Master prompt
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa — Post-Study Work stream
Post-graduation work permit. 2-8 years depending on qualification + location. Bridge to Subclass 189/190/491 PR.
AustraliaSubclass 485Post-Study WorkPSWTemporary Graduate
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa permits post-graduation work in Australia for 2-8 years depending on qualification + location. Critical for PR pathway through Subclass 189/190/491.
Two streams:
(1) Post-Study Work (PSW) stream — for Bachelor's, Master's, PhD graduates from CRICOS-registered HE provider
(2) Skilled Recognised Graduate stream — for engineering graduates from recognised institution (less common for Indian applicants who completed Australian programs)
Important 2024 changes:
• Master's graduates from regional study: 3-year PSW extension to 5-year (was 2)
• PhD graduates from regional study: 4-year PSW extension to 6-year (was 4)
• Master's from metro: 2-year PSW (unchanged)
• PhD from metro: 3-year PSW (unchanged)
• Bachelor's: 2-year PSW (some 2024 changes; verify current)
Draft a 600-750 word Subclass 485 PSW application strategy for [CLIENT_NAME], completed [COMPLETED_PROGRAM] at [INSTITUTION] on [COMPLETION_DATE].
§1 — ELIGIBILITY (180-220 words)
Reg 485.221-485.235 + DHA policy:
(a) Held a Subclass 500 (Student) visa at least once in the last 6 months
(b) Completed a qualification of at least 2 years (92 calendar weeks) at CRICOS-registered provider
(c) Application within 6 months of course completion
(d) Met "Australian Study Requirement":
• At least 2 academic years (92 weeks CRICOS duration)
• OR — for Master's: ALL of course done in Australia
• OR — for accelerated programs: actually attained the qualification
(e) English language ability:
• IELTS overall 6.0 (no band lower than 5.0)
• OR PTE Academic overall 50 (no band below 36)
• OR TOEFL iBT overall 64 (specific component requirements)
• OR Cambridge C1 overall 169
(f) Health requirement (PIC 4007)
(g) Character requirement (PIC 4001)
(h) No prior refusals or cancellations under PIC 4020 / 4001
(i) Genuine intent (PIC 4020 — incorrect information class)
For [CLIENT_NAME]: verify each.
§2 — VISA DURATION (130-160 words)
Visa duration depends on qualification + location of study + [STUDY_LOCATION]:
Bachelor's (any duration ≥2 years CRICOS):
• Metro location: 2 years
• Regional location: 4 years (extended from 3 in 2024)
Master's by coursework (≥2 years):
• Metro: 2 years (unchanged from 2024 reduction)
• Designated regional (cities 1-3): 3 years
• Designated regional (cities 4-6 — small regional): 4 years
Master's by research (≥2 years):
• Metro: 3 years
• Regional: 4-5 years
PhD:
• Metro: 3 years
• Regional: 4-6 years
For [COMPLETED_PROGRAM] at [INSTITUTION] in [STUDY_LOCATION]: calculate the PSW duration entitlement.
Regional classifications:
• Category 1: Major cities (Sydney metropolitan, Melbourne metropolitan, Brisbane metropolitan, Perth metropolitan)
• Category 2: Cities of major regional centres (Newcastle/Wollongong, Geelong, Hobart, Canberra)
• Category 3: Regional centres / cities (Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
• Category 4-6: Designated regional areas with smaller populations
§3 — APPLICATION DOCUMENTS (180-220 words)
Online application via ImmiAccount:
□ Form: Subclass 485 application (lodged online)
□ Application fee: AUD 1,895 (revised; verify current)
□ Completion letter / final transcript from [INSTITUTION]:
- Confirming course completion
- Confirming all academic requirements met
- Date course requirements completed (the "completion date")
□ Academic transcripts (final)
□ English language test ([PTE_IELTS]) within validity (3 years from test date)
□ Passport
□ Photos (2 recent)
□ Australian Federal Police (AFP) clearance:
- Required for [CLIENT_NAME] aged 17+
- Apply online via afp.gov.au
- Issued within 6 months of application
□ Police clearances from any country lived in 12+ months in last 10 years
- India: PCC from local SP / RPO (4-12 weeks processing)
- Other countries: per country authority
□ Health checks (BUPA-approved panel doctor):
- Medical examination if from designated country
- 12-month validity from exam date
□ Skills assessment NOT REQUIRED for 485 (different from 189/190 PR)
§4 — POST-PSW PATHWAYS (130-160 words)
During the PSW visa period, [CLIENT_NAME] should focus on:
(1) Skilled employment (TEER 0/1/2 ANZSCO occupation):
• At least 1 year of work in nominated occupation
• Qualifying employment counts toward Subclass 189/190 work experience
• Salary at or above market median for ANZSCO occupation
(2) Skills assessment by relevant assessing authority (during PSW):
• Indian engineering qualifications → Engineers Australia (full membership stream)
• Indian healthcare → ANMAC / AHPRA
• Indian accounting → CPA Australia / IPA / CA ANZ
• Indian IT → ACS (Australian Computer Society)
• Indian teaching → AITSL
• Indian trades → TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)
• Indian other → VETASSESS
(3) English language test improvement:
• Aim for PTE Superior (79+) for max EOI points
• Or IELTS 8.0+ for points-test advantage
(4) State / territory nomination eligibility:
• Live and work in state of preferred nomination
• Match nominated occupation to state skilled migration list
§5 — IMMEDIATE POST-COMPLETION CHECKLIST (60-80 words)
□ Confirm completion date with [INSTITUTION]
□ Apply for AFP police clearance (4-6 weeks)
□ Order India PCC if needed (4-12 weeks — start NOW)
□ Ensure PTE / IELTS within validity at application time
□ Submit application within 6 months of completion (deadline = STRICT)
□ Maintain Subclass 500 status until 485 grant or bridging visa
§6 — KEY RISKS (40-60 words)
• Late application (>6 months from completion) = visa application invalid
• Insufficient English at time of 485 application = refusal
• Police checks expired at decision time = refusal
• Visa condition 8101 (no work) — DOES NOT apply to 485 PSW (485 visas allow full work rights)
End with: "DRAFT SUBCLASS 485 PSW APPLICATION — for MARN-registered agent review. 6-month application window is STRICT and non-extendable. Begin AFP + India PCC process immediately upon course completion. Verify regional classification of [STUDY_LOCATION] against the DHA designated regional area list — affects visa duration by 1-2 years."Unlock the vault to see the full prompt