set of criteria, advantages, and limitations.
1. Employer-Sponsored Visas: TSS 482 and ENS 186
- Requirements: 2 years of relevant work experience, employer sponsorship.
- Pros: A relatively certain pathway with employer sponsorship.
- Cons: Dependent on maintaining employer relations and potential long-term commitment.
2. Sponsored Visas 186 Direct Entry Stream- 485 Visa to 186 Visa
- Requirements: 3 years of relevant work experience, occupation on the eligible skilled occupations list, and employer sponsorship.
- Pros: Direct pathway to PR.
- Cons: Reliance on employer sponsorship and validation of work experience.
3. Skilled Independent Visas: Subclass 189
- Requirements: Occupation listed on the 189-occupation list (MLTSSL), suitable skills assessment, and a minimum score of 65 points on the points test.
- Pros: No need for employer sponsorship.
- Cons: Competitive due to the points-based system.
4. State Nominated Visas: Subclass 190 and 491- 485 visa to 190 visa or 491 Visa
- Requirements: Occupation in demand in specific states or territories, and submission of an EOI via SkillSelect.
- Pros: Potential PR within 3 years with strategic planning.
- Cons: May necessitate relocation to specific regions.
5. Training Visa: Subclass 407
- Age: Generally, there is no age limit.
- Sponsorship: Must be sponsored by an approved sponsor.
- Nomination: Must be nominated for a position by an approved sponsor (unless a specific exemption applies).
- Occupational Training: Must be identified to undertake occupational training that is provided by the nominating organization.
- Pros: Lower requirements compared to TSS 482.
- Cons: Limited duration and may not directly lead to PR.
Conclusion: Strategizing Your Pathway to PR
Embarking on the journey from a Temporary Graduate Visa to Permanent Residency in Australia involves meticulous planning and adherence to visa requirements.
Given the complexity and frequent updates in immigration policies, consulting with a registered migration agent and continuously monitoring the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website ensures that your pathway to PR is navigated with precision and up-to-date information.
