Student & Graduate Visas – Subclass 500 & 485
Planning to study in Australia or looking to extend your stay after graduation? Visa Green provides expert guidance for both Student Visa (subclass 500) and Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) applications. Our team of registered migration lawyers specializes in education pathways, ensuring you receive professional, legally-sound advice tailored to your unique circumstances.
Expert Student Visa Guidance
Secure your place at an Australian educational institution with our specialized support for GTE requirements, financial documentation, and course selection advice.
Graduate Visa Pathways
Maximize your post-study opportunities with our strategic guidance on 485 visa options, including both Graduate Work and Post-Study Work streams.
Permanent Residency Planning
Build a clear migration pathway from study to permanent residence with long-term strategies aligned with Australia's skilled migration program.
Legal Compliance Guarantee
Stay fully compliant with Australia's education and immigration requirements with support from our registered migration lawyers.
Why Choose Visa Green for Student & Graduate Visas
At Visa Green, we understand that studying in Australia is more than just obtaining a qualification—it's about building your future. Our registered migration lawyers specialize in education pathways and post-study options, providing legally sound advice that considers both your immediate study plans and long-term migration goals.
We've helped thousands of international students successfully navigate Australia's complex education and immigration systems, from securing their initial student visa to transitioning to graduate visas and beyond. Our comprehensive approach ensures you receive personalized support that addresses your unique circumstances and maximizes your opportunities in Australia.
Student & Graduate Visa Specialists
Visa Green delivers expert guidance throughout your Australian education journey.
- Registered Migration Lawyers
- Education Pathway Experts
- Post-Study Success Strategies
Additional Benefits of Student & Graduate Visas
Australian student and graduate visas offer unique benefits that make them highly valuable pathways for international education and migration. Student visa (500) holders can include family members, access Australia's world-class education system, and enjoy limited work rights during their studies. After completing qualified Australian studies, the graduate visa (485) provides full work rights for up to 5 years, depending on your qualification level and where you studied.
The 485 visa serves as an excellent bridge to permanent residency, allowing you to gain valuable Australian work experience while exploring employer-sponsored or skilled migration options. For many international students, this education-to-migration pathway represents one of the most straightforward routes to building a new life in Australia.
Visa Green's comprehensive approach ensures you maximize these benefits, with strategic advice that considers both your immediate needs and future migration goals.
Step-by-Step Guide to Start Your Visa Journey with Visa Green
Explore how Visa Green delivers expert legal support for your migration pathway. From tailored consultation to final visa success, we are with you at every stage.
Initial Consultation
We assess your education goals, financial circumstances, and long-term migration plans to determine your best pathway.
Book Consultation
Course & Institution Selection
Our education specialists help you select CRICOS-registered courses that align with both your career goals and migration objectives.
View Education Partners
Documentation Preparation
We assist with preparing all required documents, including GTE statements, financial evidence, and educational certificates.
Document Checklist
Visa Application Lodgment
Our registered migration lawyers review and lodge your application, ensuring it meets all Department of Home Affairs requirements.
Our Process
Application Monitoring
We actively track your application, respond to any departmental requests, and keep you informed throughout the process.
Client Portal
Post-Visa Strategy
Once your visa is granted, we help plan your next steps, whether that's course commencement, graduate visa preparation, or PR pathways.
Migration PathwaysEligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Student Visa (500) | Graduate Visa (485) |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Enrollment in CRICOS-registered course | Completed Australian qualification in past 6 months |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 5.5+ or equivalent (varies by institution) | IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent (Competent English) |
| Financial Capacity | Tuition fees + living costs for 12 months | Sufficient funds for stay duration |
| Health Insurance | OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) | Adequate health insurance |
| Character | Pass character requirements | Pass character requirements |
| Genuine Intention | GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) criteria | Not applicable |
| Stream-Specific | Not applicable | Additional requirements based on Graduate Work or Post-Study Work stream |
Important Update: As of March 2025, student visa work limitations have changed to allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Graduate visa holders continue to enjoy unlimited work rights.
Understanding the 485 Visa Streams
Graduate Work Stream
- Eligible Qualifications: Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Bachelor degrees
- Occupation Requirement: Qualification must relate to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Duration: Up to 2 years
- Skills Assessment: Required for nominated occupation
Post-Study Work Stream
- Eligible Qualifications: Bachelor degree, Masters by coursework, Masters by research, Doctoral degree
- Occupation Requirement: No specific occupation required
- Duration: 2-5 years (depending on qualification level and study location)
- Skills Assessment: Not required
Required Documents
Student Visa (500) Documents
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from CRICOS-registered institution
- GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) statement
- Financial capacity evidence (bank statements, loans, scholarships)
- English language proficiency test results
- OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) arrangement
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Employment history (if applicable)
Graduate Visa (485) Documents
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Evidence of completed Australian qualification (completion letter, transcript)
- English language test results (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent)
- Health insurance arrangements
- Australian study requirement evidence (2 years study in Australia)
- Skills assessment (Graduate Work stream only)
- Police clearances (if directed)
- Health examination results (if directed)
Application Timeline
Week 1-2
Initial Assessment & Strategy
Evaluation of eligibility, course selection (for student visa) or stream determination (for graduate visa)
Week 3-4
Documentation Preparation
Gathering required documents, preparing statements, organizing financial evidence
Week 5
Application Lodgment
Professional review and submission of your complete application
Week 6-12
Processing Period
Department assessment and potential requests for additional information
Week 13+
Decision & Next Steps
Visa grant and implementation of post-approval strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Student & Graduate Visas
Can I change education providers after arriving on a student visa?
Yes, but restrictions apply during the first 6 months of your principal course. Visa Green can advise on the correct procedure to maintain visa compliance while changing providers.
What happens if my student visa expires before I complete my course?
You'll need to apply for a new student visa before your current visa expires. Our migration lawyers can help you prepare a strong extension application with minimal disruption to your studies.
Can I work full-time on a student visa?
Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight when your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Working beyond these limits can result in visa cancellation.
Do I need a job offer to apply for the 485 graduate visa?
No, the 485 visa does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship. It allows you to work, study, or travel freely while determining your long-term plans in Australia.
Can I apply for permanent residency directly after completing my studies?
It depends on your qualifications and personal circumstances. While some graduates may qualify for direct PR pathways, most benefit from gaining Australian work experience on a 485 visa first. Visa Green can assess your options during an initial consultation.
What if my skills assessment is negative for the Graduate Work stream?
If you receive a negative skills assessment, you may need to consider alternative visa options or address the issues in your assessment. Our team can review your situation and recommend appropriate next steps.
Why Choose Visa Green
Our Student & Graduate Visa Expertise
- Registered Migration Lawyers: All applications prepared and reviewed by registered migration lawyers, not just agents
- Education Specialists: Team members with deep knowledge of Australia's education system and requirements
- Holistic Approach: We consider your immediate needs and long-term migration goals
- High Success Rate: Over 95% success rate for student and graduate visa applications
- Ongoing Support: Assistance throughout your educational journey and beyond
- Transparent Communication: Clear explanations, regular updates, and responsive service
Case Study: From Student to Permanent Resident
Wei's Journey: Bachelor of Nursing to Permanent Residency
Wei came to Visa Green for assistance with his student visa application to study nursing at a leading Australian university. Our team not only helped secure his student visa but also mapped out a comprehensive migration pathway.
Throughout his studies, we provided guidance on maintaining visa compliance and building skills relevant to Australia's healthcare needs. Upon graduation, we assisted with his 485 Graduate Visa application through the Post-Study Work stream, securing a 3-year work right period.
During this time, Wei gained valuable experience at a regional hospital. With our continued support, Wei successfully applied for permanent residency through the 190 State Nominated Skilled Migration program, achieving his goal of becoming a permanent Australian resident.
"Visa Green didn't just help with paperwork—they created a strategic roadmap for my entire Australian journey. From student to graduate to permanent resident, they guided me through each step with expertise and care." - Wei
Service Fees and Costs
| Service | Government Application Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa (500) - Primary Applicant | $710 | OSHC: $500-$700 per year |
| Student Visa (500) - Including Family | $710 + $535 per dependent | OSHC: $1,000-$2,000 per year |
| Graduate Visa (485) - Graduate Work Stream | $1,895 | Skills Assessment: $500-$1,200 |
| Graduate Visa (485) - Post-Study Work Stream | $1,895 | Health Insurance: $600-$800 per year |
| Graduate Visa (485) - Including Family | $1,895 + $945 per dependent | Health Insurance: $1,200-$2,000 per year |
Value Guarantee: Visa Green offers a transparent fee structure with no hidden costs. Our professional fees include comprehensive documentation preparation, legal review, application lodgment, and ongoing support throughout the process. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your specific circumstances.
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Contact Visa Green Today
Take the first step toward your Australian education and post-study journey. Contact our specialist team for a personalized assessment of your student or graduate visa options.
Call us at Tel: +61 3 6160 5815 VISA GREEN or complete our online assessment form to schedule your initial consultation. Our registered migration lawyers are ready to guide you through each stage of your migration journey, from study to work to permanent residency.