Securing your 485 Temporary Graduate visa is a huge milestone and opens up exciting opportunities to live, work, and gain experience in Australia after your studies. But as the excitement settles, one big question naturally comes up: What’s next?
The good news is that your 485 visa can be a stepping stone to securing permanent residency (PR). But to make the most of it, you’ll need a clear strategy. Let’s break down what you should be focusing on from here.
Understand Your 485 Visa Options
The 485 visa isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your course and qualifications, you could be under either:
- Graduate Work Stream: For those whose qualifications align with an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Post-Study Work Stream: For graduates with a higher education degree from an Australian institution, no matter the field.
Each stream gives you a different timeframe to work in Australia – usually between 18 months to 4 years. This time is precious for building your future PR application.
Your Main Pathways to PR
When it comes to moving from a 485 visa to permanent residency, there are a few key routes to explore:
1. General Skilled Migration (GSM)
This is one of the most popular pathways. Under GSM, you earn points based on factors like your age, English skills, education, and work experience. Once you hit enough points, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply for visas such as:
- Skilled Independent Visa (189) – no sponsorship needed
- Skilled Nominated Visa (190) – requires nomination by a state or territory
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (491) – work and live in regional Australia with extra benefits
2. Employer-Sponsored Pathways
If you land a job with an Australian employer, they may sponsor you for permanent residency through options like:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (186)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (187)
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (482) leading to PR
Getting local work experience that matches your qualification is key here.
3. Regional Pathways
Regional Australia is full of opportunities – and it comes with major migration advantages. Living and working in regional areas could make you eligible for visas that later lead to PR through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.
Tips to Strengthen Your PR Application
Maximising your time on the 485 visa is all about smart planning:
- Gain Work Experience: Build strong, relevant work history in your occupation.
- Boost Your English: High scores in English tests (IELTS, PTE, etc.) can add crucial points.
- Professional Year Program: If you qualify, completing a Professional Year can add extra points.
- NAATI Accreditation: Speaking a second language? Translators and interpreters get bonus points.
- Consider State Nomination: Different states offer PR pathways for those willing to live and work there.
Stay Ahead
Migration rules change – often. Always stay informed, keep an eye on updates, and when needed, seek professional advice to tailor a strategy that works best for you.
Your 485 visa is just the beginning of an exciting journey. With the right preparation, you’ll be well on your way to calling Australia home permanently!