After 485 Visa Expires, What Are Your Options?

Understanding Your Visa Pathways After the 485 Visa: Expert Tips from Our Migration Agent for a Successful Journey

Leaving Australia can be overwhelming, especially if you have been calling it home for years. But don’t worry. Having your 485 Visa expiring does not mean you must leave the country. You can explore the options after holding the 485 Visa, which, surprisingly, immensely vary.

This article will guide you through all the secure and stable visa options after the 485 Visa, eventually leading you to permanent residency. These options have been carefully curated according to specific conditions that may suit you, providing a sense of reassurance and confidence in your future in Australia!

What is a 485 Visa?

The 485 Visa or Temporary Graduate Visa is one of the best options for international students to remain in Australia after completing their studies. The main requirement is that international students must have completed a course of at least two academic years in the last six months and achieved satisfying academic results. The 485 Visa allows international students to live, study, and work in any area in Australia.

The 485 Visa is not just a temporary stay permit but a significant stepping stone towards Australian Permanent Residency. With its generous up to 4-year validity period, it provides ample time for international students to gain valuable work experience and, in some cases, meet the residency requirements for an Australian Skilled Visa or an Employer Sponsorship-Based Visa.

Your Options After 485 Visa Expires

The 485 Visa is granted only once in your life; it’s not extendable. So, once your 485 Visa expires, you must apply for other visas to remain in the country unless you hold a 485 Visa—Post Higher Study Work stream and have completed your study in an Australian regional area.

Suppose you hold a 485 Visa—Post-Higher Study Work stream and have completed your studies, lived and worked in Australia’s regional area. In that case, you can extend your stay by applying to the Second Post-Higher Study Work stream.

Even if you don’t meet the specific situations for a visa extension, there’s no need to worry. A wealth of visa options are available after your 485 Visa expires. This abundance of options should give you hope for your future in Australia.

Exploring Australian Visa Options After 485 Visa Expires

Suppose you’re considering becoming an Australian permanent resident and calling Australia your second home. In that case, you can explore one of the available 485 Visa to PR pathways below:

• Employer-sponsored pathway: requires sponsorship by an Australian business for a nominated occupation in their business.
• Skilled migration pathway: this pathway doesn’t require sponsorship, but you must be invited and pass at least 65 points in the Expression of Interest (EOI) application.
• Partner visa pathway: applicable if you’re married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.

1. Employer-Sponsored Pathway after 485 Visa

After your 485 visa expires, you can apply for several employer-sponsored visas. Some provide direct permanent residency; others act as temporary visas with available permanent residency pathways.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)

The 482 Visa is granted to those with at least two years of professional work experience in their nominated occupation. The candidates must also meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you have secured two years of work experience when holding your 485 Visa, you can directly apply for this visa.

The 482 Visa also leads you to permanent residency.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (subclass 494)

The 494 Visa requires sponsorship by a legally operating business in an Australian regional area. You must have at least three years of work experience and meet the minimum relevant qualification for your nominated occupation.

The 494 Visa also leads to permanent residency after three years of holding the visa.

Employer Nominated Scheme Visa (subclass 186)

The 186 Visa is a permanent visa and gives you PR status in Australia. It is for those with three years of work experience.

If you don’t have three years of work experience, you can consider applying for a 482 Visa first, then moving to a 186 Visa once you meet the requirements. However, if you already have three years of work experience, you can consider the Direct Entry stream under a 186 Visa.

2. Skilled Migration Pathway after 485 Visa

Suppose you have completed the Skills Assessment and obtained a positive result, proving that you have the required skills and experience to work in Australia. In that case, you can consider the Skilled Migration pathway. This pathway offers a point test, in which you must pass at least 65 points in your Expression of Interest (EOI) and be maximum of 45 years old.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) is the only point test-based visa valid for five years. Like the 190 Visa, the 491 Visa requires you to be nominated or invited by an Australian state or territory government. Otherwise, you can be sponsored by your family member to apply for the 491 Visa, and it gives you additional 15 points replacing state nomination.

Even though it’s a temporary visa, the 491 Visa provides you with permanent residency through the 191 Visa.

Remember, you must pass the benchmark point of 65 to be invited to apply for the 491 Visa.

Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

The 189 visa allows you to obtain direct permanent residency. Since it is an independent visa, you are not required to have an Australian business or state or territory Government sponsor you. This flexibility empowers you to live and work in any Australian state or territory permanently.

To be eligible for the 189 Visa, you must submit an Expression of Interest application and score at least 65 points.

Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

You can also obtain direct permanent residency with the 190 Visa. You must be invited or nominated by a government agency of that state or territory to get a 190 Visa. The 190 Visa requires you to live and work in the state or territory that nominates you.

You must receive at least 65 points in your Expression of Interest (EOI) application to be eligible for the 190 Visa.

3. Partner Visa Pathway after 485 Visa

This option would suit you if you’re married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. You can consider the onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) as your 485 to PR pathway.

If you need more time, consider the offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100) as your PR pathway.

Expert Tips for a Successful PR Pathway

Having few or too many options after holding a 485 Visa can be overwhelming. But rest assured. With these five expert tips from our Principal Migration Agent, getting a successful PR pathway after a 485 Visa is easy.

1. Understand Your Options

After your 485 Visa expires, you must understand each available visa option, the minimum requirements for each option, and which option suits your situation. Understanding your options well will help you avoid submitting a false visa subclass.

2. Check Your Eligibility

You must check your eligibility before submitting one of the abovementioned visa options. It includes checking your background for your nominated occupation and ensuring you have met the minimum work experience and qualification requirements.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to assess your eligibility for one of the abovementioned options.

3. Plan Ahead

It’s best to start exploring the visa options after holding the 485 Visa around six months or one year before the expiration date of your 485 Visa. It will give you plenty of time to prepare the new visa application.

4. Be Prepared for Immigration Changes

The immigration changes sometimes don’t promise you a new opportunity. So, it’s crucial to be prepared for changes to the 485 Visa or any available options.

5. Seek Professional Advice

Having a Registered Migration Agent behind your back will give you a safe and pleasant feeling when preparing your next visa application. An experienced Migration Agent, like ONEderland Consulting, will provide valuable information and assistance, ensuring you apply for the correct visa type.