You have graduated. You have your 485 Temporary Graduate Visa. You have 2 years. The clock starts now.
For many international students in Sydney, the Subclass 485 visa feels like the finish line. You finally have full work rights and freedom from tuition fees. But at R & Associates, we tell our clients the hard truth: The 485 visa is not a holiday; it is an audition for Permanent Residency.
With the Australian Government strictly enforcing the 35-year age limit and removing the extension streams, your window of opportunity has shrunk. You cannot afford to waste the first 12 months driving Uber or working in a job that doesn't count toward your skills assessment.
As Sydney’s most experienced Nepali migration agents, here is how we help you maximize your 485 visa from our Castlereagh Street office.
The "Golden Year" Strategy
Most graduates wait until their visa has 6 months left to see a migration agent. This is a mistake. By then, it is often too late to start a Professional Year or accumulate the necessary 12 months of skilled experience.
We design a 12-Month Roadmap for our clients:
- Immediate Professional Year (PY): If you are in IT, Accounting, or Engineering, do not wait. A PY program not only gives you 5 extra points but often leads to an internship in Sydney’s competitive market.
- The "Skilled" Employment Check: Not all jobs count. Working as a "Payroll Clerk" might not satisfy the requirements for an "Accountant" skills assessment. We review your job description before you sign the contract to ensure it meets Department standards.
- Superior English: You need every point you can get. Use your 485 time to push your PTE/IELTS score to "Superior" (20 points).
From 485 to PR: The New Pathways
The 485 visa is a bridge. Where does it lead?
- The Skills in Demand Visa (New 482): If you can secure a skilled job in your first year, your employer may be able to sponsor you under the new Core Skills stream. This is now the fastest route to the 186 Permanent Residence visa.
- The 190/491 NSW Nomination: NSW nominations are competitive. We help you calculate your points and advise on whether moving to a "designated regional area" (like the Central Coast or Illawarra) while keeping your Sydney connections is the right move for you.
Common 485 Visa Mistakes We Fix
- Applying too late: You strictly have 6 months from the date of your course completion to apply. We see students miss this by one day and lose everything.
- Wrong Stream: applying for the "Post-Vocational" stream when you should have used the "Post-Higher Education" stream (or vice versa) can lead to a refusal.
- Police Check Delays: In 2025, AFP and Nepal Police Clearance delays are common. We manage the timing to ensure your application is "Valid" at lodgement.
Why Choose Right & Associates for Your 485?
We are not just visa filers; we are career strategists. With over 25 years of experience, we have helped thousands of students transition from "Temporary Graduate" to "Australian Permanent Resident."
We understand the specific challenges facing the Nepali community and international graduates in Sydney. We are right here in the CBD, ready to sit down and map out your future.
Don't let your 2 years slip away.
Visit us in Sydney: 📍 Address: Suite 12, Level 1, 301 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 📞 Phone: +61 2 9281 1464 📧 Email: admissions@rassociates.com.au