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From Russia to Australia
My partner and I moved to Australia on a student visa back in 2018. We came here searching for better employment opportunities and a safer future.
When the pandemic started, I was going in for my last two semesters in college. Our classes went online, and by the time we started searching for internship opportunities, most of my college’s partners had stopped recruiting.
It was a challenge to secure placement when most companies cut their budget and put operations on hold. However, an even bigger challenge was to find my first full-time job in Australia.
Get help with your visa for studies
Applying for a 485 visa
While searching for a job, I applied for my 485 visa. It was the easiest visa I had ever applied for – straightforward application process, minimum documents and requirements, relatively cheap compared to other Australian visas. My IELTS test results were still valid, so I simply attached the certificate to the files.
It was definitely worth the effort as once applied, we received a bridging visa, and I was allowed to work 40 hours per week instead of 20. What a relief!
Half a year into job hunting and receiving constant rejection emails, I finally got a job in Melbourne! I am so glad my efforts paid off. I am now a financially independent professional, gaining hands-on experience. The best part is, I can support my family back home.
The last two years have not been easy. It's scary to leave everyone you love behind and start from scratch, but I am so thankful that I persevered. My partner and I are now looking forward to our future in the lucky country, where we feel fulfilled, secure and optimistic.
Learn about the 485 visa here
"It was the easiest visa I had ever applied for" - Alex S from Russia
Frequently asked questions
Find the answer with our Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) FAQs.
Graduate Work stream
Start your application as soon as your education provider has confirmed you have successfully completed your course.
Post Study Work stream
Begin your application as soon as your education provider has confirmed you have successfully completed your course. Remember to apply for this visa within 6 months of the official date of completion.
Second Post Study Work stream
Apply soon after you have resided for at least 2 years in a designated regional area and while you still hold a Temporary Graduate visa in the post-study work stream. You must be in Australia to apply for this visa.
You may require evidence of your English proficiency as part of your visa application. To prove your English proficiency, you must provide your English language test results. Applicants must have undertaken an English test in the 3 years before they apply for this visa.
More than 3 million people have chosen IELTS to support their study, migration, and professional ambitions. Today, IELTS is accepted by more than 11,500 organisations globally, and available at 50 test venues in Australia. And it’s the only English language test accepted by the immigration authorities in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Canada.
If you hold a valid Student visa at the time of your application, you'll already be covered under an Overseas Student Health Cover policy as a condition of your Student visa requirement. In cases like this, include evidence of your existing OSHC with your visa application.
Nevertheless, you'll still need to get a 485 visa health insurance before your application and set the date for your policy to start. The OVHC should start on the day that your student visa expires.
For example, if your Student visa expires during the 485 visa processing period and you are issued with a bridging visa, your OSHC policy will also expire. Before the expiry of your Student visa and OSHC policy, you must get a new health insurance policy that complies with the minimum level of health insurance for 485 visa holders. Once your 485 visa application is granted you must have and maintain adequate health insurance for your entire stay in Australia.
No, the visa is a Temporary Graduate visa and it will give you working rights to gain onshore work experience. It will also let you live or study in Australia. With each visa type there are specific requirements for you to meet to be eligible to apply. As there's no one-size-fits-all solution, we recommend that you book an appointment to speak your migration agent to understand which visa may suit you.
You might not be eligible for this visa if you have had a visa cancelled or refused while you were in Australia. Check if visa cancellation affects your eligibility.
Australia has one of the best health standards in the world. To maintain these standards, most visa applicants must meet minimum health standards before they are granted a visa.
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