For many Nepali students in Kathmandu and across Nepal, studying in Australia is not only about earning a degree but also about gaining international work experience. One of the biggest advantages of studying in Australia is the post-study work visa, officially known as the Temporary Graduate Visa subclass 485. This period is extremely important for students planning long-term careers or future permanent residency.
This guide answers the most common questions students ask after graduation.
What Is the Australia Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485 is designed for international students who have completed a CRICOS registered course in Australia. It allows graduates work in Australia temporarily after the completion of their studies.
To be eligible, Nepali students must have:
- Held a student visa subclass 500.
- Must apply for the 485 Visa within six months of course completion.
- Applicants must be in Australia at the time of application.
- Meet English language, health and character requirements.
- Applicant must be 35 years or under, with specific exceptions.
CRICOS stands for Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students, and a CRICOS registered course is any course offered by Australian Education Provider which meets strict Australian government guidelines for studying in Australia.
This comprehensive guide answers your biggest questions.
How many years of Post Study Work Visa will I get?
How soon can I apply after finishing my studies?
Is the 485 visa a pathway to PR in Australia?
Can Nepali students apply for jobs immediately after graduation?
Can I work full-time on the 485 Visa?
What if I have to return without any work experience on my own field?
These are some of the most often asked questions by the students wanting to study in Australia and also the students already studying in Australia. Here, we will unpack most of the queries and the step by step 485 visa application timeline regarding Post Study Work in Australia.
Now, let’s dive into the types of Visas under Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485):
A) Post-Vocational Education Work stream
For international students who recently graduated with a vocational-level qualification (associate degree, diploma or trade qualification) from a CRICOS-registered Australian course.
| S.N. | Visa Stream | Details |
| 1. | Duration of Stay | Up to 18 months. |
| 2. | Cost | From AUD 2,300.00 |
| 3. | This visa enables you to | live, study and work in Australia temporarily and bring your family members |
B) Post-Higher Education Work stream
International students who recently graduated with a degree from an Australian Institution, this is the most common post study work visa for Nepali students completing Bachelor, work permit after masters in Australia, Master or PhD degrees in Australia.
| S.N. | Visa Stream | Details |
| 1. | Duration of Stay | Usually between 2 and 3 years, depending on your qualification. |
| 2. | Cost | From AUD 2,300.00 |
| 3. | This visa enables you to | live, study and work in Australia temporarily and bring your family members as well. |
This visa allows full time work with no restrictions on occupation. You may also study further and bring your spouse or dependent children. The family members also must meet health and character requirements.
C) Second Post-Higher Education Work stream
For the graduates holding a degree from an Australian institution located in regional area, this allows them to work and live in Australia temporarily.
| S.N. | Visa Type | Details |
| 1. | Duration of stay | The stay period ranges from 1 to 2 years. It depends on: The regional location of the educational institution where you completed the qualification that led to your first Temporary Graduate visa.The regional area you live in while holding your Temporary Graduate visa under the Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement stream. |
| 2. | Cost | From AUD 905.00 |
| 3. | This visa enables you to | Live, study and work in Australia temporarily and bring your family members as well. |
Now, we move on to the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Your course completion date is mentioned on the official transcript or the completion letter. So, you must request your completion letter to your education provider immediately.
Step 2: Apply for the Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485 within 6 months from the date of your course completion and you must be physically present in Australia at the time of the application.
Step 3: Get your English Language test done within 12 months before applying as the test must be valid at the time of application. Completing your degree in Australia doesn’t automatically waive this requirement so, most Nepali students submit IELTS/PTE or any other approved English Language Test.
Step 4: You must have an adequate health insurance at the time of your application. Some applicants may also be asked to do heath checkups depending upon their health history.
Step 5: The Australian character requirement may include submitting police clearance certificates.The police clearance certificates are not required for every applicant by default, but the Department of Home Affairs may request them depending on your circumstances.
Final Key Tip: Make sure you go through the official website of Australian Department of Home Affairs as rules can be changed. Lodge the 485 Visa Application once all the documents are ready.
