How to Transition from a Student to a Graduate Visa in Western Australia

Achieving completion of your studies in WA is a huge step, but if you wish to remain onshore, there is a timeframe in which you must do so. One of the most common pathways to secure full-time (subclass 190) employment and pave a pathway to permanent residency is to switch from a Student Visa (Subclass 500) to a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).

However, new migration statuses have tightened the requirements. In order to ensure a smooth transition in WA, it is important to be aware of the steps required and the mandatory conditions that must be met prior to the expiration of your student status.

In Step 1, you will identify your stream.

The Subclass 485 visa can be split into two main streams based on your qualification:

• Post Higher Education Work Stream: For those who have completed a Bachelor’s, Masters or PhD degree. It normally provides a stay of 1 or 2 years (3 years in the case of Master's by research and PhD's).
• Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: For learners who have a diploma or trade qualification. It offers up to 18 months, and must be combined with a positive skills assessment and a qualification that can be directly connected to a medium-to-long term occupation on a skills list.

Step 2: Remove the Strict Eligibility Benchmarks

The Department of Home Affairs has strict conditions set that many applicants are taken aback by:

• Age Limit: The age limit for applying is 35 years or less (applies only to research graduates and certain passport holders).
• Stricter English Requirements: You are required to have an English test result (such as IELTS or PTE) within 12 months of lodging. The minimum standard is at an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual score less than 5.5.
• Australian Study Requirement: Your course must be CRICOS-registered, studied for a minimum of 16 calendar months and include at least 92 weeks of academic study as a physically present student visa holder.

Step 3: Document in a hurry.

There is a hard deadline of 6 months from your official date of course completion. Attendance 1 day late equals automatic denial! Once you have received your final results, ask your WA institution for your official Letter of Completion and academic transcripts. In addition, an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check and Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) needs to be obtained prior to lodging.

The Perth Regional Advantage

A unique geographical advantage of being in Western Australia is compared to the East Coast cities such as Sydney or Melbourne. As the whole state of Western Australia is deemed a regional area, local graduates who live, work and learn in WA may be eligible for a Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream visa in the future. This will allow for an extra one or two years in the United States and gives you the time to earn points or obtain an employer sponsorship.

Be safe, be secure, be safe through transition without the stress.

Formatting an application that is ready for decision can be very complicated due to changing point tables, booking certified English examinations and following the ever-changing migration laws. If you can't wait for the 6 month period deadline, or you are unsure of which stream to choose, you will be safe to rely on a professional. A registered visa agent in Perth will ensure that your documentation is in order, safeguarding your investment and ensuring your professional future in Australia.

Asia Pacific Group (APG) is a leading migration and education consultancy in Australia specializing in student visas, skilled migration, and international education pathways.