Are you an international student nearing the end of your 485 visa? You’ve worked hard to complete your studies in Australia, but now your situation is after 485 visa expires what to do and now it’s time to figure out what comes next. Don’t worry – your journey toward the right decision can be smooth and successful with the proper guidance and support.
In this blog post, we’ll walk through what options are available after an Australian 485 visa expiration, giving you all the information you need to make informed decisions about your future in Australia.
What is a 485 Visa?
The 485 visa, otherwise known as the Temporary Graduate Visa, is an essential pathway for international students to remain in Australia after they have completed their studies. They must have completed an Australian educational institution course of at least two academic years within the last six months and achieved satisfactory academic results. Once granted this visa, holders can live, study and work anywhere in Australia for up to three years.
The 485 visas can provide a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) for those seeking permanent residency options. Holders of this visa who meet specific requirements can apply for PR through various pathways, such as the Skilled Independent or Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS).
What Options Are Available After Expiration of an Australian 485 Visa?
Option 1: Apply for Bridging Visas:
Temporary visas known as “bridging visas” are issued to those who are legally present in Australia while they wait for the outcome of another visa application. They act as an intermediary between your existing visa and the new visa you are applying for. These visas guarantee that you can stay in Australia during the processing of your substantive visa application without violating any rules.
There are three types of bridging visas;
Bridging Visa A
Permits you to remain in Australia pending a determination regarding a substantive visa.
Bridging Visa B
Permits you to visit other countries in Australia for a brief time.
Bridging Visa C
Allows you to stay in Australia until a decision is made on a substantive visa, including travel if required.
Option 2: Apply for General Skilled Migration Visas
You can apply for any general skilled migration visa after the expiration of 485 visa in Australia. These visas include the following:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189).
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190).
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491).
Let’s discuss each option in detail so that you can develope better understanding of the topic
This is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who don’t have sponsorship from an employer, state, or family member. With this visa, you can live and work anywhere in Australia for an indefinite time period. However, You must have 65 points on the points based system to be eligible for this visa. Moreover, you must be fluent in English and meet other health and character requirements.
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent visa. It is designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. With this visa, you can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. To be eligible for this visa, you must be sponsored by an Australian state or territory.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
It is a temporary visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. This visa allows you to live in regional areas for up to five years. To be eligible for this visa, you must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored. After spending three years under this visa, you can apply for permanent residency via subclass 191.
Option 3: Apply for Employer Sponsored Visas
These visas let employers hire foreign workers with the skills and experience needed to fill positions that cannot be filled locally. These visas include the following:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
Let’s get an overview of these visa options.
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Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
It is a permanent residence visa that allows skilled workers, to live and work in Australia indefinitely. However, you must be sponsored by an Australian employer to be eligible for this visa. There are three different streams of this visa; the Direct Entry stream, the Temporary Residence Transition stream, and the Labour Agreement stream. Each stream has its own set of requirements and conditions. So make sure to check the eligibility criteria before applying.
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Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
It is also a permanent residence visa. However, it is designed to encourage skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia. The purpose of this visa is to address skill shortage in the regional areas to promote economic growth and development.
Option 4: Apply for Further Study/Training Courses
If an individual’s 485 visas has expired, they may consider enrolling in further study or training courses to extend their stay in Australia. Depending on the individual’s interests and career aspirations, various courses are available that can lead to long-term residence options once completed.
Expert Tips on What to Do after 485 Visa Expires
When your 485 visa expires, it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed. After all, you may be uncertain of the following steps to take. But don’t worry – there are plenty of options after your 485 visa expires. Whether you decide to apply for a new visa or make the most of your time in Australia, we’ve put together ten expert tips to guide you on what to do after your 485 visa expires.
1. Understand Your Options
After your 485 visa has expired, you must familiarize yourself with the options available. Understanding each option’s timeframes and other eligibility criteria is also important.
2. Research Your Options
Once you have familiarized yourself with the different visa options, thoroughly research each. This includes looking into the application process for each visa, the eligibility criteria, and the applicable fees. It is also essential to research each visa type’s legal rights and obligations.
3. Check Your Eligibility
Before you can apply for a new visa after your 485 visa has expired, it is essential to check your eligibility. This includes understanding the time frames, applicable restrictions, and conditions you must meet to be eligible.
4. Meet Your Obligations
Before your 485 visa expires, it is essential to ensure you have met all your obligations. This includes providing you have not exceeded any time frames or restrictions or any other obligations you may have had.
5. Prepare and Submit Your Application
Once you have identified the visa option that best suits your needs and are sure that you meet all the eligibility criteria, preparing and submitting your visa application is essential. Make sure that you have all of the required documents, as well as any supporting evidence, ready to submit with your application.
8. Seek Professional Advice
Before you apply for another visa after your 485 visa expires, it is essential to seek professional advice. A migration agent or lawyer can provide valuable information and assistance in applying for the correct visa type.
9. Be Prepared to Wait
Depending on your visa option after your 485 visa expires, it may take some time to receive a response from the Department of Home Affairs. Make sure you are prepared to wait, as processing times can vary greatly depending on the type of visa.
How Can The Migration Help You?
The Migration is a leading migration agency that provides authentic visa and education consultation to its clients. We have a MARA-certified agent, Nasir Nawaz, who has wide experience in immigration services. So, if you are in Australia and your 485 visa has expired but you don’t know what to do, contact us now.
FAQs Related after 485 visa expires what to do
1. After 485 visa expires what to do?
Answer: Once your 485 visas has expired, you must apply for another visa if you wish to remain in Australia.
2. Are there any other visas I can apply for after my 485 visa expires?
Answer: Many other options are available after your 485 visas have expired.
3. Do I need to complete a new Australian visa application after my 485 visa expires?
Answer: Yes, you must complete and lodge a new visa application after your 485 visas have expired.
4. How long will I receive a response after my 485 visa expires?
Answer: You should generally receive a decision on your application within 8 weeks after lodging it.
I, Muhammad Azeem, am a seasoned content writer specializing in visa and immigration services. Passionate about making the immigration process smoother and more accessible, I combine thorough research with clear and engaging writing.
When not writing, I enjoy exploring new cultures and staying updated on the latest trends in immigration policy.