Understanding Recognised Prior Learning (rpl) to qualify for a Subclass 485 Graduate Visa
We often receive the question: I am on a student visa and will graduate with a bachelor’s degree soon, however, it was obtained through RPL. Am I still eligible for a Subclass 485 Graduate Visa?
Before we answer this, let’s first understand the Subclass 485 Graduate visa:
The Subclass 485 Graduate Visa, also known as the Temporary Graduate visa, allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to live, work, and study in Australia for a temporary period. This visa helps graduates to gain relevant work experience while being exposed to the Australian job market. The visa has two streams: the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study Work stream.
The Graduate Work stream is designed for students who have completed relevant qualifications that align with occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). In contrast, the Post-Study Work stream caters to students who have graduated with a higher education degree, such as a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate, from an Australian institution.
Visa Requirements:
For both streams of the Subclass 485 Graduate Visa, there are certain common requirements that applicants must meet. These include:
Being under 50 years of age
Holding a student visa within the past six months
Providing evidence of an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check upon application
Demonstrating the necessary English language proficiency
Australian study requirement, which we will outline in more detail below:
You must satisfy the Australian study requirements in the 6 months prior to applying for this visa. i.e.
Your course was a registered CRICOS course (Must have a CRISCOS code attached to it)
You have been physically in Australia for 16 calendar months and
You have completed 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study. (Please check CRICOS to make sure that your course meets this requirement.)
The 6-month period begins when the results of the last exam are released/notification of completion of the course is made available/published.
In addition to the common requirements, each stream has its specific requirements as well:
Graduate Work Stream Requirements
Having a qualification relevant to an occupation on the MLTSSL
Possessing a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation
Post-Study Work Stream Requirements
Completing a higher education degree from an Australian institution. (Batchelor’s degree and above)
Qualifying for an Australian study requirement
It is crucial for international students to understand the eligibility criteria and familiarize themselves with the application process to successfully obtain a Subclass 485 Graduate Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: I’m about to or have graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Australia but some of that study was from another course. E.G a certificate or Diploma completed in Australia. Does this count towards RPL?
Answer: Department policy states that RPL cannot be used to fast-track the completion date. However, if the education provider grants the credit towards an Australian Bachelor's degree then it may count.
Question: Does it count if the RPL was completed offshore?
Answer: If the education provider accesses it positively, generally yes.
Question: Can offshore study completed for RPL be used to satisfy the Australian study requirement?
Answer: No. The above-mentioned Australian study requirement must be met.
Next Steps:
Our team has successfully assisted clients in securing a Subclass 485 Graduate visa with RPL.
If you have any questions, please book a FREE 15-minute chat to discuss your questions.
Written by Ines Jusufspahic, LPN: 5511366
Please note, that this document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information.
