PR in Australia After Graduation: The Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Breakdown
For the majority of international students, graduation in Australia is only the first step towards an even larger dream – reaching Permanent Residency (PR). One of the most popular routes towards PR is the temporary graduate visa (Subclass 485). This visa permits graduates to remain in the nation, accumulate work experience, and acquire a strong profile for subsequent PR applications. In this article, we will analyse how graduate visa Australia functions, the requirements, and how it can lead you to PR.
What is Graduate Visa Australia? (Subclass 485)
The 485 temporary graduate visa is for international students who have just graduated from at least two years of study in Australia. It allows you to stay, study, and work in the country for a specified period depending on your qualification level.
Two significant streams under the 485 temporary graduate visa are:
- Graduate Work Stream – For students who studied courses that are applicable to the occupations listed on the skilled occupation list.
- Post-Study Work Stream – For recent higher education qualifiers such as bachelor’s, master’s, or PhDs.
Both streams provide quality time to gain local work experience, which is fundamental when planning PR.
Duration of Temporary Graduate Visa 485
- Graduate Work Stream: A maximum of 18 months (recent revisions may extend this).
- Post-Study Work Stream: 2-4 years, varying on the level of qualification.
It is a period during which international students can gain full-time work, develop their capacity, and strengthen PR opportunities.
485 Visa English Requirements
Meeting the 485 English requirement is mandatory. You need to prove your English proficiency through tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
Typical requirements are:
- IELTS overall band at least 6.0 with no minimum 5.0 band
- PTE Academic combined score of 50 with a minimum of 36
- TOEFL iBT score of 64 or more
Failing to meet these requirements can result in visa denial.
Advantages of Temporary Graduate Visa - Work Experience – Full-time work to gain relevant Australian experience.
- Skill Recognition – Strengthens your skilled migration visa profile.
- Pathway to PR – Familiarize yourself with permanent visa subclasses such as 189, 190, or 491.
- Flexibility – Permits further studies or exploring other areas in search of PR prospects.
Nursing Courses in Australia
The skills needed to start a rewarding healthcare career are equipped to you by a Diploma of Nursing Australia. Your journey as an enrolled nurse can be begun with a nursing course Australia, and later you can progress to advanced qualifications. Eligibility for PR-related occupations on the skilled occupation list is made available to those completing a diploma of nursing course or a diploma of nursing. Those aiming higher can follow pathways leading to a bachelor in science of nursing, a bachelor of nursing, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Postgraduate options, including a masters of nursing or a masters in mental health nursing, are highly demanded across Australia. Students can also choose 2 year nursing programs or a bachelor of nursing course for direct entry into higher-level professional roles.
Early Childhood Education Courses
One of the most popular programs for international students aiming to secure work and PR opportunities is considered a diploma of early childhood education and care. Roles in childcare centers, kindergartens, and preschools can be applied for by graduates completing an early childhood education course Australia. Courses such as early childhood education, childcare course, and diploma childcare prepare students for rewarding jobs in the sector. Becoming an early childhood teacher is an excellent career pathway, and qualifications like certificate iii childcare can also be a stepping stone towards PR-eligible roles.
Engineering & Welding Courses
A certificate iii in engineering fabrication trade allows students to develop specialized skills in welding and fabrication. Completing this program opens opportunities for welding jobs Australia, which are directly linked with migration pathways. Students can also opt for advanced qualifications such as a diploma of civil engineering or an advanced diploma in civil engineering. Careers in civil engineering are kept on the skilled occupation list, making them ideal for students planning long-term settlement. With industries needing skilled welders, becoming a welder Australia through a structured welding course can also help secure both employment and PR.
Bricklaying & Construction Courses
A certificate iii in bricklaying prepares you for skilled work opportunities and meets the eligibility criteria for migration-related job roles. Similarly, a certificate iii in wall and floor tiling or a diploma of building & construction can expand career opportunities. Students who pursue a bricklaying course gain practical hands-on skills that directly contribute to PR applications. With construction trades listed under skilled occupations, these courses are some of the most reliable options for students looking to secure permanent residency.
Civil Construction & Management Courses
A diploma of civil construction design is a sought-after qualification for students aiming to build careers in infrastructure and large-scale projects. Graduates often find strong prospects in civil engineering jobs in Australia with demand continuing to grow. Specializations include civil construction course, construction management bachelor degree, and construction management courses that prepare students for leadership roles. Postgraduate pathways like construction management master’s degree, masters in construction management, and specialized certifications such as construction project management, construction certificate, construction estimating, construction law courses, and online construction management courses are available for advanced study. A diploma of building and construction also remains a popular choice for migration-focused students.
Cabinet Making Courses
A career in cabinet making can start with a certificate iii in cabinet making, which teaches hands-on techniques for furniture and joinery. Graduates often secure roles in furniture workshops or custom design firms, and cabinet maker jobs are listed in various skilled migration categories. Some students also prefer to specialize in training such as certificate iii in cabinet making Melbourne, which provides additional regional benefits for PR pathways.
Teaching Courses
A certificate iv in training and assessment is a foundational program that helps students qualify for teaching and training roles. Studying teaching courses in Australia opens opportunities in both schools and vocational education. Advanced programs include teaching courses Melbourne, masters of teaching Melbourne, master of teaching in Australia, and master of education Melbourne. International students often pursue these qualifications to meet teaching qualification Australia standards and fulfill the requirements for teaching in Australia to apply for PR-related teaching positions.
Accounting Courses
An accounting course in Australia equips students with practical knowledge of taxation, auditing, and financial systems. Many graduates advance their skills through accounting courses or specialized options like a financial accounting course. Postgraduate studies such as master of science in accounting or masters in accounting are also popular. Flexible options like online accounting courses or undergraduate pathways such as accounting bachelor degree, bachelors in accounting, and business accounting classes provide multiple PR-focused opportunities. A diploma in accounting can also be an entry-level route into the industry.
Leadership & Management Courses
A diploma of leadership & management is considered a strong choice. Decision-making, communication, and team-building skills—critical for employers in Australia are enhanced by this qualification. Other options can be chosen by students, including a leadership and management course, business management and leadership courses, or a leadership management course tailored for international students. Advanced studies such as certification in leadership and management or a leadership and management master’s degree also align with skilled migration pathways, making them an excellent choice for those planning PR.
How the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa Paves the Way for PR
- Gain Local Work Experience – Work in your nominated occupation to strengthen your PR application.
- Skill Assessment – Use your Australian qualifications and work history for positive skill assessments.
- Points Calculation – Work experience, regional opportunities, and English scores contribute points for skilled migration visas.
- Apply for PR Visas – Most graduates move from the 485 temporary graduate visa to skilled migration visas such as Subclass 189 or 190.
Tips to Improve Your PR Prospects After the 485 - Improve English Scores – Better scores earn additional PR points.
- Look at Regional Areas – Working or studying in regional Australia gives considerable bonus points.
- Upgrade Skills – Extra courses or professional year programs enhance suitability.
- Stay Informed of Policy Changes – Immigration policy changes regularly, so check the latest specs.
The graduate visa Australia is not just an extension of your stay but is considered a steppingstone towards Permanent Residency. The right courses, such as nursing, early childhood education, engineering, bricklaying, construction, cabinet making, teaching, accounting, or leadership and management, can be selected by students to directly align their qualifications with PR opportunities. With proper planning, skills can be gained, work experience can be acquired, and students can be moved closer to making Australia their permanent home through the 485 temporary graduate visa.
