Risk flags

The Temporary Graduate visa must be lodged within 6 months of completing eligible Australian studies. Missing this window means becoming ineligible for this pathway entirely — no extension is available.

What to do

1. 1Confirm your course completion date and calculate the lodgement window precisely
2. 2Lodge as early as possible once eligible
3. 3Ensure you hold a bridging visa if your current visa expires before lodgement

Evidence examples

• 📄Course completion letter confirming completion date
• 📄Academic transcript showing final semester grades
• 📄eCoE showing expected completion date

The Temporary Graduate visa must be lodged within a defined window after completing studies. Missing this window means becoming ineligible for this pathway.

What to do

1. 1Confirm your course completion date and calculate the lodgement window
2. 2Lodge as early as possible once eligible
3. 3Ensure you hold a bridging visa if your current visa expires before lodgement

Evidence examples

• 📄Course completion letter
• 📄Academic transcript showing final semester
• 📄CoE showing expected completion date

All 485 applicants must meet health requirements (PIC 4005). Health examinations are conducted by approved panel physicians and results are submitted directly to Home Affairs. Results can take several weeks — arrange early.

What to do

1. 1Book a health examination with an approved panel physician as early as possible
2. 2Check if results from a recent related visa application can be reused
3. 3Allow 2–4 weeks for examination results to be submitted to Home Affairs

Evidence examples

• 📄HAP ID confirming health examination is booked
• 📄Confirmation from approved panel physician

The 485 visa requires evidence of functional English. IELTS/PTE/TOEFL scores expire after 3 years. Native English speakers or Australian degree holders may be exempt but should confirm their exemption basis with evidence.

What to do

1. 1Confirm whether your English test result is still within the 3-year validity period
2. 2Check if you qualify for an exemption (citizen of English-speaking country, or Australian degree completed in English)
3. 3Resit the English test if your scores have expired

Evidence examples

• 📄IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET, or Cambridge test result within validity
• 📄Passport from English-speaking country (if exempt)
• 📄Letter confirming degree was delivered in English

Applicants who have spent 12 or more months in certain countries must provide a police clearance certificate. Missing or expired police checks are a common cause of processing delays and requests for further information.

What to do

1. 1Obtain police clearance certificates from all countries where you have lived 12+ months
2. 2Ensure each certificate is current — most must be obtained within 12 months of application
3. 3Include certified translations for non-English certificates

Evidence examples

• 📄Australian Federal Police (AFP) check
• 📄Overseas police clearance certificate
• 📄Certified translation if non-English

The 485 visa has two streams: Graduate Work (for specific skilled occupations requiring skills assessment) and Post-Study Work (for Bachelor, Masters, or Doctoral degree holders). Selecting the wrong stream results in ineligibility.

What to do

1. 1Confirm which stream applies to your qualification and occupation before lodging
2. 2Graduate Work stream — requires occupation on relevant skilled occupation list and skills assessment
3. 3Post-Study Work stream — requires Australian Bachelor, Masters, or Doctoral degree

Evidence examples

• 📄Degree certificate specifying qualification level (Bachelor/Masters/Doctoral)
• 📄Skills assessment from relevant assessing authority (Graduate Work stream)
• 📄Academic transcript confirming Australian institution

Applicants who have spent 12 or more months in certain countries must provide a police clearance certificate. Missing or expired police checks are a common cause of processing delays.

What to do

1. 1Obtain police clearance certificates from all countries where you have lived for 12+ months
2. 2Ensure each certificate is current — most must be obtained within 12 months of application
3. 3Include certified translations for non-English certificates

Evidence examples

• 📄Australian Federal Police (AFP) check
• 📄Overseas police clearance certificate
• 📄Certified translation if non-English

The 485 visa has two streams: Graduate Work and Post-Study Work. Selecting the wrong stream can result in ineligibility.

What to do

1. 1Confirm which stream applies to your qualification and occupation
2. 2Graduate Work stream requires an occupation on the skilled occupation list
3. 3Post-Study Work stream requires an Australian degree (Bachelor, Masters or Doctoral)

Evidence examples

• 📄Degree certificate specifying qualification level
• 📄Skills assessment (Graduate Work stream)
• 📄Academic transcript confirming Australian institution

The 485 visa requires evidence of functional English. IELTS/PTE/TOEFL scores expire. Check exemption basis if applicable.

What to do

1. 1Confirm whether your English test result is still valid
2. 2Check if you qualify for an exemption
3. 3Resit the English test if your scores have expired

Evidence examples

• 📄IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET, or Cambridge test result
• 📄Passport from English-speaking country (if exempt)
• 📄Letter confirming degree delivered in English