The post study work stream of the 485 subclass visa is a work visa that last between 2 and 4 years. Students applying for this visa should have completed their studies at the Bachelor, Masters or Doctorate level which should be at least 2 academic years. It is a great option for those students who would like to extend their stay in Australia after they have completed their studies. It also helps students who are planning to stay in Australia permanently either through General Skilled migration or through employer sponsorship.
Validity of the Post Study Work Stream Visa
The duration of the visa depends on the course undertaken by the student, which are:-
- PhD- 4 years
- Masters by Research- 3 years
- Masters by Coursework or Bachelor Degree- 2 years
This visa gives you full work rights and also full study rights. You can also travel freely to and from Australia during the validity of the visa. You can qualify for a Post Study Work Visa if you have applied for or have been granted visa. If you have a student visa prior to 5th November, 2011, then you might not be eligible. If you hold a student visa which you did apply on or before 5th November, 2011, then you would still be ineligible if you had applied for the visa prior to the date.
You will be required to prove that you have got proficiency in English when you are applying for a visa. This can be shown in one of the following ways.
You must score overall 6 bands and have atleast 5 bands in each module. Those who have appeared for PTE academic must have scored atleast 36 in each band, or TOEFL candidates must score 64. Cambridge CAE aspirants must have received 160 overall score with atleast 154 in each module.
When you apply for 485 visa, you would receive a bridging A visa, which will allow you to remain in Australia, by the time your visa is getting processed. This visa would provide you full work rights. You must apply for visa within 6 months after you have completed your studies. When you are applying, you must hold a student visa. You must also ensure that you are applying before the expiry date of your student visa and have student visa while you are lodging for a visa application.