Graduate (Onshore)

This category is to help overseas students who have completed at least 2 years study in Australia and who do not yet meet the requirements for a permanent skilled visa. It allows them to remain in Australia to gain the extra skills they need to make an application for a permanent visa.

This is a temporary or provisional visa allowing the holder to remain in Australia for a specific period (usually 18 months) from the date of grant. The holder will have unrestricted work and study rights and can at anytime during the 18 months make an application for a permanent skilled visa or employer sponsored visa.

Main Criteria

• You must hold an eligible student visa or have held an eligible student visa in the past six months
• You must not have previously held a 476 (Recognised Graduate) or a 485 (Skilled Graduate) visa
• You must have successfully completed a degree, diploma or trade qualification (not in English language proficiency). The qualification(s) must be awarded by an Australian educational institution as a result of at least 2 years full-time study in Australia, all instruction must have been in English and the qualification must be relevant to the nominated occupation. The course must be a CRICOS registered course.
• You must nominate an occupation from the appropriate Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
• You must be able to obtain a positive Skills Assessment , suitable for your nominated occupation, by a relevant assessing authority. This must be applied for before you make your visa application.
• You will be required to to meet health, character and public interest criteria
• You must have Competent  level English language. 

There are no provisions to extend this visa beyond 18 months.

At anytime during the period that your Graduate visa is valid you may apply for;

487 Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa  

885 Skilled – Independent (Permanent) visa  

886 Skilled – Sponsored (Permanent) visa

You may also apply for an employer sponsored visa at any time.

Request an Austart International Student Assessment - the quick and easy way to find your most suitable visa.