Want to Apply for 485 Visa Extension in 2022? – A Quick Guide!

Are you staying in Australia on a 485 visa, but it’s expiring soon? Do you want to extend your Temporary Graduate Visa? Then, here’s your opportunity to get what you need. As we’re going to discuss the 485 visa extension and the requirements to apply for it.

Australia is a beautiful country to live and work. The vast majority of international students who study in Australia decide to stay after graduation. For this purpose, they apply for a visa 485 to live in Australia for more period. However, visa 485 is a provisional visa, so, it’ll also expire after a specific time.

Many students think about extending their 485 visas. The thing is that, is it really possible to apply for a 485 visa extension? Keep reading to find out the answer.

Table of Contents

What is a Temporary Graduate Visa 485?

A Temporary Graduate Visa 485 is for overseas students who recently graduated from an Australian university. Visa 485 is granted to international students with specific skills and qualifications that Australia needs.

Visa 485 costs nearly AUD 1,680. You can include your family members as well in the 485 visa application. Your family members must fulfill the health and character requirements. Most importantly, there’re separate charges for each family member applying with you. Further, you must be present in Australia when you lodge an application for a visa 485.

International students who graduated from Australian institutions are eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa 485.

It’s a short-term visa. During your stay period, you can live, study, and work in Australia. Though, The Australian Government has temporarily increased the stay period of visa 485. Under the new policies, the stay period has been increased to 24 months. This 485 visa extension is for visas granted from the 1st of December 2021.

If you hold a Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport, you may stay for 5 years in Australia. International students under 50 years of age can apply for a visa 485. You must have held a Student Visa 500 in the last 6 months before applying for a Temporary Graduate 485 visa. If you need help in the application process for a 485 visa, you can reach us anytime.

How Can You Apply for a 485 Visa Extension in 2022?

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, international students have been affected badly. Many students had to leave Australia and their visas got expired. The Australian Government is taking steps to heal the damage caused by Covid-19. For this purpose, it has temporarily increased the stay period of a Temporary Graduate Visa 485.

Australia is currently offering a 485 visa extension to students affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. International students can now stay for up to 24 months in Australia on a 485 visa. This extension is only for those visas granted from December 1, 2021.

COVID-19 Temporary Graduate Replacement Stream

The Department of Home Affairs will be issuing a Replacement Temporary Graduate 485 Visa. This replacement stream will only be available to international students affected by the travel restrictions in Australia.

The Replacement Visa will recognize the commitment international students make to Australia. It’ll acknowledge the inconvenience to plans that Covid-19 and other associated travel restrictions caused.

If you want to be eligible for a Replacement Temporary Graduate 485 Visa, you must:

Have held or currently hold a 485 visa which expires on or after the 1st of February 2020
Have been outside Australia between the 1st of February 2020 and 15th of December 2021

Applicants who’re unable to meet these requirements can’t apply for a Replacement Visa. Though, if you want a guide to fulfill the criteria for Replacement stream 485, feel free to contact us.

Watch this Video!

485 Replacement Visa 2022 | What is the Eligibility Criteria for 485 Visa Extension?

Replacement Visa and 485 Visa Extension

Covid-19 Temporary Graduate Replacement stream will be open to applications from mid-2022. 485 visa holders eligible for Covid-19 Temporary Graduate Replacement Stream will have their visa extended to 30th September 2022.

You’ll be able to live, work and study in Australia temporarily. Applicants can find a job on their own. The Australian Government will not be responsible for getting you employment. It’ll allow the former and current 485 visa holders to enter Australia from February 18, 2022. They’ll be able to apply for further stay in Australia.

Latest Updates about 485 Visa Extension by New Australian Government

According to the latest updates, the stay period on a Visa 485 will be increased from 18 to 24 months. It’s confirmed with the Home Affairs that as per former Minister Alex Hawke’s announcement, the stay period on Graduate Work Stream will be increased from 18 to 24 months. It’s being offered to people who’re affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic.

For 485 Visa, applicants will no longer have to choose an occupation from the Skills Occupation list. Therefore, the requirement for skills assessment will not be essential anymore. These changes and plans will be executed from July 1, 2022.

Who can get an Visa 485 extension?

To get an extension on a temporary graduate visa,

Visa holders must have had a Temporary Graduate visa on December 15, 2021.
The current visa must expire before September 30, 2022.
The primary visa holder must have been in Australia at the time the visa was granted.
In order to qualify, the primary visa holder must have been overseas between February 1, 2020 and December 14, 2021.
The visa hasn’t been taken away since December 15, 2021, and the person who has it hasn’t been given a new substantive visa since that date.

Is Visa 485 Extension Beneficial for International Students? – Final Thoughts!

485 visa extension is for the support of international students in Australia. As international students have been adversely affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Therefore, The Australian Government is welcoming students back and offering visa extensions. International students can return to Australia to complete their studies and apply for employment as well.

FAQs for 485 Visa Extension!

1. How to apply for 485 visa extension?

International students can apply for a Second Post-Study Work Stream 485 to extend their stay period in Australia. They must have graduated from a regional institution in Australia to qualify for this 485 visa extension. To be eligible for a Second 485 Visa, they must have lived at least 2 years in a regional Australia.

2. How to apply 485 visa online?

To apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa 485 online, you need to:

Login to your ImmiAccount or you can create an account if you don’t have one.
Attach all the required documents
Ensure that all family applications are processed together. All family members must pay their application fees. They must attach their documents to the application if they’re applying with you.
Pay your visa application fee. The Department of Home Affairs will not process your application without visa application charges.

3. Is form 80 required for 485 visa?

It is not necessary to submit Form 80 for 485 visa applications. If you provide form 80, it’ll provide more information to Home Affairs about you. Eventually, it’ll be easy for you to apply for visas in the future. While Form 80 will be mandatory if the Department of Home Affairs asks for it.

4. Can I add my partner to my 485 visa?

Your partner can be added to a 485 visa by submitting a subsequent entrant application. Though, being engaged is not enough. You must either be married, have registered your relationship or have been living together for 12 months with your partner.

5. What is the cost of extending the 485 Visa?

The extension of the Temporary Graduate 485 Visa is free and will happen on its own. You don’t have to contact the Department. Families that were included in the original 485 Visa will also be able to stay along.

Nasir Nawaz

I’m Nasir Nawaz. I’m a registered migration consultant in Australia. I am based in Sydney. I’ve studied Master of Laws at the University of New South Wales. I’m providing immigration services for several years.

Consult with me for legal advice on Australian visas to permanently live, study, and work in Australia.